Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts Dharma Talk: “Begin Again: The timeless gift of a new day” with Valerie Forstman
Jan 13, 2026
Valerie explores the concept of interconnectedness through Indra's net, illustrating the uniqueness of every being. She shares a Zuni snow prayer and reflects on the beauty of the new year. The discourse dives into transformative poetry, turning grief into beauty, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s self-nature in the present moment. Discussions on emptiness and the ancient wisdom of Zen invite listeners to embody awareness now. With a nod to the notion that 'this very body is Buddha,' the talk encourages embracing the journey from the start.
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Interconnectedness Like Indra's Net
- Valerie Forstman frames interconnectedness with the image of Indra's net, where each jewel reflects all others.
- She emphasizes unique wholeness: every part is completely unique and yet all of it at once.
Zuni Prayer For Snow Arrives
- Valerie shares a Zuni prayer titled "For Snow" she received around New Year that celebrates earth mother wrapped in white.
- The prayer transforms prayer sticks into living beings and connects seasonal change to ritual response.
Old Contains The Seed Of New
- Zhang Ji Roshi's New Year message questions the idea of discarding the old entirely and becoming entirely new.
- Valerie highlights that old things carry seeds of new life and we carry each other forward.
