Date | Title & Details | Speaker | Listen | Download |
---|---|---|---|---|
06/18/2017 |
FearlessnessWhile many sangha members headed out to the Pride Parade, Jyoshin presented a talk on manifesting fearlessness in life and in practice. In Buddhism, the gift of fearlessness is one of the highest gifts. She unpacks this idea to see where it shows up in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
06/11/2017 |
Holding No Thought of KillingOur list of grave Precepts begins, like those of most religions, with Do Not Kill. The commentary says “holding no thought of killing is the Precept of Not Killing.” What are these thoughts, and what does it mean to hold them? Genko explores some of the ways this Precept applies to us all. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
05/28/2017 |
Devotion to AngoKakumyo will talk about the closing of term, the power of intention, and the fraility of intention and how they might relate to each other. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
05/21/2017 |
Manseong’s No-CultivationAt the center of this Sunday’s Dharma Talk will be a twentieth century Korean koan from The Hidden Lamp collection entitled “Manseong’s No Cultivation.” Bukkai will respond to the material and offer her thoughts on related teachings. One day a nun asked Manseong Sunim, “How do I cultivate the Way of the Buddha?” “No cultivation,” answered Manseong. The nun persevered: “How, then, can I obtain release from birth and death?” “Who chains you to birth and death?” Manseong asked in return. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jill Bukkai Washburn | ||
05/14/2017 |
Take Away the StaffWhen we begin to practice, we feel a sense of hope and promise. In time, this fades and we feel disappointment again. What does it mean to let go of our expectations and hopes, and really fall into this disappointment? How do we practice when our supports are taken away, one by one? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
04/30/2017 |
They Will Come to These PlacesPilgrimage has been a part of Buddhism since the very beginning. In this student talk, Tsuho discussed his travels to Japan and India and how we can use place as a method for practice. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Todd Tsuho Sattersten | ||
04/23/2017 |
Mandala PracticeKaishin’s student talk focuses on the mandala model that informs our organizational structure. The mandala comes to us from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which is distinct in key ways from Zen. Within the Tibetan tradition the mandala provides a conceptual model for the energetic and inter-dependent underpinning of the human psyche. Kaishin considers a few questions: How does this model – organized around the individual – function in a community context? How does community behavior from this view resemble a natural ecosystem? More particularly, how does this model provide a perspective that can inform and deepen our practice in sangha, as well as in our daily lives? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Valerie Kaishin Kelly | ||
04/16/2017 |
Sangha Forum (Spring 2017)Twice a year, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies, to ask questions and give feedback. The spring forum is sponsored by the Dharma Council. Some topics we will cover will be an overview of Dharma Council structure, the Leadership Development Team and how it fits in with the rest of the Mandala, changes in Liturgical year and what’s coming up on the calendar. The Board, Mandala Council, and Dharma Garden Council will also have brief reports. We will leave time to hear from you as well. Categories: Sangha Forum |
Dharma Council | ||
04/09/2017 |
In the TotalityGyokuko works with the image of an eclipse, particularly at the stage of totality. As we find what is ours to do, searching for wholeness, we need to align both spatially and temporally in order to actualize it. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Gyokuko Carlson | ||
04/02/2017 |
Receiving Buddha NatureSometimes it can be hard to receive a significant gift graciously. We squirm, we deflect, we point out pitfalls, we imagine inadequacies, both in the gift, and in our worthiness. The teachings of the third turning of the wheel that describe our buddha nature, are one of these significant gifts. Kakumyo explores this symptom and how to treat it. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
03/26/2017 |
Yes and NoOur practice includes the big “yes” of acceptance and the big “no” of impermanence. Our daily lives also include yes and no, as we choose how to meet conditions. We are in a time of uncertainty, intense emotion and cultural confusion. Many people are wondering how best to respond to the political situation. How does our practice of yes and no allow us to decide what to do? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
03/19/2017 |
Jumping and StumblingInspired by Dogen’s Dharma Hall Discourse #68, “Jumping and Stumbling in a Fragrant World,” Bukkai will examine the life of practice of an ordinary bodhisattva in this 21st century world. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jill Bukkai Washburn | ||
03/12/2017 |
Learning from WinterBefore we turn completely toward spring, it seems useful to pay attention to the winter just past to see what it has taught us. Genko looks back at the challenging weather, illness, and darkness with curiosity, and is also interested in hearing from others what they have learned. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
03/05/2017 |
Responding to the CallAngo has begun again and so the bell rings for zazen. We are all called to intensify our practice and go deeper. How do we answer the call? Dip a toe? Dive in headfirst? Pretend deafness? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Gyokuko Carlson | ||
02/26/2017 |
Continuous Practice, Then and NowBukkai says: from the Buddha’s time to our present day, finding examples is simple but following examples is not easy. On this day we also celebrated Nehan Festival, which commemorates the Buddha’s most profound teaching, offered on his deathbed. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jill Bukkai Washburn | ||
02/12/2017 |
The Great Gift of the WayThis coming week, our sangha will launch its first Daijukai in the new Sodo. The community is invited to participate in a series of rare ceremonies throughout the week that express the breadth and depth of Zen path of training. The open retreat culminates in a precept ceremony the following Sunday where several students will receive the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts. Seido’s talk will focus on why this particular tradition is relevant in addressing our concerns for the suffering in the world today. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Debra Seido Martin | ||
02/05/2017 |
