The Zen Studies Podcast

In this episode I answer listener questions: How do you address the dharma and practice with young kids? If I'm trying to be mindful on work breaks, should I just go cold turkey and not look at my phone at all or maybe try a more moderate approach like eating my meal and then looking at my phone? Is it even possible to be mindful while looking at social media, checking email, etc.? And: When sitting in meditation posture, what should I do with my stomach?

Dana, generosity or giving, is the first Mahayana Buddhist paramita. Generosity is where the journey to self-transcendence begins. In this first episode on Dana, I give an overview of the Buddha’s teachings on the virtue of giving. These teachings are from before Dana was defined as one of the paramis or paramitas – that is, perfections cultivated by someone on the bodhisattva path. In the next episode I discuss Dana as a perfection.

This is a teisho - kind of like a cross between a Dharma Talk and guided meditation. I hope my words will point you toward how the Great Matter - that which we seek to awaken to and manifest - is never apart from this very place. Ordinary mind is the Way, and is buddha itself. But what does this really mean? Not that we can't hope for relief from the turmoil of our minds as we usually experience them! Mind-with-a-capital-M is not equivalent to our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and concepts. Mind is the undisturbed space within which everything arises, so it is always available to us - never apart from this very place.

Religions and spiritual paths are meant to give you strength and help you find meaning. Many people derive strength and meaning through faith in an all-powerful God who works in mysterious ways but ultimately has your best interests in mind. Buddhism doesn’t teach this kind of faith, but it does call attention to many truths upon which we can rely for strength and meaning, no matter what happens to us personally or in the world. For the purpose of this discussion, I’m going call the truths we can rely on “Dharma Foundations.” 

In this episode I make the case for accommodations for people with physical challenges, even in sesshin, and then describe a number of tried and tested ways Sanghas can do this. I finish by talking about how to negotiate with a Sangha if you are someone with physical challenges and hope to be accommodated, particularly in the practice of intensive retreat.

People with extra physical challenges - disabilities, chronic illnesses, or advanced age - often find it impossible to participate fully in Zen practice without special accommodations. Seated meditation (zazen) can be painful, and the demands of silent meditation retreats (sesshin) can be prohibitive. However, an important part of Zen practice - especially sesshin - is how everyone follows the forms together, doing the same things at the same times. The whole idea is to minimize the need to exercise personal choice, and to use a certain amount of physical discomfort to bring us up against the existential matter of our lives. How can Sanghas support the Zen practice of people with physical challenges while preserving what is supportive to those without them?

In this extemporaneous Q&A episode, I address these questions: What is the responsibility of Buddhists to stand for what is right? What is the difference between the Buddhist goal of "detaching from clinging and aversion" and the pathological states of detachment from reality called "dissociation?" How would you describe the desirable level of overlap between shikantaza (the zazen of just sitting) and trance?

A contemplative talk invites listeners to explore the balance between individuality and collective oneness. It discusses the concept of 'samadhi' and encourages a quiet mind for deeper self-discovery. The importance of awareness in personal growth is emphasized, alongside the challenges of recognizing true nature amidst distractions. Embracing Zen practice is suggested as a path to greater understanding and interconnectedness.

Dive into the challenging teachings of the Trikaya—the Three Bodies of Buddha. Discover how this concept evolves from honoring the historical Buddha to exploring abstract realities. The discussion weaves together Mahayana insights like emptiness and Buddha Nature, revealing their significance for awakening. Experience the interconnected nature of awakening and how modern Zen practices resonate with ancient philosophies. This exploration unravels the mystery of the Ineffable and its relationship to all phenomena.

Explore the intriguing intersection of veganism and Buddhism as ethical dilemmas are unraveled. A listener's insights spark a thought-provoking discussion on dietary practices within Zen philosophy. Additionally, dive into the nuances of shikantaza, or just sitting, highlighting its relevance in today’s fast-paced world. The conversation emphasizes balance between moral choices and practical living, making for an engaging and reflective dialogue.