
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

May 3, 2025 • 25min
What Are Koans? - Hogen Roshi
Dive into the fascinating world of koans and discover their significance in Zen practice. Learn how these thought-provoking riddles encourage existential curiosity and aid in transcending the self. Delve into the historical roots of koan practice and understand how clarity in meditation enhances your journey. Hogen Roshi shares insights on the value of engaging deeply with these mystical puzzles for a richer exploration of existence.

May 1, 2025 • 42min
Emotions and Social Action - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher
This talk was given by Zen Teacher Jomon at Great Vow Zen Monastery Sunday Program on April 27 2025. In this talk she discusses emotions, social action and how spiritual practice relates to these things.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 29, 2025 • 41min
Ryonen Scars Her Face: Sacrifice on the Spiritual Path - Amy Kisei, Sensei
This talk was given by Kisei, Sensei during her weekly online program in March of 2025. Spiritual practice involves sacrifice, we must give up all habits of separation to realize true intimacy with what is. In this talk we explore the many dimensions of sacrifice and letting go that occur on the spiritual path.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 26, 2025 • 33min
Not Being Stingy with Dharma Assets (Bodhisattva precepts Ep. 3) - Jogen Sensei
This talk was given by Jogen Sensei at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on March 26, 2025. This is the third talk of a three talk series about the precepts given by Jogen Sensei. In this talk Jogen discusses the precept of not withholding spiritual or material aid, but giving freely when needed.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 24, 2025 • 33min
The Three Pure Precepts (Bodhisattva precepts Ep. 2) - Jogen Sensei
This talk was given by Jogen Sensei at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on March 5 2025. This is the second talk of a 3 talk series about the precepts given by Jogen Sensei. In this talk Jogen discusses The Three Pure Precepts and their effect on our lives and others lives.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 22, 2025 • 22min
The Bodhisattva Precepts Series Ep.1 - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei
This talk was given by Jogen Sensei at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on March 5 2025. This is the first talk of a 4 talk series about the precepts given by Jogen Sensei. In this talk Jogen discusses the precepts in a broad manner, and discusses ethical and psychological aspects of the precepts.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 19, 2025 • 41min
8 Practices for Times of Crisis - Amy Kisei Sensei
This talk was given by Amy Kisei Sensei in March 2025. "We live in a crazy time, yet the teachings say samsara has always been this way. Here are the 8 practices I turn towards in moments of crisis. " - Amy Kisei
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 17, 2025 • 19min
The Nature of Awareness - Hogen Roshi
Hogen Roshi, a teacher at the Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland, dives deep into the nature of awareness. He emphasizes the inclusive quality of the mind, encouraging listeners to shift their focus from fleeting thoughts to the fundamental essence of awareness itself. The conversation explores how awareness can transform our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Hogen also highlights the miraculous nature of existence and promotes compassion as a means to minimize suffering and enhance our connection with all beings.

Apr 15, 2025 • 34min
The Mind's Cognitive Errors - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei
This is a talk given by Jogen Sensei at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on April 2, 2025. This talk is about cognitive errors and buddhist spiritual practice.
★ Support this podcast ★

Apr 12, 2025 • 28min
Dasui's Aeonic Fire - Amy Kisei, Sensei
This podcast was given by Amy Kisei Sensei in March of 2025. Exploring Zen's teachings for the end times, this dharma talk reminds us that courage is a practice with heart.
★ Support this podcast ★