Recognizing ImpermanenceKakumyo offers a preview of one of the themes of the upcoming Prajnaparamita (perfection of wisdom) seminary class. He looks at the core Buddhist teaching that everything is changing, the process of coming to deeper appreciation of this fact, and what it means for navigating the world. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
01/29/2017 |
The Risk of JoyBukkai takes a risk and talks about joy, in a talk that is part lecture from Buddhist sources and part practice advice and instruction. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jill Bukkai Washburn | ||
01/22/2017 |
Stitch by Stitch, with HeartDharma Rain’s Sewing Master Genko Rainwater shares some of the research that has contributed to the Zen Sewing Study Group meeting on Tuesday nights. There’s a lot of interesting history behind the various kinds of robes that we wear. Beyond that, she will look at the practice of wearing robes (including rakusus and wagessas), the practice of sewing (and other work activities), and how this all relates to our practice with current events. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
01/15/2017 |
Regarding FailureOne of the attachments that many of us work hard to satisfy is an aversion to failure. This is a particularly interesting attachment for several reasons. This Sunday, Kakumyo will explore why, and make a dharmic case for failure as a crucial ingredient in one’s spiritual path. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
12/04/2016 |
On Chickens and EggsThis Sunday, Genko explores bodhicitta, or Way-Seeking Mind. A few months ago, someone asked where it comes from, which brings to mind the old koan: “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What is bodhicitta? Is it something we cultivate? Something that just happens if we sit still long enough? Where is it, and where do we find it? How does it fit with other aspects of our practice? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Genko Rainwater | ||
11/27/2016 |
Meeting Ill-WillThis Sunday, Kakumyo will explore how we can look at the election in dharmic terms. Who are we now? Personally and collectively we are challenged to respond with clarity and integrity. What support, direction and perspective does Buddhism offer at this time? What might apply to us as individuals, as a temple, as members of a minority religion? This is a emotional and layered topic, so we’ll only pick out specific aspects for examination this week. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
11/13/2016 |
Swallowing the OceanBuddhist history is filled with stories of mystical and supernatural power. Dogen said mystical power “is the tea and meals of Buddhists.” What can this mean for our practice today? Are there such things as miracles? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
11/06/2016 |
Make a WishWhen we were children we made wishes on the first star, on a few lighted candles on a birthday cake, and on the “wish-bone” of the Thanksgiving turkey. There is usually a sweet innocent selfishness to childhood wishes. Now as adults, what do we wish for? How do we improve and broaden our hopes and intentions? What do we really want? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Gyokuko Carlson | ||
10/23/2016 |
DevotionAt last weeks Sangha Forum, members requested an opportunity to talk more about succession, the abbot’s role, how this might look and why it matters. This week, Kakumyo will speak briefly about his perspective here, and then invite questions. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
10/16/2016 |
Sangha Forum (Fall 2016)Twice a year, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies and to ask questions and give feedback. This fall forum is primarily sponsored by the Board of Directors, giving updates on where we are with finances, succession, special workshops geared for a broad audience and proposed changes to membership definitions. The Dharma Council will also give a brief report. Categories: Sangha Forum |
Board of Directors | ||
10/02/2016 |
Do OtherwisePeople are sometimes surprised to learn that Buddhism has a long, rich history of confession and repentance. The flavor of this in Buddhism is quite different from what we may have experienced in other religious practices, but we still experience shame, self-hatred and regret as we face up to past mistakes. Dharma Rain will be changing its way of engaging with “Fusatsu,” or repentance, in this coming year. This talk will explore the experience of confession and its meaning in Buddhist practice. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Sallie Jiko Tisdale | ||
09/25/2016 |
Practice at WorkMany of us spend the majority of our day in our workplace. How can we deepen our practice in the midst of distraction, busy days and competing demands for our time? How do we integrate the effort that we make in our meditation practice with the effort we make at work? Shintai will offer some simple and effective practices for expressing our deepest spiritual intentions during our regular, everyday lives at work. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jody Shintai Dungay | ||
09/18/2016 |
Zen Meditation, Part 4Zazen is widely recognized as our core practice, but a small percentage of available teaching minutes are allocated to how-to instruction. Why is that, how do we answer the questions we have about meditation, and what questions do we need to have about meditation? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde | ||
09/11/2016 |
Being Flexible and Keeping CommitmentsZazen teaches us to let go of thoughts feelings and distractions that interfere with being present and aware of this very moment. Some of the commitments we make in our everyday lives – marriage, children, jobs, friendships – require us to stay engaged focused and even tenacious. What does zazen teach us about dealing with keeping those commitments? How can we cope with the inevitable glitches that interrupt our intentions? Categories: Dharma Talks |
Gyokuko Carlson | ||
09/04/2016 |
The Old Woman of Mount WutaiFall Ango will begin by recognizing old women in zen’s timeless koan heritage, the challenges and opportunities they offered then and even now. Bukkai’s talk is inspired by “The Old Woman of Mount Wutai,” a koan from ninth century China, and her own experiences of many years. Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jill Bukkai Washburn | ||
08/21/2016 |
Science and Superstition.Science can explain how a flower opens, but watching a flower open is an entirely different experience. Jyoshin looks at aspects of Buddhism that came from Asia to the western world, and how the western mind works with these. One example is invocations to deities. What is the usefulness of considering such invocations as a vehicle for exploration, as opposed to dismissing them as superstition Categories: Dharma Talks |
Jyoshin Clay | ||
Date | Title & Details | Speaker | Listen | Download |