Rochester Zen Center Teisho (Zen Talks)

Zen practice is a method, not a technique. As a result, practice can sometimes feel frustrating since there’s no step-by-step instruction manual telling us “Exactly What to Do.” (Nor will there ever be.) So how do we practice? Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.  Automated Transcript The post Skillful Effort, Skillful Concentration appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

We’re socially conditioned to lead with the head, however Zen is not a mental activity. How do we get our practice into the body-mind? Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Practicing with Our Whole Being appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

February 2023 Sesshin, Day 4 Blue Cliff Record #21 “Chimon and the Lotus.” Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Blue Cliff Record #21 “Chimon and the Lotus.” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

February 2023 Sesshin, Day 3 Commentary on “Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post “Attaining the Way” by Master Sheng Yen appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

February 2023 Sesshin, Day 2 Commentary on “Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post “Subtle Wisdom” by Master Sheng Yen #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

February 2023 Sesshin, Day 1 Commentary on “Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post “Subtle Wisdom” by Master Sheng Yen #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Zen practice has the potential to change our lives for the better. So what are we doing when we’re not facing a wall?  (See also the teisho Stop Fixing Yourself.) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Transcript The post Practice Off the Mat appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

The usual human response to trouble and uncertainty is anxiety and resistance. How can we learn to live wholeheartedly with things as they are? Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript The post It’s OK to Suffer appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

A senior student speaks candidly about his time at the Center, including his intense efforts to stay with Zen practice through severe depression and cancer. Coming to the Path Talk by Jonathan Hager.  Automated Transcript The post Coming to the Path Talk by Jonathan Hager appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Marsha Linehan, creator of DBT, discusses radical acceptance and her journey to alleviate suffering. The podcast explores emotional reactivity in personality disorders, the foundations of DBT, and the importance of radical acceptance in Zen practice. It emphasizes understanding deep emotional pain and accepting change, as well as compassion towards individuals' suffering.