
Zen Community of Oregon Dharma Talks
New podcasts every Tues, Thurs and Sat. Here you can find talks from various teachers involved with the Zen Community of Oregon. We share talks from our retreats, as well as our different weekly offerings between Great Vow Zen Monastery and Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple.
Zen Community of Oregon's purpose is to express and make accessible the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings, as transmitted through an authentic, historical lineage. To support and maintain Zen Buddhist practice in order to realize and actualize our Buddha nature in everyday life.
For more information, please visit zendust.org.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 41min
Nan Chuan's This is A Dream - Kisei Sensei
Looking into what is real and exploring the dream-like nature of reality. Are you dreaming? How does this simple question open the heart of compassion? This talk was given by Kisei in April 2025 during her Monday evening online program.
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May 31, 2025 • 27min
Introduction to The Art of Living - Hogen Roshi
In this talk Hogen gives a recap/his version of the introduction of the book The Art of Living by Thich Nhat Hanh. This talk was given by Hogen Roshi on May 4 2025 at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple.
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May 29, 2025 • 37min
Dream As Psychoactive - Kisei, Sensei
We make a lot of assumptions about who we are and what is happening, the practice of regarding all dharmas as dreams awakens possibility, it invites us to question our assumptions and perhaps wake up from our self-centered dreams. This talk was given by Kisei in April of 2025.
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May 27, 2025 • 28min
The Four Divine Abidings - Hogen Roshi
In this talk Hogen Roshi discusses the four divine abidings, or the four Brahma Viharas. These include loving-kindness, equanimity, sympathetic joy and compassion. This talk was given by Hogen Roshi on March 30 2025 at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple.
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May 22, 2025 • 60min
Koan Study and Koan Training - Chozen Roshi
In this talk Chozen Roshi discusses working with koans. She discusses the differences between koan study and formal koan training with a teacher. This talk was given on April 16th 2025 during Koan Sesshin.
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May 20, 2025 • 44min
Joshu's Oak Tree In The Garden - Chozen Roshi
Chozen Roshi dives into the significance of barriers in Zen practice, revealing them as signs of progress. She explores the essence of identity, emphasizing the importance of uncovering one's true self. The transformative journey of Zen unfolds as participants navigate between defensive strategies and authentic self-awareness. Listeners learn about the crucial balance of determination, doubt, and faith in achieving Kensho, while engaging with enlightening koans. This talk offers profound insights into personal growth and the deeper flow of Zen teachings.

May 13, 2025 • 34min
The Three Rawnesses - Jogen, Sensei
In this talk Jogen discusses his view on three inherent "rawnesses" that humans have. The three rawnesses are uncertainty, sensory discomfort and lack of control. This talk was given by Jogen at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on April 30, 2025.
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May 10, 2025 • 30min
How to Fall in Love With The World - Bansho Green, Zen Teacher
In this talk Bansho discusses loving-kindness practice, and warm regard for our experience. This talk was given by Bansho during the 2025 Love and Spaciousness retreat at Great Vow Zen Monastery in May 2025.
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May 8, 2025 • 30min
The Art of Living - Hogen Roshi
Discover the significance of taking refuge in Buddhist practice and the introduction of mindful living. Hear about the transformative effects of Dharma teachings after a life-altering health experience. Embrace the concepts of impermanence and interconnection, exploring how everything in existence is linked. Delve into the complex nature of memory and how it shapes our identities, influenced by personal and cultural narratives. Engage with these profound insights to enhance your understanding of life's fluidity.

May 6, 2025 • 36min
Five Things to Make The Path Easier - Jogen, Sensei
This talk was given by Jogen at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on April 9, 2025. In this talk Jogen gives us advice on five things we can do to make the spiritual path easier.
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