In this second session of the Dogen Seminar, distinguished scholar Dr. Steven Heine explores the profound role of paradox in Zen Buddhism, examining how these seemingly contradictory teachings serve as liberating devices rather than confounding puzzles. As Professor of Religious Studies and History, Heine has dedicated his career to studying Zen master Dogen and has authored nearly three dozen…

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In this opening session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, program faculty introduce themselves and reflect on themes and paradoxes within Dogen’s teachings they will be sharing over the weekend. Roshi Joan Halifax presented Dogen’s fundamental question from age 13: if we already possess Buddha nature, why do we seek enlightenment? Teachers Steven Heine, Sensei Kaz, Norman and Kathie Fisher…

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, resident priest Senko Perez reflects on the common trap of imagining that true practice lies elsewhere—in quieter places, calmer minds, or better circumstances. During a recent solo retreat in Cerrillos, he expected peace, quiet, and to submerge into deep practice. Contrary to his expectations Perez describes the arrival of his own restless thoughts and “all of…

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In this session of Awareness in Action and speaking from her farm in Alexandria, Louisiana—unexpectedly located at the center of America’s deportation operations—dharma teacher and social justice activist Konda Mason explores the powerful connection between inner and outer equity. Drawing from her transformative move from Oakland California’s progressive bubble to rural Louisiana…

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Monshin explores the ancient Buddhist teaching of Kanno Doko — “responsive communion” or “mystical communion.” Drawing from a Wallace Stevens poem and the writings of Suzuki Roshi, she reflects on the mind that can “get quiet enough to be in our experience, quiet enough to be our experience.” With plain curiosity, Monshin asks: What do we really feel?

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In the first part of this two-part Wednesday Night Dharma Talk mini-series, Zen teacher Guo Gu explores the deep relationship between silent illumination (or just sitting), and embodiment practice. He traces the historical roots of silent illumination from ancient China and Zen patriarch Hongzhi, through to Dogen’s application of them in the Soto school of Zen. Guo Gu discusses silent illumination…

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Jiryu affirms the central practice of Zen is to become truly ourselves. Reading from Suzuki Roshi’s teachings, and sharing quotes from Shohaku Okamura, Katagiri Roshi, and others, Jiryu explores two dimensions of practicing being ourselves: being fully who you are in the relative world, and recognizing the deeper self that “includes everything.

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Genzan offers a unique exploration of true dharma expression – weaving together the teachings of 13th century Zen master Dogen with the poetry and life of 18th century hermit-monk Ryokan through the unexpected lens of modern Butoh dance choreography. Genzan suggests we may interpret Ryokan’s poetry as the ‘fu’ or choreography for the Way of practice and…

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, longtime resident and novice priest Jimon Lorene Flaming tenderly offers her long and winding path to practice in her way-seeking mind talk. Inspired by overseas medical service by her father and the values of her Mennonite upbringing, Jimon blazed a passionate path in her life toward service. Aspiring to be of use to the world, she studied public policy at…

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In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Dainin shares deeply personal stories of accompanying her father and Roshi Joan through life-threatening medical crises, revealing how the Buddhist Five Remembrances transformed from abstract teachings into intimate companions during times of acute uncertainty. Drawing from her unique perspective as both emergency physician and Zen practitioner…

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