Knot Zen: an episodic podcast where The Gang attempts to sneak a peak behind the (seemingly) enigmatic curtain of the classic Zen Koans.
The Knot Zen podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into the world of Zen and exploring the profound wisdom of koans. As a listener who stumbled upon The Gateless Gate without any prior knowledge or guidance, I was initially overwhelmed and confused. However, my experience changed dramatically once I discovered Knot Zen. This podcast has become my go-to source for discussing koans in a fun and non-judgmental format, making it accessible to both beginners and more seasoned practitioners.
One of the best aspects of the Knot Zen podcast is how the members dissect each case in a way that allows listeners to understand them at their own level. Whether you're new to Zen or have been practicing for years, they provide insights and explanations that cater to a wide range of experiences. The educational aspect is particularly commendable; rather than talking down to their audience, the hosts genuinely strive to educate and engage with their listeners. Their dialogue is elevated enough to include more advanced Zen students, fostering a sense of community and shared growth.
While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, it's important to acknowledge that it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Some individuals may find the discussions too dense or esoteric, especially if they are just beginning their journey into Zen practice. Additionally, due to its focus on koans and deep philosophical concepts, there may be moments when listeners feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the topics being discussed. It would be beneficial if there were occasional episodes dedicated specifically to providing foundational knowledge or addressing common questions from beginners.
In conclusion, I highly recommend The Knot Zen podcast to anyone with an interest in Zen practice or those seeking a fresh perspective on koans. Through their fun and non-judgmental format, the hosts create an inclusive space where listeners can explore complex concepts at their own pace. While there may be some limitations for beginners or those looking for more introductory content, overall this podcast is a valuable resource that provides exceptional insights into the world of Zen. Give it a listen, and you may find yourself uncovering new depths of wisdom and understanding.
Welcome back! In this episode Jay, Jim and Kevin talk about use and uselessness, myopic imaginations, and radically different readings of the Zhaungzi! Is Daoism meant to be read as a liberatory text, or a more hermetic interpretation? Niether? Come on in and decide for yourself!
Tune in to this episode for some CRAZY Daoist wisdom as two dudes with really, really, cool names go head to head on the topic of... er... what the diets of virgin-like spirits are? No, no, really, we really stumble into some awesome insights this episode, specifically around the "Dao Of Forgetting," which blew my mind! Anywho, for those interested this is the third story of the first Chapter of the Zhuangzi, staring Shoulder Self and Unk Linkin. The translation of the Zhuangzi is done by none other than Brook Ziporyn. Check him out!
This week we continue with the stories from the first chapter of the Zhaungzi, 'Wandering Far and Unfettered'! It's basically a conversation between these two based rulers of ancient China talking about even more ancient and based rulers of ancient-er China. If you are interested in how one RULES things, and whats the deal with all these titles we give ourselves, you should totally check out this episode!
Hey, there listener! Long time no see! Welcome to the Zhuangzi Arc of Knotzen! We decided to breathe new life into the podcast by studying what is NOT Zen... so we took up the classic of Daoism, the infamous, the long-winded (and convoluted), Zhuangzi! We also have a new guy, and he's bloody smart. Anyway, today we are looking at the very first story from the very first chapter of the Zhuangzi, "Wandering Far and Unfettered." If you like fish, birds, and philosophies that are radically skeptical towards any sort of conventional, or non-conventional, essentialism, then you're gonna love this episode!
Contemplating - a tough topic to think about! We do it anyway, so does that make us knot zen? Let the fans decide
Bb's all alone??!! Oh no, he climbs the peak and stumbles down. Expect minor coherency and haughty analysis.
1 sickewk and two tired dudes get on the case of the case of the fist; bringing their best with rants on modern interpretations, amoeba imagery and confused textual analysis.
James questions, ewk rants, brian Rhymes , and scott...well, I'll let you find out about scott. Stop thinking, or maybe not, as we mount Sumeru the mysterious mountain.
If you control F the koans for cusses you find this first! Great, lets dig in!
Bringing Bankei to your brain with this controversial laden zen-topic parade!
James and Ewk take on a few memes and topics brought on by the density of the case in question.
How does Yunmen's explanation of emptiness: "hearing the sound of the bell", differ from Wittgenstein, and religious concepts of emptiness?
Our very second Foyan cast. Foyan was much more of a lecturer than the Zen Masters which taught using Cases, and here he outlines the two sicknesses which he sees in the Zen school.
Are you deaf, but wonder how you are going to listen to Knot Zen? Tune in and find out.
After 500 hours of podcasting we finally made it to the Fox Case. A complicated case in which there's many things to grab on to: cause and effect, rebirth, violence., and if you're lucky, you might regret listening.
What is outstanding action? Here, it's kicking over a water bottle. Although, Mumon says the guy who did that: "could not jump out of the trap". The gang talks through the case and then debates what it means to instruct and whether the case is an example of instruction or something else.
How do you find a parched pasture, a place where no grass blades? Do you look outside the "gate", inside the "gate"? What even is grass..no, no, Steve, that's not what they mean...we think. Join The Gang for a dharma talk about 3 Zen masters mysteriously weighing in on a metaphor presented by the most prominent among them: Dahui!
Our most cujo-esque-ian episode yet ...the puppy returns! Is Mu meditation? What is this "concentration" that Mumon calls for?
Joshu usually keeps it laconic, but in this saying he sermonizes at length...which means the gang goes along and weaves in many topics, ideas, and controversies!
A Knot Zenner gave this sweet version of the case: Huangbo: "You people are all eating out of the dumpster. When are you going to have your own meal, don't you know there's nobody that cooks for you in all of china?" Monk: "What about all the cooks" Huangbo: "They're not cooking for you".
Episode 2, featuring, once again, Emperor Wu. Emperor Wu meets Bodhidharma's brother.
The Gang clears up the case by touting the treasure when two translators try to untangle the verbal knot tied by Joshu's tongue.
Again, we are reading from the first chapter in the Blue Cliff Record! This time focusing on Xuedou's verse!
The Gang adds "frost on top of snow" by bringing up a koan that's as cold as the weather in Texas (and the person writing the description uses the sort of Verbal Irony thrown around in the commentary). Welcome to the Sanga
The great casters, studious as ever in their endeavors, take a stab at birds. One Zen Master sees ducks, one plays "Duck, Duck, You...", and Yuanwu maybe disregards the integrity of either approach in a in a revisionist eulogy. How BOUT them ducks? When you see them take flight, where do they go? Where have they ever gone? Welcome to the Sangha.
Scott, Brian and Ewk, weathering the winter woes and summer blues bring some five start level philosophizing in this latest cast about...food.
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