Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei

Zen Mountain Monastery, 07/24/2019

In this talk from Interdependence Sesshin, Hojin Sensei employs the concept of immo—or “that which is”—from Master Dogen’s fascicle of the same name. Being tripped up by the ground beneath our feet (or a situation that we meet) we depend on that same ground to get back up. And we also depend upon the empty space, our full potential. When you stumble and fall, Sensei suggests, don’t be so quick to jump back up again. You may just find hidden gems, including the ground itself.

Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei

Zen Mountain Monastery, 07/21/2019

 

Patrick Yunen Kelly, Senior Lay Student

Zen Center of New York City, 07/21/2019

Please note the first few minutes of this audio are missing.

Bear Gokan Bonebakker, Senior Monastic

Zen Mountain Monastery, 7/14/2019

The Buddha’s early teachings in the sutras included mythical beings, the Nagas, as role models to help guide our practice into wholesome qualities and expansiveness. The Seven Factors of Awakening demonstrate these qualities of the Nagas, and as Gokan offers in this senior’s talk, and we can nourish ourselves with understanding the factors of mindfulness, investigation of dharmas, energy, rapture, calm, concentration and equanimity.

 

Robert Rakusan Ricci, Senior Monastic

Zen Center of New York City, 7/14/2019

The Buddha taught to calm the agitations of the mind and so develop awareness and attention to the details of our lives, to mind the gaps and close the chasm between ignorance and our true nature, and all of reality. Using words of Master Dogen and the poet Leonard Cohen, senior monastic Rakusan brings us the ancient teachings into the light of our daily lives.

Prabu Gikon Vasan, Senior Lay Practitioner

Zen Mountain Monastery, 07/13/2019

What happens when someone on a spiritual path encounters difficulty, especially when the things that had maintained ones wellbeing are jeopardized or outright vanish? Turning to teachings of Zen Master Torei, senior lay student Gikon explores the wisdom of facing the conditions in our present reality, whatever it is, bringing all of our inner resources to light.

 

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

Zen Mountain Monastery, 7/7/2019

Book of Serenity, Case 27

How is it when a vow is made without clarity of our true intentions, or who will be impacted, or the results of our actions? How do we revisit, again and again, that commitment or vow and make it “more perfect”? This ancient Dharma teaching from Master Fayan and the pledge behind our own Independence Day vows—the Constitution of the US—both reflect and create our world, and our place in it.

Bear Gokan Bonebakker, Senior Monastic Zen Center of New York City, 7/7/2019  

In this talk, Senior Monastic Gokan explores some of the barriers along the Buddhist path and ways to work with them. He asks us to consider: What is a thought? Where does it come from, and what is it made of? When we release them, and what is it that’s left? How do we work skillfully with our minds and all that arises, both on and off the meditation cushion?

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi

Zen Mountain Monastery, 6/30/2019

Gateless Gate, Case 19

Zhouzou asks Master Nanquan, “What is the way?” and is instructed, “Ordinary mind is the way.” What are we to make of this, where clearly there is more below the surface to be reckoned with? This talk is third in a series on sacred mountain training, this time looking at living and practicing within the world of distractions, contradictions and trouble.  Shugen Roshi cites the tenth Ox-herding verses to describe the mystery and groundedness of ordinary mind:

Barefooted and naked of breast,

I mingle with the people

of the world.

My clothes are ragged and dust-laden,

and I am ever blissful.

I use no magic to extend my life;

Now, before me, the dead trees

become alive.

Ron Hogen Green, Sensei Zen Center of New York City, 6/30/2019

Blue Cliff Record, Case 54 In this talk, Hogen Sensei uses the dialogue of this koan to explore our fundamental sense of who we are  and to remind us that practice is always our own, a journey of discovering and realizing our true nature. The answers to what we seek are within our own lives, aided by our own ability to listen, and our clear intention to be of benefit in the world, and to manifest realization in all aspects of our lives.