Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

Peacemaker John Lederach offers a realistic and hopeful reflection on the 2024 US Presidential Election. He discusses America’s uncertainty and divisions, and how to move forward with curiosity, dignity, courage, and love. As always, he emphasizes the vital importance of community connections in these turbulent times.

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Sensei Noah Kodo Roen discusses the rich meaning and history of the Gate of Sweet Nectar liturgy, and its importance to the White Plum Lineage of which Upaya is a part. He explores the origins of Halloween and the Day of the Dead, emphasizing ancestor remembrance and its central place in Zen practice.

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In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the importance of courage, community, and compassionate engagement in turbulent times, encouraging people to transform fear into an ally and pursue joy and justice. She shares the story of Ahu Darya, an Iranian student who defied hijab policies, illustrating authentic engagement with the world. Sensei Matthew Kozan Palevsky leads a…

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In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax begins with a heartfelt reflection on the moral call to engage with the suffering of the world. She emphasizes the connection between Buddhist practice and global social-political issues, focusing on themes of mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility. Roshi stresses the importance of not turning away from pressing global challenges like…

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On the sixth and final day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Senseis Shinzan, Monshin, Kathie, and Kozan reflect on the essence of Zen practice following six intense days of sitting together. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the nature of existence, exploring what it means to reach true self understanding. They also highlight the value of companionship in practice and the…

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On the fifth day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kozan uses the striking scarlet runner bean hidden in its pod as a metaphor for the profound practice of sesshin. He emphasizes the importance of shedding layers of protection to be fully present, urging us to appreciate moments of simplicity and mindful awareness. Quoting a line from The Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi…

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On the fourth day of this Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Monshin delves into the phrases “Thusness” or “Suchness” as a path to direct experience. She illuminates the interplay between suchness and the relative and absolute, encouraging us to discover this essence in all things. Drawing on the insights of Dongshan, Suzuki Roshi, and Dogen, Sensei Monshin guides us in the practice of…

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In this Fall Practice Period sesshin day 2 talk, Sensei Shinzan delves into the poem The Jewel Mirror Samadhi, focusing on key lines that highlight how clarity and awakening are often concealed within the fabric of our everyday lives—especially in times of confusion and suffering. Rather than seeing practice as the creation of something new, Shinzan emphasizes that it is about peeling away…

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On this first full day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kathie introduces the teaching of The Jewel Mirror Samadhi and shares stories about Zen Master Dongshan, the co-founder of the Caodong School of Zen. Reflecting on the evolving nature of history and the practice of inquiry, Kathie highlights the importance of mindfulness in each moment and the quiet beauty of observing life with…

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Sensei Kathie Fischer discusses the Song of the Jewel Mirror Awareness, emphasizing the importance of stillness and presence in Zen practice. She explores how complications and difficulties in practice are “auspicious” rather than obstacles to be overcome, highlighting particularly how the challenges of Oryoki (formal meal practice) during Sesshin can be opportunities for growth.

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