Dharma Talks are offered on Sunday mornings by teachers or senior students. These talks are designed to present some element of a dharmic theme in a way that is accessible to a public audience. Each of our teachers has a different dharma “voice,” sharing their understanding for the benefit of all in a way that is unique to them. More formal than a teisho (a talk given during a sesshin), and less structured than a class or lecture, Dharma Talks bring a personal, human element to the articulation of zen topics.
Recent Dharma Talks
Date | Title & Details | Speaker | Listen | Download |
---|---|---|---|---|
04/21/2024 |
Talk by KakumyoKakumyo speaks about Nyogen Senzaki, Hongshi, and meditation practice. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
04/14/2024 |
Sangha ForumTwice a year, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies and to ask questions and give feedback. In the spring, the forum is sponsored by the Dharma Council, giving updates on liturgy, classes, etc. The Board and Dharma Garden Council will also give updates. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Dharma Council | ||
04/07/2024 |
Regrets Dosage RecommendationsRegret is one of those phenomena that can go different directions; it can provide wholesome clarity or throw us off our seat. How we perceive and relate to responsibility, and the quality of awareness that we offer the arising of regret plays a major role here. Kakumyo explores this dynamic. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
03/31/2024 |
Wishes and QuestionsWe all have three wishes, and one is a secret. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
03/24/2024 |
Flying Fish Dharma TalkCategories: Dharma Talks |
Flying Fish Murphy | ||
03/17/2024 |
ESLT Dharma TalksThree participants in the ESLT (Emerging Sangha Leadership Training) program each give a short Dharma Talk. Categories: Dharma Talks |
ESLT Participants | ||
03/10/2024 |
Jyoshin’s Dharma TalkCategories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
03/03/2024 |
Visible MindCategories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
02/25/2024 |
Ambivalence, Resistance, and VowWhat happens when we set an intention, make a vow to change something in our lives? Often, resistance arises. What is that, what causes it, and how can we work with it? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
02/11/2024 |
Dharma Talk by KakumyoCategories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
02/04/2024 |
Thoughts on Buddhism and LoveWhat if the whole of Zen practice, from meditation to the precepts to kensho and back again, is all about learning how to love? What if the only reason we come into being is to learn to love? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Robert Reian Glass | ||
01/21/2024 |
Hiding the SelfJiko explores a concept from Developmental Psychology of the true self and the false self in the light of Buddhist practice. In what ways do we hide, and in what ways do we hope to be seen? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
01/28/2024 |
Integration of Formal PracticeThis talk centers around questions of how to integrate formal practice into ordinary daily life. Our formal practice can feel separate from our everyday way, and at times, we might long for it to be otherwise. Questions around integrating precept work, mindfulness, sesshin, and zazen are not uncommon. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mark Sosetsu Stauffer | ||
01/14/2024 |
Bodhisattva PostureThis isn’t a talk on body mechanics, but on how, as aspiring bodhisattvas, we situate ourselves in relation to the suffering around and within us. How do we structure our life, how do we frame the events and interactions around us in a way that nurtures and expresses our bodhisattva nature? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
01/07/2024 |
The Perfect QuiltJyoshin uses an illustration from her hospital chaplain work to talk about some of the ways we get caught trying to be perfect and in so doing lose sight of the reality and importance being present with things as they are. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
12/17/2023 |
Everyday PracticeDogen says, “Continuous practice, day after day, is the most appropriate way of expressing gratitude. This means that you practice continuously, without wasting a single day of your life”. What does continuous practice look like in our everyday lives? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Shin’yu Vitells | ||
11/19/2023 |
Kakumyo’s Dharma TalkCategories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
11/26/2023 |
Include EverythingChan Master Hongzhi instructed us, “Contact phenomena with total sincerity, not a single atom of dust outside yourself.” Gyoshi explores implications of this instruction. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mike Gyoshi Kaplan | ||
12/03/2023 |
We Can’t Help but SmileAs Rohatsu begins, we consider our relationship to awakening. Is it near or far? Vast or ordinary? Sometimes we can’t help but smile. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
11/12/2023 |
Orienting on a Pathless PathDuring the Mountains and Waters Wilderness Retreat, we spend time as a group learning to navigate and orient as we journey and explore. Orientation skills are helpful not only when we get turned around or confused about where we are; when we need to change direction and explore uncharted territory; or when we are traveling off trail; but also to be at ease with being part of what is wild and unconditioned. This talk shares themes related to Zen practice. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mark Sosetsu Stauffer | ||
11/05/2023 |
Religion is Not Something for a Special Group of PeopleFor Founders Day, Jiko talks about Keido Chisan, whose enlightened approach to Zen practice proved critical to the making of our temple today. On this day we pay homage to our most recent ancestors, even as we remember that each of us must find the path that is ours alone. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
10/22/2023 |
RelicsAs we approach our annual Sejiki Sesshin, Genko looks at both karma and how we work with it and at those who have died in the past year and how these relics of the past remain part of our lives. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
10/15/2023 |
Fall Sangha ForumTwice a year, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies and to ask questions and give feedback. The Sangha Forum takes the place of a dharma talk. At the forum, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies and to ask questions and give feedback. The Board of Directors sponsors the fall forum, and gives updates. The Dharma Council also presents updates. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
10/08/2023 |
Realizing Emptiness Through AbundanceIn this talk Flying Fish looks at the paramita of generosity as a gateway to awakening. The more we are able to let go the more we are able to connect to the tender heart of wisdom. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Flying Fish Murphy | ||
