Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts Dharma Talk: “Everywhere You Turn” with Valerie Forstman
Aug 12, 2025
Valerie Forstman dives into the profound teachings of koans, specifically Kyozan's 'Not Wandering.' She emphasizes that every moment encapsulates the entirety of existence. Through personal anecdotes, she explores the transformative nature of suffering as a catalyst for awakening. Valerie reflects on Kyozan's journey, highlighting the significance of presence and the symbolic meaning of Mount Ro. The discussion invites listeners to consider their own paths and the duality of awakening as both liberating and challenging.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dharma Is Immediately Present
- The Dharma is both boundless and immediately present in ordinary moments like breath or heartbeat.
- Valerie Forstman emphasizes that this intrinsic clarity is as close as any moment you live.
Each Moment Is All Being
- Each moment contains the whole world, so nothing is left out of now.
- Forstman cites Dogen to show present moments are the totality of being.
Kyozan's Extreme Resolve
- Kyozan cut off two fingers to prove his determination to pursue the Way, showing extreme resolve in the tradition.
- Forstman uses this story to ask what we would give up or receive to live a bodhisattva life.
