In this talk Soshin compares her experience of treating her own noticeable hearing loss with a Zen story from Dogen’s essay “Expressions”. She takes up the story of  “Xuefeng and the Hermit” and looks carefully at our feelings and reactions that different situations present. In each moment Soshin sees a desire for intimacy that we […]

Musho comments on our study text “Dotoku” by Dogen Zenji. Musho relates his life long experience of True Expression as a visual artist and discusses the Zen koan, “Zuigan Calls Master.”

On her birthday Jisei gives her first regular Dharma talk at the Village Zendo. She begins by investigating her own fears, in particular the fear of giving a Dharma talk. With the help of a supportive Sangha, she feels a healing energy that allows her to go towards her fear and overcome it, right in […]

In this talk Seizan looks into the koan “Nan Ch’uan’s Circle” case 69 from the Blue Cliff Record.  Seizan relates the story of the three monks in the koan, to an incident that occurred at a Village Zendo summer retreat. Seizan describes a beautiful moment of friendship, happiness, and a step forward onto the path of […]

What is Buddha? In his talk, Jiryu stirs up this question with Unmon’s famous device.

Fusho explores what it means to be vulnerable in a world that tells us to deny our emotions.

In giving ourselves to just this moment all the details loose their charge.

Running a half marathon, serving a prison term, practicing Zen for a lifetime: How can we make friends with time and appreciate each moment in an eon?

In this talk, Ryoshin examines one of the Paramitas or perfection practices, Nekkhamma, from the Theravadan tradition. It’s translated as renunciation or relinquishing. It means letting go of whatever causes us suffering. Our practice breaks down our identification with self-centered thoughts and behaviors and ultimately brings us freedom.

On Thanksgiving weekend, Kansho shares some thoughts about gratitude, particularly being grateful for this one, precious human life.