Though zazen is mainly considered a concentration practice, mindfulness plays an important role as well. Whether we’re working in the kitchen or walking in a park, everything flows more freely once mindfulness is in the forefront and we get out of the way. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.  Automated Transcript

The post The Two Sides of Practice: Mindfulness and Concentration appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

All beings and things expound the Dharma. With their spontaneity and wholehearted singing, what can we learn from birds? Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript

The post The Dharma of Birds appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Trying to be perfect backfires and cuts us off from life. Openness and willingness is a better way. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript

The post Stop Fixing Yourself appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

What is a Zen teacher? What can a Zen teacher give you? This commentary was given on the day after her Zen teacher sanctioning ceremony. It includes a succinct introduction to koans and koan practice. Teisho by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry.  Automated Transcript

The post Blue Cliff Record #11: “Obaku’s ‘Mash Eaters'” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Three encouragement talks given by Roshi Philip Kapleau during a 1975 sesshin, accompanied by comments from his successor, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Presented in honor of Founder’s Day—Roshi Kapleau’s birthday. Talk by Roshi Philip Kapleau.  Automated Transcript

The post Sesshin Encouragement appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Forgetting the self and awakening to the “world of ten thousand things.” Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript

The post Unselfing appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript

The post Shoyoroku #20: Dizang’s “Most Intimate” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript

The post Mumonkan #15: Tozan and Sixty Blows appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 4
A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 2. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript

The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 3
A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 1. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript

The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.