In this Fall Practice Period sesshin day 2 talk, Sensei Shinzan delves into the poem The Jewel Mirror Samadhi, focusing on key lines that highlight how clarity and awakening are […]

On this first full day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kathie introduces the teaching of The Jewel Mirror Samadhi and shares stories about Zen Master Dongshan, the co-founder of the Caodong School of […]

Sensei Kathie Fischer discusses the Song of the Jewel Mirror Awareness, emphasizing the importance of stillness and presence in Zen practice. She explores how complications and difficulties in practice are “auspicious” […]

Sensei Kozan delves into Hui-neng's enlightening journey, illustrating his awakening from a chance encounter and a poetry challenge. The teachings of the Platform Sutra highlight the importance of understanding one’s nature for enlightenment. A wood collector’s transformation challenges societal norms, emphasizing that enlightenment transcends status. The concept of 'abiding nowhere' reveals how letting go of attachments unlocks our inherent Buddha nature and wisdom, guiding practitioners toward a deeper awareness.

In this session of the Fall Practice Period, Senseis Monshin, Kozan, and Shinzan introduce key teachers, teachings, and historical context which impacted the era of Zen this practice period focuses on.  Each of the Five […]

This Fall Practice Period Zazenkai talk by Sensei Shinzan addresses a core koan of our practice: how to directly engage with something that seems unattainable. Shinzan brings a subtle joy to this talk, pointing […]

In this opening session of the Fall Practice Period the guiding teachers, Senseis Shinzan, Monshin and Kozan set the tone for the coming weeks of communal practice. Shinzan speaks to the ubiquity of ‘Zen’ products and […]

In this Fall Practice Period and Wednesday night Dharma talk, Senseis Monshin and Shinzan share stories of ancient masters. Shinzan reflects on a fundamental question we must grapple with, why do we sit at all, what are […]

In this Fall Practice Period Wednesday night Dharma talk, Sensei Monshin discusses women ancestors of the Golden Age of Zen. “Women were practicing zen from the beginning, how is it they did not become […]

Monshin Nanette Overly, a teacher at Upaya Zen Center, shares insights on Tang Dynasty poetry that beautifully captures the era's struggles. Matthew Kozan-Balevsky delves into the connections between Taoism and Zen, emphasizing the significance of non-separation and flow. They explore how historical challenges shaped Zen practices, and discuss the importance of ‘not knowing’ as a path to deeper existence. The conversation also highlights the vital role of good friends in spiritual journeys, fostering community and shared mindfulness.