10/01/2023 |
Dharma Talk by JyoshinCategories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
09/24/2023 |
Readiness and ReceivingKakumyo explores some themes from the Lotus Sutra and Dogen relating to our ability to absorb Dharma. Where do we find it, what gets in the way, and what does that tell us about reality? [Note: apologies for the poor quality of the recording.] Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
09/17/2023 |
Don’t WorryCategories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
09/10/2023 |
The Three TenetsThe Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemaker’s Order are: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Taking Action. We’ll look at the practice of sesshin through the lens of these three tenets. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Shin’yu Vitells | ||
09/03/2023 |
Practicing TogetherSosetsu talks about two slogans – Practicing Together and Be a Good Ancestor – and a little about sports. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mark Sosetsu Stauffer | ||
08/27/2023 |
Term OpeningJyoshin talks about forms: how we work with form and practice in a big-picture view. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
08/20/2023 |
Loving-Kindness and TrustTrust is important in an ongoing Buddhist practice. However, fear and apprehension can sometimes interfere with its expression. Metta (lovingkindness) practice can disarm us and provide the sense of openness and safety needed for the arising of trust. Daigai reflects on the benefits of metta practice, particularly the connection between lovingkindness and the manifesting of trust. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Daigai Filbert | ||
08/13/2023 |
Going Forward Is an Everyday AffairThis line in the Fukanzazengi, which we recite for our evening program, snagged my attention this week. What is going forward? What is an everyday affair? How do we live our everyday lives in such a way that we keep going forward? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
08/06/2023 |
GathasFlying Fish talks about Gatha practice. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Flying Fish Murphy | ||
07/30/2023 |
ImpermanenceAnicca, or Impermanence, looms large among our basic Buddhist teachings. It’s one of the three Marks of Existence and is intimately related to the Four Noble Truths. Impermanence seems pretty straightforward: everything changes. It’s pretty easy to intellectually accept that, but not so easy to wholeheartedly live it. Why do we struggle so hard to avoid impermanence? What are our often unconscious strategies for avoiding it? How can we engage with it? Who are we when we stop resisting impermanence? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mike Gyoshi Kaplan | ||
07/09/2023 |
PilgrimageTwelve Dharma Rain members leave today (July 9) on Pilgrimage to visit several temples south of us. We are going to the Bay Area and back home, stopping along the way, and will be gone for a week. This Dharma Talk explores the topic of Pilgrimage: what is it, how does it relate to our lives, and how does it differ from other forms of travel? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
07/23/2023 |
Juniors and SeniorsIt is said that a senior is a person wholly comfortable with being a junior. What does that mean? How does this simple designation of rank work in practice? What are the lessons each can give us? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
07/16/2023 |
Post-PilgrimageKakumyo shares some stories about the Pilgrimage that 12 people went on, and draws some lessons from it. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
07/02/2023 |
A Rock in My ShoeCategories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
06/18/2023 |
The Poison ArrowWhat does it mean to study our past? How do we both practice attention and presence in our life today, and understand wounds and conditions of the past? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
06/11/2023 |
Maitreya and HopeFlying Fish explores the theme of Hope by looking at Maitreya “of future birth.” Categories: Dharma Talks |
Flying Fish Murphy | ||
06/04/2023 |
Coming Alive in NatureIn her student talk, Zonnyo explores the teaching of suchness in relation to nature, and some history of earth-based practices in Zen and Chan Buddhism. As we experience the climate crisis, what role do joy and grief play in our experience of “just this?” Categories: Dharma Talks |
Zonnyo Riger | ||
Dharma School Skits!The students of the Dharma School program present skits to illustrate some of what they’ve learned in the last year. Ir was not recorded. Categories: Dharma Talks |
No Dharma Talk | |||
05/21/2023 |
Generosity, Vulnerability, and BelongingDana, often translated as giving or generosity, is one of the six perfections of Bodhisattva cultivation and embodiment. It is often described as a merit producing practice of giving that which is life sustaining, but can also be offering dharma or spiritual teaching, or providing freedom from fear. Ultimately, all beings are naturally giving through the unfolding of life, just like a flower blooming in spring provides nectar without thought. This talk will focus on how the capacity for generosity relates to practicing with vulnerability and how holding and befriending vulnerability when it arises can help one realize belonging. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Mark Sosetsu Stauffer | ||
05/14/2023 |
Savoring SignificanceThis Sunday Kakumyo will explore an exchange about meaning that happened during last week’s Dharma Talk. Questions about what matters, what we’re practicing for, and how the dharma is expressed all weave their way in. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
05/07/2023 |
What Does it Mean to Practice?Asking this question can bring up a lot of different answers. Sometimes we think we know what “practice” is or what “our practice” is. At other times, it might seem murky. This week, Jyoshin looks at practice and the ways we can examine what might be fruitful to bring to our efforts or non-efforts. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
04/30/2023 |
The Buddhist Theory of EverythingBuddhism has a teaching called the Five Niyama, or Laws, that are said to explain how the universe works. Do they? We will discuss. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
04/23/2023 |
Be A Good Friend to YourselfAn important part of our Zen practice is meeting each other with acceptance and compassion, but when we don’t measure up to our own expectations, we can be very critical of ourselves. Shin’yu explores what practicing loving kindness towards our own experience might look like. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Shin’yu Vitells | ||
04/16/2023 |
Grounding StillnessKakumyo speaks about the aspect of meditation that is most frequently neglected. If you value meditation, but often wish to experience it differently, this may be useful. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
Date | Title & Details | Speaker | Listen | Download |