Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast
The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya’s diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.
Latest episodes
May 2, 2025 • 37min
SPP2025 Sesshin Day 1: No Gift, No Giver: Dogen’s Method of Guidance on Generosity
In this talk during the Spring Practice Period Sesshin, Sensei Ryotan explores the first of Dogen’s Four Methods of Guidance: Dana (generosity). Dogen himself lived in a tumultuous era of social upheaval, war, […]
May 2, 2025 • 59min
SPP 2025: Building the Container: Opening Remarks for Sesshin
In this opening talk for the Spring Practice Period Sesshin, Senseis Monshin, Ryotan, and Shinzan offer their remarks and suggestions to make the most of the deep quiet and practice of sesshin. Sensei Shinzan explains […]
Apr 28, 2025 • 49min
The Ten Paramitas: Crossing to the Other Shore
In this dharma talk during Spring Practice Period Sesshin, Sensei Shinzan thoroughly explores the Ten Paramitas (Perfections) of Mahayana Buddhism. He works backward from the tenth to the first, covering knowledge, powers, vow, […]
Apr 28, 2025 • 48min
True Compassion on the Bodhisattva Path: SPP2025 (Part 5)
Sensei Shinzan dives into the essence of compassion in Buddhism, raising thought-provoking questions about the Bodhisattva path. He emphasizes the importance of being present with others in their grief rather than merely trying to fix their pain. The inspiring story of Las Patronas showcases a community that embodies compassion by aiding immigrants in need. Throughout the discussion, the interconnectedness of all beings shines through, highlighting how selflessness and shared humanity can guide our spiritual journeys.
Apr 27, 2025 • 35min
Aspiration in the Fire of Our Times: SPP2025 (Part 3)
In this first Zazenkai day of Spring Practice Period, Sensei Monshin delivers a poignant talk in her naturally calm and lighthearted way. Monshin reflects on this opportunity to practice and asks us to […]
Apr 27, 2025 • 51min
Opening the Text: Faces of Compassion: SPP2025 (Part 2)
In this session of the Spring Practice Period, Senseis Monshin and Ryotan, introduce participants to Taigen Dan Leighton’s Faces of Compassion – the text of focus for the practice period. Sensei Ryotan emphasizes that bodhisattvas are […]
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
Entering the Bodhisattva’s Embrace: SPP2025 Living In The Embrace of The Bodhisattvas (Part 1)
In this opening session of Spring Practice Period, Senseis Monshin, Shinzan, and Ryotan warmly welcome participants to explore “Living in the Embrace of the Bodhisattva Path.” Sensei Monshin begins by speaking to the ancient tradition […]
Apr 27, 2025 • 1h 35min
Awareness In Action: Justice with Valerie Brown (Part 5 – April)
In this session of the Awareness in Action series, Valerie Brown passionately meets us at the crossroads of spiritual practice and social action. As democracy trembles and DEI programs face systematic dismantling, […]
Apr 21, 2025 • 45min
The Power of Great Vow: Samantabhadra and Jizo Bodhisattva
In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk during Spring Practice Period, Sensei Monshin explores the archetypal energies of two bodhisattvas – Samantabhadra and Jizo. She begins by asking what sustains our practice and effort, answering simply: […]
Apr 14, 2025 • 41min
Bodhisattva Manjushri and Wisdom for Our Times
Cynthia Kear, a Sensei at Upaya Zen Center, emphasizes the importance of vows and confidence in one's practice to unlock wisdom. The conversation explores the bodhisattva Manjushri as an emblem of wisdom in Mahayana Buddhism, highlighting how his attributes, like the Vajra sword, symbolize insight. Kear discusses embracing emptiness and interconnectedness to tackle life's challenges and advocates for cultivating compassion to address social issues, positioning wisdom as a necessary tool for supporting others.
