Recording Category: Dharma Talks

As we settle into Ango and witness the public ceremonies of one person becoming an ordained priest and another entering postulancy toward that same path, Genko looks at some of the different ways we practice. Each of our lives is different, and each of us has our own unique path. And yet, when we come… Read more »

We discuss the Three Minds of practice and how many Buddhists it takes to screw in a light bulb.

There’s a deep-seated yearning we all tap into that guides how we live our life. It’s vulnerable to let its voice be prominent, and it takes skill to be able to listen to it consistently. One of the misses we make is we substitute rules and procedures for this subtle guidance. Kakumyo explores this edge in practice.  

Desire is one of the root causes of suffering in Buddhism. Using the teaching of the buddha, we will look at how desire entangles us and how to unravel its grip. Releasing our mind and body from the confusion desire creates, we open to wisdom and compassion.

Sometimes we find ourselves in stereotyped roles with another person, responding to another as though we are parent, child, hero, or villain. Why do enter into archetypal roles and how do we work with these in practice?

Recently over breakfast, several residents expressed interest in learning more about what goes on in our prison groups. The conditions there suggest new and different ways to approach familiar teachings. Genko shares some of the learning/teaching opportunities from Dharma Rain’s prison program.

Kyogen used to quote his teacher, Roshi Kennett, as saying “you chase enlightenment until it catches you.” There is both an active, effortful, element to this phrase as well as an its-not-all-up-to-you-entirely element. What happens when, after throwing ourselves wholeheartedly into practice, something remarkable and unexpected occurs?

The shuso role is a visible and important training position at Dharma Rain. Tsuho talks about his experience serving as shuso, how temple roles shape one’s practice, and how our edges find us no matter where we go

Kakumyo talks about the endless work of skillfully shifting perspectives in order to meet the world around us with a curiosity, dignity, and joy.

We emphasize sangha and the benefits of practicing together. Then we engage in a kind of solitary practice in the same room. We will talk about the differences between being together and being alone, and what ‘alone’ means.

How does the vastness of no beginning and no end inspire an intimate heart? Flying Fish gives a talk that explores the relationship between the meaning of these two statements and the implications on our practice and how we meet our daily life.

Soto Zen’s core practice of just sitting is subtle and profound, and it’s also quite mysterious. It’s usually described via negation or in poetry, which is helpful for some, but not for all. This Sunday, Kakumyo will talk about some of the ways we approach shikan taza and what that may mean for our practice.

So much has happened recently. So much tragedy; so much pain. This week Jyoshin brings together threads of Buddhist teachings, practices, and reminders as ways of coping with tragedy and loss.

Genko explores the landscape of practice as it unfolds in sometimes unexpected ways.

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