The Zen Studies Podcast

If you've spent any time in a Zen community, or reading Zen books, you will have encountered the term “practice” countless times. Buddhist teachers throughout the centuries have told us to “practice” diligently. Students of Zen are called “practitioners” and we talk to one another about our “practice.” What Is "Zen Practice," anyway? In this episode I present three important meanings of "practice," and how you can define practice in a traditional sense (Zen teachings, methods, conventions, etc.) or an experiential sense (how you face your life right here, right now).

Explore the historical significance of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment, the pivotal moment that birthed Buddhism. Dive into the concepts of transmigration and karma, unraveling Siddhartha's internal struggles with the cycle of life. Discover the transformative insights he garnered regarding suffering and past lives. This journey of realization offers practical wisdom on achieving liberation through a profound shift in perspective.

Zen Buddhism is a non-theistic religious tradition. However, it's not entirely correct to say that there is no God in Zen. While we don’t conceive of, or worship, an omnipotent personification of the Divine, at the heart of our tradition is the teaching that reality itself is luminous, precious, and infused with compassion. We don’t ascribe an agenda, personality, or gender to That-Which-Is-Greater, but we long to live in harmony with It, and personally experience intimacy with It. These longings infuse our spiritual practice with meaning. 

Explore the limitations of traditional mindfulness practices and discover the concept of unified presence instead. This approach encourages a deeper, more holistic connection to life, moving beyond dualistic thinking. Learn how to engage fully with your mind, body, and heart, embracing authenticity without the burdens of perfectionism or comparison. Personal experiences illuminate the path towards wholehearted living, inviting listeners to accept their true selves.

This episode is a continuation of episode 5, which focused on the historical and religious context in India before the Buddha, and how social, economic, and political changes inspired new, alternative religious movements around the time of the Buddha (500-400s BCE). I continue that story by talking about the new movements, their major spiritual questions, and how they answered them. This should give you a sense of how Buddhism compared to the other new religions of its time, and how the Buddha’s approach differed from those of his contemporary spiritual teachers.

This is the first episode in my “Buddhist History and Seminal Texts” series. I discuss the historical and religious context for the beginnings of Buddhism in India in the 500s BCE. I give you a brief overview of the history of civilization in India, and a sense of the dominant religious traditions of northern India from around 2000 BCE through the time of the Buddha. Then I describe the period of social and economic changes starting around 800 BCE that apparently paved the way for new schools of religious thought and practice, including Buddhism.

Discover strategies to manage distracting thoughts during meditation. Learn how to remain engaged in a practice that often seems passive. Uncover the keys to maintaining a consistent zazen practice over time. Find out how cultivating self-awareness and patience can enhance your meditation experience.

Dive into the essence of zazen, the heart of Zen practice. Discover the unique concept of 'just sitting' and the importance of being present in the moment. Learn how posture influences your meditation experience. This exploration reveals the transformative power of simplicity and stillness in meditation, guiding you towards a profound connection with yourself.

Discover the essence of the Three Treasures in Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—and what it truly means to take refuge in them. Explore the vital role of community in spiritual growth and the evolution of the Sangha from an elite group to a broader supportive network. Uncover how personal responsibility and the interconnectedness of relationships are key elements in Buddhist practice. Each interaction becomes a unique opportunity for training and enlightenment.

Delve into the fascinating origins of Zen, a distinctive branch of Buddhism that emerged from ancient traditions. Explore Siddhartha's transformative journey from a life of privilege to enlightenment, uncovering the middle way. Learn how meditation shaped Zen's evolution from Chan to its modern practices, and understand the unique perspectives on suffering and the mind's state. Experience the optimistic insights that Zazen practice offers and how Zen aims to reduce suffering in an ever-complex world.