Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

In this opening session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, program faculty introduce themselves and reflect on themes and paradoxes within Dogen’s teachings they will be sharing over the weekend. Roshi Joan Halifax presented Dogen’s […]

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, resident priest Senko Perez reflects on the common trap of imagining that true practice lies elsewhere—in quieter places, calmer minds, or better circumstances. During a recent solo […]

In this session of Awareness in Action and speaking from her farm in Alexandria, Louisiana—unexpectedly located at the center of America’s deportation operations—dharma teacher and social justice activist Konda Mason explores the powerful connection […]

Dive into the profound teaching of Kanno Doko—where responsive communion meets personal experience. Sensei Monshin encourages listeners to quiet their minds and examine their true feelings. Explore the beauty of tranquility in nature and how it fosters deep connections. Reflect on the call-and-response dynamic of spiritual grace and the importance of embracing emptiness to understand our interconnectedness. This thought-provoking journey invites you to engage mindfully with the world around you.

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 conversation, Jiryu Rachman, Co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, dives deep into the essence of Zen practice—becoming truly ourselves. He shares insights from Suzuki Roshi and other Zen masters, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and letting go of attachments. Personal anecdotes highlight the delicate balance between individuality and community, while exploring how embracing our true selves fosters deeper connections. Jiryu also touches on the integration of ethics in practice, grounding listeners in compassion and interconnectedness.

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.

Jimon Lorene Flaming, a novice priest and longtime resident at Upaya Zen Center, shares her inspiring journey influenced by her Mennonite roots and international service. She discusses pivotal moments from her father's humanitarian missions to her transformation from medicine to environmental work. Jimon reflects on the importance of spiritual friendships, the challenges of development work, and the quest for deeper human connections. Her narrative highlights the power of embodied Zen practices, the impact of loss, and the enriching effects of rituals on spiritual life.

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 […]

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.