The Zen Studies Podcast

The Buddha famously said the "admirable friendship," or what I'm calling Dharma friendship, is the entirety of the holy life. In this episode, I discuss the value and nature of personal Dharma friendships. In Part 2, I will talk about what makes a good Dharma friendship and offer some practical ideas about how to find, form, and maintain such relationships.

Explore the transformative concept of Bodhicitta, or Way-Seeking Mind, essential for initiating Zen practice. Discover how spiritual discontent can spark a deeper search for meaning beyond materialism. Learn the importance of nurturing this fragile mindset amidst societal pressures and the value of a supportive community. Delve into the journey from selfish motivations to aspiring for the greater good, while intentional cultivation and maturity of Bodhicitta are highlighted, underscoring its profound connection to enlightenment.

Discover the essence of Zen practice as an active exploration rather than mere belief. Unpack the ultimate aim of becoming a Buddha through awakening to compassion and fearlessness. Learn why spiritual practice is crucial for transcending self-centeredness and achieving true happiness. Gain insights on balancing goal-oriented and goal-less practices, and hear about the signs of someone who embodies Zen. Delve into the Ten Fields framework, nurturing the way-seeking mind, and the importance of personal experience in meditation and daily life.

The Two Truths teaching is another classic Chan/Zen description of Reality-with-a-Capital-R. Reality has two aspects, often called relative and absolute. I call them the "dependent dimension" and the "independent dimension." I describe this teaching and discuss why it is so important to our practice.

The Two Truths teaching is another classic Chan/Zen description of Reality-with-a-Capital-R. Reality has two aspects, often called relative and absolute. I call them the "dependent dimension" and the "independent dimension." I describe this teaching and discuss why it is so important to our practice.

One way to frame our practice is to say it has a "translation" aspect and a "transformation" aspect. Translation means to apply Buddhist teachings and practice to our life to free self and other from suffering, and live with greater wisdom and compassion. Transformation means to seek transcendence of the self and all of its limited views through a relentless process of inquiry, for the sake of an even more profound and stable liberation. I discuss how each aspect is valuable, how they differ, and clarifying what you want out of your own spiritual path.

When we witness - or experience - suffering or injustice, the medicine of emptiness can give us strength and equanimity. It should also increase our compassion, allowing us to be open, sensitive, and responsive without getting overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, fear, anger, or hatred. I talk about what the "medicine of emptiness" is - and isn't - and how to access it.

Everyday life gives us countless opportunities for "awakening work." I discuss ways to practice each and every moment in order to awaken to the truth of Dukkha and the ending of Dukkha, and to the truth Emptiness. In Part 3 I will talk about how we can similarly work on a direct, personal experiences of Suchness, Buddha-Nature, and the Two Truths (absolute and relative) in the midst of our daily lives.

The podcast explores the concept of practice in Zen Buddhism and emphasizes the importance of how one lives each moment as the most crucial aspect of practice. It discusses how practice can be incorporated into all aspects and circumstances of life, such as on one's deathbed, while raising children, pursuing a career, dealing with chronic pain or illness, facing financial difficulties, or even in prison. The three important aspects of practice in each moment are awareness, aspiration, and actualization. It also explores the importance of approaching experiential practice with a scientific mindset and striving for a deeper understanding of truth.

In my second episode reflecting on Dogen's "Bussho," or "The Buddha-Nature," I discuss how Buddha-Nature is a teaching about our existential koan as human beings. I also talk about how Dogen says we have already got Buddha-Nature, and then explore more fully his teaching about "Total Existence."