We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle the fifth of the talks, called Bukkyo, or Buddhist teachings. The short text says: 

The Three Vehicles spoke golden words one after another.

The talk was given during the Treeleaf monthly Zazenkai, on July 3rd, 2026. More information on treeleaf.org

This is part four of our examination of the ten unfathomable talks by master Tong'an Changcha, moving on to the one called The Transcendent within Dust and Dirt. The text says:

"That which is impure is impure by itself; that which is pure is pure by itself.

Highest wisdom and delusion are likewise empty and even.

Who could say that nobody can appreciate Bianhe’s jade?

I say that the jewel of the black dragon shines everywhere.

Only when the myriad dharmas disappear does the whole thing appear.

The Three Vehicles split up and assumed only provisional names.

Truly outstanding people have determination that knows no bounds.

Do not try to go where the buddhas have already gone." 

This talk was given during the Treeleaf monthly zazenkai, on June 6th, 2026

For more information, visit treeleaf.org

We continue our examination of the ten unfathomable talks by master Tong'an Changcha, moving on to number three, The Unfathomable Function. The text says:

"You cannot rely on looking far ahead to the end of the universe.

This talk was given during the Treeleaf monthly zazenkai, on May 1st, 2026

For more information, visit treeleaf.org

We continue our Treeleaf Zendo Podcast with a new episode from the series based on master Tong'an Changcha's little-known "Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth". Sekkei Harada Roshi relfects that "These Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth ... written by Master Tong’an Changcha and represent a work of pure Sōtō Zen. The first five verses set forth the principles of Sōtō Zen, while the second five are concerned with matters of practice. Thus, taken together, these verses encapsulate the whole teaching of Sōtō Zen."

We will explore the second of the ten talks. (Translation by Daigaku Rumme) This talk was given during the Treeleaf monthly Zazenkai.

For more information about practice at Treeleaf Sangha, please visit treeleaf.org

This episode of the Treeleaf Zendo Podcast marks the beginning of a new series, based on master Tong'an Changcha's little-known "Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth". Sekkei Harada Roshi relfects that "These Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth ... written by Master Tong’an Changcha and represent a work of pure Sōtō Zen. The first five verses set forth the principles of Sōtō Zen, while the second five are concerned with matters of practice. Thus, taken together, these verses encapsulate the whole teaching of Sōtō Zen."

This talk was given during the Treeleaf monthly Zazenkai.

For more information about practice at Treeleaf Sangha, please visit treeleaf.org

To welcome and celebrate an auspicious new year, we will look through the beautiful and meaningful words of our 'Dedication of Merit', or Eko, as it is called in Japanese. The eko is recited during services, after the chanting of sutras and verses, directing the merit, or good will, good aspirations, to all beings or for specific causes. 

For more information on Treeleaf Sangha teachings, practice and offerings, please visit treeleaf.org

In this month's episode, we look into what is probably the earliest Ch'an writing, attributed with a certain amount of confidence, directly to master Bodhidharma. This is the "Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices".

For more information on these talks and how to attend them live, please visit

This month, we continue with more of Master Dogen's advice on living wisely and well in this day-to-day life, from Hachi Dainin Gaku 八大人覺 'The Eight Realizations of the Great Person

Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:

We commence our Jukai (Undertaking the Precepts) preparations and Ango (Peaceful Abiding) season, with a writing by Master Dogen on living wisely and well in this day-to-day life, contained in the "Hachi Dainin Gaku" fascicle of the "Shobogenzo". These are the Eight Realizations of a Great Person.

Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:

Today we Walk with Master Menzan's Kinhinki ( 經行軌 ) The Way of Walking Zen.

Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: