Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC 05/07/2023 - Hojin Sensei introduces us to the Five Remembrances first found in the Upajjhatthana Suttra. We are encouraged to reflect on these because we will do things that make ourselves and others suffer. We are reminded that we will inherit the results of our actions. Our actions are our continuation. What we do and what happens to us is the same thing.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM, 04/30/2023 - Dharma Encounter at the conclusion of the 2023 Apple Blossom Sesshin - A teaching in the Maha-Parinirvana Sutra uses the metaphor of an island. The Buddha says: "... You should all live with yourselves as your island, yourselves as your refuge, with no other as your refuge, ... with the Dharma as your island..." This may seem to us to be affirming a "me-oriented" culture, reinforcing individualism, etc. On the contrary, Shugen Roshi asks the sangha:  How is that not cutting ourselves off from others? How is that not retreating into our habitual self-clinging, our ego, our impulsive consciousness, our opinions? How is this not putting ourselves first, above others? How is the metaphor of an island not isolating? How do we live this teaching as the Bodhisattva vows? What does this teaching have to do with trust?

Katie Yosha Scott-Childress, Senior Lay Student - ZCNYC 04/30/2023 - Yosha draws upon her life experience to describe the undivided work life. We are encouraged to give life to what's in front of us, just doing that one thing that needs to be done, knowing that that is everything. Doing that one thing is all that we can offer in any moment.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM, 04/29/2023 - From the Book of Serenity, Case 83 - Daowu Tends The Sick - Shugen reflects on this beautifully poetic koan, about seeing clearly into our suffering, into birth-and-death; the wonderful medicine that can be.

Maureen Jisho Ford, Senior Lay Student - Zen Mountain Monastery - 04/28/2023 - Senior lay student Jisho gives a lively talk about her experience with sickness, death, and letting go of that which is ultimately empty of 'self'.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - Zen Mountain Monastery - 04/27/2023 - Teisho during the Fusatsu of ZMM's Apple Blossom Sesshin - Shugen Roshi reflects on the ever-present intimacy in our lives and the continuous practice of atonement.

Bear Gokan Bonebakker, Senior Monastic and Dharma Holder - Zen Mountain Monastery - 4/26/2023 - From Master Dogen's Shobogenzo Fascicle "Shoji" (Birth and Death) - How can the everyday ordinary activity of intimate contact manifest our completeness, our wholeness? Gokan talks about learning how to trust reality in the context of Dogen's fascicle on birth-and-death. Also, Gokan acknowledges with appreciation Charlotte Joko Beck and Merle Kodo Boyd who were both recently added to the ZMM Women Ancestors list.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - Zen Mountain Monastery - 4/23/2023 - Shugen Roshi officiates the Spring 2023 Ango Jukai ceremony at Zen Mountain Monastery. Today, five students - Gashin, Chosei, Juyu, Kyoshin, & Jokai - formally receive the sixteen Buddhist precepts, taking up these living teachings, living vows in the company of the sangha with family and friends.

Michael Kaup - Gashin - "Authentic Self";

Malcolm Barrett - Chosei - "Morning Spirit";

Mary Bosakowsky - Juyu - "Gentle Fearlesness";

Deborah Hovland - Kyoshin - "Mirror of Natural Peace";

Scott Forster - Jokai - "Steady Undoing"

Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC, Fire Lotus Temple, 04/23/2023 - Hojin Sensei quotes from Hongzhi, Charlotte Joko Beck and teaches how to practice in accord with our true self and our relative self. She invites us to open to the parts of ourselves that proliferate suffering with gentleness and care.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZCNYC, Fire Lotus Temple, 04/16/2023 - From The Blue Cliff Record, Case 41 - Zhaozhou's Person Who's Died the Great Death - Shugen Roshi invites us to confront the simple truths of our lives and to honestly and compassionately study them. How do you care very deeply but without entanglement? He says, "One of the greatest expressions of love is to see something as it is."