Rochester Zen Center Teisho (Zen Talks) Self and No Self
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Oct 19, 2025 Sensei Dhara Kowal, a Zen teacher, delivers profound insights on the concept of self and no-self. She illustrates how everyday actions can embody mindfulness, using a touching marathon moment of compassion. Dhara explains the importance of recognizing reactivity and highlights the joy found in practicing non-attachment. She emphasizes that our true self is expansive and interconnected, urging listeners to embrace letting go and moving with the flow of life. Ultimately, the discussion revolves around the transformative power of practicing presence without personal goals.
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Runner Stops To Help Another
- Pedro Arrieta stopped his personal race to help a collapsing runner and finished side by side with him.
- The act illustrated spontaneous compassion and
Everyday Acts Can Be Zazen
- Any activity can become zazen when performed with full presence and no goal orientation.
- Everyday tasks transform into wondrous practice when we fully lose ourselves in them.
No Self Is Different From A Happier Self
- Zen practice aims to move from an unhappy self to no self, which is described as joy.
- This is distinct from therapies that seek merely a happier self.
