Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

Discover the profound connection between silent illumination and the art of just sitting in Zen practice. The conversation traces ancient roots back to Zen patriarch Hongzhi and emphasizes Dogen's significant contributions. Explore how these practices cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Guo Gu highlights the importance of bodily awareness, inviting listeners to deepen their spiritual journey and connection to living fully in the present.

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Jiryu affirms the central practice of Zen is to become truly ourselves. Reading from Suzuki Roshi’s teachings, and sharing quotes from Shohaku Okamura, Katagiri Roshi, and others, Jiryu explores two dimensions of practicing being ourselves: being fully who you are in the relative world, and recognizing the deeper self that “includes everything. Source

In this engaging discussion, Genzan Kennell, a Sensei at Upaya Zen Center, blends the teachings of Zen masters Dogen and Ryokan with modern Butoh dance. He reflects on the poetic wisdom found in Ryokan's life and how it can serve as a choreography for Zen practice. Genzan shares personal connections to Ryokan’s poetry, emphasizing themes of solitude and mindful communication. He highlights Dogen's teachings on simplicity and stillness, urging listeners to embrace non-doing amidst chaos. Overall, the conversation is a rich exploration of art, compassion, and the essence of true Dharma.

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, longtime resident and novice priest Jimon Lorene Flaming tenderly offers her long and winding path to practice in her way-seeking mind talk. Inspired by overseas medical service by her father and the values of her Mennonite upbringing, Jimon blazed a passionate path in her life toward service. Aspiring to be of use to the world, she studied public policy at… Source

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Dainin shares deeply personal stories of accompanying her father and Roshi Joan through life-threatening medical crises, revealing how the Buddhist Five Remembrances transformed from abstract teachings into intimate companions during times of acute uncertainty. Drawing from her unique perspective as both emergency physician and Zen practitioner… Source

Discover what it truly means to be a peacemaker in today's divided world. Explore the concept of 'Interdependence Day' and how our connections shape our understanding of peace. Delve into the impact of self-centeredness on conflict and the importance of empathy and moral imagination in fostering harmony. Hear inspiring stories of community resilience and transformative initiatives that bridge divides. Join the call to collaborate for a more inclusive and peaceful future, highlighting our shared responsibility in promoting understanding and compassion.

In this session of Upaya’s Awareness in Action series, Father Gregory Boyle—Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries—offers a profound reflection on kinship, healing, and radical compassion. Father Boyle brings humor, depth, and decades of experience to bear on the essential truths that guide his work. Reflecting on 40 years of work with gang members as “the privilege of my life… Source

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