Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC - 6/15/25 - Here we are sincerely and directly acting on this urge to be still -quiet. We will most likely sense that THIS is a good desire—it seems to settle and ground us rather than pull us into yet further desire. When we sit still and quiet with nothing else to do or be —except ourselves, we often meet, if only briefly, a deep satisfaction. In that moment, whatever we are is enough. Joko Beck writes: “Only in that instant when we and the object become one can we see what our life is."

Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC - 6/14/25 - In this talk Hojin speaks of this gentle approach with ourselves called Maitrī in Sanskrit or Metta in Pali. Essentially the same concept, both refer to "loving-kindness", "friendliness", "benevolence", befriending -- What is it to befriend ourselves? For real? How does that steady us? (A Saturday Zazenkai Dharma talk.)

Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC - 6/8/25 - Hojin takes up one of her favorite koans from The Hidden Lamp: Lingzhao Pang’s Helping. How free and generous it is when we are not keeping score, watching as a third person judging, monitoring, distancing ourselves from interactions. We seem to not want to let go of the idea we are not separate. Here, father and daughter demonstrate what it is to be fully alive to interconnection outside of language. We’re never far off!

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 6/1/25 - Why does Buddhism so emphasize life and death? When we begin to see the depths of our attachments to this “self," we have to face the jarring fact that there really isn’t anything permanent to attach to. But then, what is this? Shugen Roshi reminds us that our vital life energy can be immediate, compassionate, not clinging to anything. And so within life and death we are liberated from life and death. - From the Entangling Vines Koan Collection, Case 38 - The Wise Women in the Charnel Grove.

Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZCNYC - 6/1/25 - Hojin Sensei invokes the Diamond Net of Indra, a vast net on whose every node hangs a glittering diamond-On the surface of this diamond, every other diamond is reflected, multiplying the reflection into infinity. Each diamond exists both in its own right and also connected to every other diamond on the net just as each one of us is unique and connected to every other being and thing in the universe. This means we’re constantly affecting one another in ways known and unknown. Is this liberating? What do we do with this kind of knowledge?

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 5/24/25 - What is real strength? Putting to good use all of our obstructions and old habits, we can cultivate our ability to meet whatever arises with pliancy, flexibility, to find our real strength. Zen practice and training is indeed the daily, moment to moment experience of our lives, and learning to find nourishment there. Shugen Roshi encourages us to “meet it simply, honestly” and learn to free ourselves and others. - From the Book of Serenity, Case 33 - Sansheng's "Golden Fish"

Danica Shoan Ankele, Osho - ZMM - 5/23/25 - Gates of entry are enticing and sometimes overwhelming to enter, but we can gather our courage and bring ourselves forward to experience the world which is revealed there. Drawing on teachings from the Lankavatara Sutra and the Heart Sutra, Shoan Osho tells the story of “Enid in Zendoland,” whereby Enid becomes adept at distinguishing the perceptions of their own mind, and enters a marvelous gate of ease and joy.

Bear Gokan Bonebakker, Osho - ZMM - 5/22/25 - When we can see how we use our minds, we can see where our life is really happening. As we enter into practice and continue to relax into our zazen, we develop our capacity to see our habits and conditioning. With notes from the Surangama Sutra teaching on “purifying the mind” of obscurations, Gokan explores how we can relax completely, with awareness, and really take care of our lives.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 5/21/25 - Becoming aware of our minds’ potential, it often seems like we’re causing ourselves more trouble, because we get caught up in the same old patterns and habits. But learning to honestly recognize ourselves, we also can see that it’s possible to live another way, in greater freedom and ease. In this challenging learning process, we can take care of persistent suffering in a new, liberating way, creating the potential and conditions for others to liberate themselves too. - From the Record of Layman Pang.

Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi - ZMM - 5/11/25 - The connection between the creative process and the Dharma is an important entranceway to deepening our Zen practice. Engaging creative expression as a practice helps us leap free of the constraints of intellect, experiencing a resonance with the world beyond what we think of as “myself.” Our senses take in the whole world. So how are we not overwhelmed or deceived by our perceptions? How do we inhabit this “dharma body” with clarity, and commune with all reality? - From the Book of Serenity, Case 82 - Yunmen's Sound and Form.