Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

In this informative Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Zenshin Florence Caplow explores the meaning of “Buddha meets Buddha” in the context of how we might skillfully navigate our relationships with spiritual teachers. Zenshin journeys through the relative ethical imperatives and moral responsibilities of teacher-student relationships while illustrating our need to self govern through Suzuki… Source

This is the 2nd half of the session on Planting Life, where participants explore indigenous food ways and decolonization through cultivated ancient wisdoms. Artist and cultural preservationist Roxanne Swentzell shares her year of projects—from building retreat centers with pumice construction to revitalizing traditional coming-of-age ceremonies and creating seed banks for her community. Source

This is the 1st half of the session on Planting Life, where participants explore indigenous food ways and decolonization through cultivated ancient wisdoms. Artist and cultural preservationist Roxanne Swentzell shares her year of projects—from building retreat centers with pumice construction to revitalizing traditional coming-of-age ceremonies and creating seed banks for her community. Source

In this session of Planting Life, we participate in the sacred planting ceremony that honors indigenous wisdom through the cultivation of ancestral crops—corn, beans, and squash—known as the Three Sisters. Led by indigenous teachers, the gathering weaves together Native American agricultural practices with Buddhist mindfulness, sweeping the mind and returning to our roots. Source

In this session of Planting Life, Mayan archaeoastronomer Alonso Méndez reveals the profound astronomical knowledge embedded in ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Drawing from his decades of research at Palenque, Méndez traces how corn became not just sustenance but the foundation of an entire cosmology that linked human life cycles to celestial movements. He explains the remarkable relationship… Source

In this session, Roshi Joan Halifax, Troy Keido Fernandez, Sensei Wendy Johnson, and Alonso Mendez open the annual Planting Life program at Upaya Zen Center. Roshi welcomes in-person and online participants to this sacred gathering that honors ancestral wisdom and earth-based practice. She shares the story of the valley Upaya is nestled in and of the Tewa peoples who have and continue to steward… Source

In a deep dive into the ancient Zen poem, a discussion unfolds on how preferences shape our suffering. From the mundane choices of ice cream flavors to intense societal divides, attachments are laid bare. The concept of 'choiceless awareness' invites listeners to challenge rigid beliefs and embrace the unity of existence. Personal stories illustrate the benefits of adopting a 'don't know mind,' fostering adaptability and peace. Ultimately, the dialogue centers on letting go of distinctions to find true freedom in interconnected experiences.

Explore the profound concept of impermanence, blending love and loss through the lens of saudade, a Portuguese word capturing the essence of sorrow and joy. Sensei Kodo reflects on how beauty and transience coexist, urging listeners to embrace the present amid life's changes. Tales of recent challenges highlight the importance of gratitude and mindfulness, encouraging a balanced approach to emotions. Deep philosophical insights on life and death nurture a deeper awareness, inspiring meditation and an enriched spiritual journey.

Hunt Anshin Hoffman, a resident practitioner at Upaya Zen Center, shares his personal journey and insights on spiritual practice. He references Meister Eckhart's wisdom, emphasizing the pitfalls of seeking paths that may distract from the essence of truth. Anshin explores moving beyond traditional frameworks to discover a more intimate, engaging approach to life, highlighting moments of awakening during challenging times. His reflections on self-talk and awareness illustrate the transformative power of contemplative practice.

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Keido Troy Fernandez, a 13th generation native New Mexican and Zen priest at Upaya, tenderly weaves together ancestral wisdom, land-based practice, and Buddhist teachings. Drawing from his grandmother’s dichos (sayings) and experiences from a lifetime of practice, he explores the boundless courage of a planted seed and the persistence and mystery of the life… Source