Zen Community of Oregon Dharma Talks

In this talk Jogen replies to a number of questions from practitioners during the Heart of Wisdom Wednesday night program on June 4 2025. Some questions include: Why is consciousness not the self? How to I balance striving, and relaxing and opening up? How do I balance enjoying pleasure and not attaching to it in my practice?  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this thought-provoking talk, the intricate physics of reality and impermanence are explored, reshaping our understanding of aliveness. The transformative power of suffering is highlighted, revealing its potential for spiritual growth and wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to embrace personal experiences as essential for evolving one's practice. The inseparability of self and experience is examined, urging introspection and emphasizing that inner peace is crucial for sharing kindness with the world.

This talk is the fourth talk in a series on Thich Naht Hanh's book The Art of Living. In this talk Hogen continues to discuss chapter 1 of the book. He talks about our assumptions of who we think we are and how we can open to a more spacious view in our everyday lives.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this talk, Bansho Green, a Zen Teacher with the Zen Community of Oregon, delves into the essence of zazen during Ancestors Sesshin 2025. He explores the concept of individual luminosity, emphasizing the historical connection between the Buddha and Maha Kashapa. The metaphor of meditation as catching a feather underscores the need for patience and awareness. Bansho also discusses true enlightenment, which transcends mere physical practice, and encourages letting go of attachments to embrace intimacy and recognition within Zen.

How are we connected to the zen ancestors? To our biological ancestors? This practice is loving, and we are supported by all those who have come before us. This talk was given by Kisei on the last day of Ancestors Sesshin in May 2025 at GVZM. ★ Support this podcast ★

This talk was given by Hogen on May 11 2025 at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple. This is part three of a talk series on Thich Nhat Hahn's Art of Living Book. This talk is a discussion on the chapter titled Emptiness is the Door of Liberation.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This talk was the fourth talk of the 2025 Ancestors Sesshi on May 15 2025.. In this talk Kisei discusses the Koan "Yun Men's Light". What is this light that all of us have? ★ Support this podcast ★

Bansho Green, a Zen Teacher, explores the profound impact of ancestral vows on contemporary life. He connects these ancient commitments to personal practice, paving a path for self-discovery within a rich 2,500-year lineage. The discussion highlights the importance of wholehearted practice and the harmony of body and mind. Bansho also delves into the concept of intimacy with the present moment through zazen, inviting listeners to embrace 'not knowing' as a gateway to mindfulness and deeper connection.

This talk is about the koan "Zuigan Calls His Own Master". Jogen discusses this koan and its implications and nuances including the mind's tendency to stay in habitual pathways, excuses we use to avoid being wakeful and more. This talk was given by Jogen at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on May 28th 2025. ★ Support this podcast ★

This talk was given as the opening talk of 2025 Ancestors Sesshin. In this talk Kisei discusses our practice of sesshin, our relationships to the zen ancestors, and the use of the phrase light in various spiritual contexts. ★ Support this podcast ★