Mountain Cloud Zen Podcasts

Maria Habito, an experienced Zen teacher in the Mountain Cloud tradition, explores profound Zen teachings in this discussion. She delves into Jōshū's advice to 'Wash your Bowl,' highlighting how this simple act serves as a gateway to understanding the true self. Maria emphasizes the importance of trust in practice and sees everyday actions as reflections of ultimate reality. Through stories of awakening and simple compassion, she illustrates how engaging fully with life transforms the heart-mind and cultivates openness in each moment.

Explore the balance between the vastness of existence and the chaos of daily life. Delve into the significance of the Metta Sutta and its call for kindness. Discover the intriguing koan about the bell and its connection to ritual actions. Reflect on how sensory awareness can lead to deeper realizations. Carolyn discusses the paradox of oneness and difference, and how embracing our brokenness fosters compassion. Finally, learn about the transformative power of sitting practice in cultivating skillful responses to the world's challenges.

Scott Thornton dives into the thought-provoking theme of 'Nothing Lacking,' connecting it to the art of just-sitting. He contrasts worldly struggles like poverty and greed with the profound truth of inherent sufficiency. Delving into Case 10 from the Mumonkan, he frames Seizei's plea as a deep Dharma challenge. Scott interprets Sozan's response, 'You've Drunk the Wine,' emphasizing our natural fullness. He encourages a practice of compassion that recognizes suffering while resting in our original perfection.

In this enlightening discussion, Natalie Goldberg, a renowned author and dharma practitioner, shares her journey through koan study and meditation. She reflects on how personal suffering deepens compassion, recounts her transformative encounter with the Rhinoceros Fan koan, and challenges listeners to confront contemporary wounds through creative practice. Goldberg also suggests crafting modern koans tied to local sacred sites and questions the role of sitting in peace amidst political tension. Her candid insights on illness and brokenness resonate deeply, merging art with Zen wisdom.

Dive into the thought-provoking discussion about the ecological crisis and the potential for intelligent life on exoplanets. Explore the essence of being human through the lens of the Buddha’s teachings and the significance of the Middle Way. Uncover the concept of 'seeing in the dark' and how it relates to awakening. Valerie introduces the intriguing koan of Unman's Bright Light, emphasizing non-attachment and the beauty of having empty hands. The talk concludes with a reflection on engaging with both light and dark in our practice.

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.

Valerie explores the foundations of Zen practice, emphasizing posture, breath, and calming the mind. She introduces a poem by Li Po that reflects the unity of self and nature. The discussion includes a koan about sweeping the ground, illustrating the relationship between effort and ultimate emptiness. Valerie connects everyday actions, like sweeping, to deeper awakenings and encourages integrating mundane tasks with profound insights. Ultimately, the talk urges listeners to fully engage in each moment of their lives.

Valerie Forstman delves into the poetry of love and loss, revealing insights from 9th-century Zen master Joshu about the nature of time. She challenges listeners to reflect on how we perceive existence in the present moment. The discussion emphasizes mindfulness and compassion while navigating global suffering. The importance of stillness in reshaping our understanding of time is explored, inviting a deeper connection with the collective human experience and the profound interplay between individual moments and shared reality.

Scott’s talked is based on one of Joshu’s sayings. When asked “What is meditation?” he responded, “Non-meditation.” When asked how that could be, he said, “It’s alive! It’s alive!” Recorded

Fresh home from a memorial service for a beloved mentor and on the heels of the flooding in Texas, Valerie turns to case 41 of the Hekiganroku or Blue Cliff