How do we find abundance in our lives in this time of lack and insecurity? Jane Andino looks at Case 10 of the Wu-Men Kuan as a starting point for a reflection on following the Zen path of practice, leading to peace but also responsibility. This talk, given by apprentice teacher Jane Andino was given at the zazenkai in January 2022
Zen practice is not a static affair. Realisation is useless unless it is carried forward and shared. Maggie Gluek, roshi explores the way in which practice can only ever be relational. Like the Hermit of Lotus Flower Peak, we must step out into the world, as the world. And engage in “compassionate conversation” with whatever presents itself. This teisho was
Paul Maloney, roshi explores our desire to have stability and security in the face of the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence, and the reality of a dynamic ever changing world. In the words of the poet, The times are a changing. But when were they not changing? The first of the three marks of existence that the Buddha taught was Anicca,
Rohatsu means the 8thday of December, the date traditionally commemorated as the day of the Budhha’s awakening. In this talk, Jane Andino looks at different versions of the enlightenment story, the sight of the Morning Star, and the significance for our practice. This talk was given on Day 1 of the Rohatsu sesshin 2019
Gillian Coote, roshi tells the stories of some of our ancestors who appear in the dedications we chant in our sutra service, including Choro Nyogen and his internment poems (written in the USA during WWII). She offers the koan ‘Mu’, and reflects on this monk’s – and our – doubt that, though all beings by nature are Buddha, this can’t
The Buddha points to the ground and declares “Here would be a good place to erect a temple.” In this talk, Jane Andino looks at this case from the Book of Serenity and reflects on what that temple might be for us. She also investigates the traditions of our lay practice. This Dharma talk was given at a zazenkai in September 2018
Paul Maloney, roshi, examines the question of what, if anything, is to be attained through the practice of Zen. While we may feel that we know WHY we are here in sesshin, the answer as to what are we actually DOING, now that we are, may not be so clear. This is a commentary on Case 28 of The Iron
Fear of death is the fundamental human fear, fear of the loss of self its corollary. What does it mean to face this fear, as opposed to running away from it? Where does one find true refuge from fear? How does the Dharma invite the practice of no-fear? These are some of the questions Maggie Gluek, roshi, addresses in this
As the Chinese Year of the Dog begins – Gillian Coote, roshi explores the koan ‘Chao Chou’s dog’ which is the first case of the Wu-Men Kuan (The Galetless Barrier) This talk was given at 2013 Spring Sesshin held at Kodoji
