Simplicity Zen Podcast

Berry Crawford first started practicing Zen meditation in 1992. He lived at the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center and practiced as a resident in the mid 1990s. Afterwards, he practiced with Diane “Eshin” Rizzetto in the Ordinary Mind Zen School started by Joko Beck. Later, Berry became a student of John “Shoji” Sorenson and in 2022 was authorized to independently teach Zen. He is a koan student of Russell “Kyofu Seikyo” Mitchell in the Open Mind Zen School and was authorized by him as an Assistant Teacher in June 2023.Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/

Peter Levitt, founder of the Salt Spring Zen Circle and an authorized Zen teacher, shares profound insights from his journey. He discusses the nuances between preceptor and Dharma transmission in Zen. Levitt reflects on his childhood in a working-class neighborhood and the impact of cultural identity on his spirituality. He explores the intersection of Zen practice and poetry, revealing how artistic expression informs spiritual growth. Personal anecdotes highlight his transformative encounters in Zen communities, emphasizing connection and self-discovery.

Katherine Daiki Senshin Griffith, Head Teacher at the Zen Center of Los Angeles, shares her unique blend of Zen wisdom and acting experience. She discusses the evolution of leadership in Zen, particularly after significant transitions. The conversation dives into the evolving language of Zen, the influence of childhood faith on artistic growth, and how Zen practices enhance acting techniques. Griffith emphasizes the interplay of humor and seriousness in Zen, showcasing how laughter can coexist with profound spiritual insights.

An Interview with Zen Teacher and Priest Teshin Matthew SwegerTeshin Matthew Sweger is the teacher and resident priest at the North Carolina Zen Center.  He was ordained as a Buddhist priest in 2004 by Lawson Sachter Roshi, a Dharma successor to Philip Kapelau Roshi. After completing the Harada-Yasutani koan curriculum, Teshin received Dharma transmission from Sevan Ross, a Dharma successor to James Myoun Ford Roshi.   Teshin recently received Inka from James Myoun Ford Roshi, completing his formal Zen training.  He is a member of the American Zen Teachers Association.  Teshin also served as the Buddhist Chaplain for the University of Rochester for 5 years.  Along with his work at the NCZC, Teshin works as a psychotherapist and is trained in Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. More about Teshin:https://nczencenter.org/More about the Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/

An Interview with Zen Teacher Dr Sono Andrew TootellDr Sono Andrew Tootell is an Australian Zen teacher in the Ordinary Mind Zen School.  He is the dharma heir of Barry Magid and is an accredited mental health social worker and maintains a private psychotherapy practice.  He is the teacher for the OzZen sangha.More about Andrew:https://ordinarymind.com.au/More about Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/

An Interview with Rabbi and Zen Teacher Adam FogelAdam Fogel is a practicing Jewish Rabbi and long time Zen practitioner with authorization from his guiding Zen teacher, Ruben Habito Roshi, to offer Zen training within the context of Jewish high holiday retreats.   He is also a licensed and practicing psychologist in the State of California.More from Adam:https://mindfuljudaism.com/More about Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/

An Interview with Zen practitioner and Music/Chanting Scholar Stephen SlottowStephen Slottow is a long time Zen koan practitioner and a professor of music theory at he University of North Texas.  He was a professional fiddler and banjo player and an author of a book on the Americanization of Zen Chanting which we will discuss today.More about Stephen:https://music.unt.edu/faculty-and-staff/stephen-slottowMore about Simplicity Zen:https://simplicityzen.com/

In this inspiring conversation, Bobby Chowa Werner, a Dharma holder in the White Plum Zen tradition and a music industry veteran, shares his unique journey from music to spirituality. He discusses the bonds between Zen philosophy and music, intertwining personal influences and creative expression. Bobby reflects on his leadership role at the Sweetwater Zen Center and the community impact of the Duwara Consciousness Foundation. He also highlights the transformative nature of Zen practices, including the Gate of Sweet Nectar ceremony and the importance of mentorship in both music and Buddhism.

Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison is an author, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, and ACPE Certified Chaplaincy Educator. After working more than a decade as a chaplain and psychotherapist, Koshin co-founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.   Koshin began his formal Zen training in 1987, and he is a recognized Soto Zen Teacher by the American Zen Teachers Association, White Plum Asanga, and Soto Zen Buddhist Association. He serves on the Board of Directors at the Soto Zen Buddhist Association, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care and Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.  Koshin began his Zen training with John Daido Loori, received jukai from Pat Enkyo O’Hara,  and dharma transmission from Dorothy Dai En Friedman.More about the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care:https://zencare.org/More about Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/

Rev. Keiryū Liên Shutt (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Soto Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the nexus of spirituality and social justice, offering a special warm welcome to Asian Americans, all BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, and those seeking a “home” in the midst of North American society’s reckoning around racism, sexism, homophobia, and xenophobia. Shutt is a co-founder of Buddhists of Color (1998) and founder of Access to Zen (2014). As the creator, producer, and host, she launched a podcast series, “Opening Dharma Access: Listening to BIPOC Teachers,” in 2021 with Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön, Sister Peace and Dalila Bothwell. You can learn more about her work at AccessToZen.org. She has just released her first book, "Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path".In person and virtual Book Tour Info:- https://simplicityzen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/HomeisHere_Flyer2.pdf- https://capitalbooksonk.com/event/rev-lien-shuttAbout Access to Zen:- https://accesstozen.org/About the Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/