The No-Rank Zendo Podcast

Reverend Keizan Shaffer gave this Dharma Talk on June 1st, 2025. In it, he explores the meaning of simply showing up and how preoccupation with self can get in the way. When fixated on acheiving certain results, getting things right or having it our way, we lose the flex and flow of life that unfolds just as it is. 

Reverend Yuen Kristina Houck gave this Dharma Talk May 11th, 2025. In it, she reflects on her recent experience in the Zen Peacemakers Bearing Witness to Racism retreat in Alabama. Though the layers of suffering are profound, in the midst of Samsara, the ineffable "it" expresses itself through hope, courage, persistence and faith. 

In this Teisho, given on April 20th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines case 68 of the Hekiganroku: Kyozan Asks Sancho's Name. Deep investigation takes us to a place so vast and free that we can feel the relief of "nothing matters." From that place, we can spring forth revived, and with a profound sense that "everything matters." 

In this Teisho, given on March 2nd, 2025, the final day of No-Rank Zen Temple's Spring Odayaka Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 60 of the Hekiganroku: Ummon's Staff Becoming a Dragon. The staff has swallowed up the universe, where are the mountains, rivers and the great world?

In this Teisho, given on February 29th, 2025, the second day of No-Rank Zen Temple's Spring Odayaka Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines Lingzhao's Shining Grasses. To open to Dharma practice and the deep spiritual life, one has to be willing to do hard things with an everyday mind.        

In this Teisho, given on February 28th, 2025, the first day of No-Rank Zen Temple's Spring Odayaka Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 59 of the Hekiganroku: Joshu's "Why Not Quote to the End?" The Real Way is not difficult. It only abhors choice and attachment. So how can we be free to flow in a world of like and dislike?

In this Teisho, given on January 26th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Kakuzan Shido's Dagger. Zen training initiates us into a new way of being. How do we respond to the world with authenticity, depth and presence?

In this Teisho, given on January 21st, 2025, the fourth full day of No-Rank Zen Temple's January Rohatsu Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines the Hidden Lamp: Ling's Question. "To be a human being is to live in calamity." How is it that we live a caring spiritual  life amidst this?

In this Teisho, given on January 20th, 2025, the third full day of No-Rank Zen Temple's January Rohatsu Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 54 of the Hekiganroku: Ummon Stretches Out His Hands. Who are we when we greet the world that is beckoning us forward? How do we respond to its open armed invitiation.

In this Dharma talk, given on December 15, 2024, Rinzan Osho talks about the importance of taking responsibility in our work in developing spiritual maturity.

In this Teisho, given on December 2, 2024, the second full day of Chobo-ji's Rohatsu Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 50 of the Hekiganroku: Ummon's "Particle After Particle Samadhi." When we see beyond concepts, we can be open, free and responsive to the great reality, a place where words meet words and spirit meets spirit.

In this Teisho, given on November 24th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Satsujo Sits on the Lotus Sutra. When we free our mind, we see that we are intimate with all things . 

In this Teisho, given on Novembwer 10, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 49 of the Hekiganroku: Sansho's "The Gold Carp Out of the Net." What is it when we have dropped the bonds of ego and are truly free? 

In this Teisho, given on October 17, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 47 of the Hekiganroku: Ummon's "Beyond the Six."  Taking up our practice on the cushion, stilling the mind, we feel into something beyond, but here. We relax and immerse ourselves in it, so we can rise up in service of that which is beyond the beyond.

In this Dharma talk, given on October 27th 2024, Rinzan Osho takes up the challenge of our current political climate and discusses how we bring ourselves into it as practitioners of the Way.

In this Teisho, given on August 25, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 40 of the Hekiganroku: Nansen's "This Flower." Believing thoughts are substantive, we get confused about what is most intimate. Setting aside descriptions and categories of like and dislike, can we be open to the great reality presenting itself to us directly?

In this Teisho, given on July 28, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 38 of the Hekiganroku: Fuketsu and the Dharma Seal of the Patriarch." In practicing music, we train to become musicians, learning from those before us and taking the guidance of a teacher. In Zen, we apply these same principles, training to become a human being.

Genjo Marinello Roshi gave Teisho on the Hekiganroku case 69, "Nansen Draws A Circle," at No-Rank Zen Temple's Sept. 1st Zazenkai. Sadly the recording of this talk was lost. He repirsed it during the Sept. 8, 2024 Zazenkai at Chobo-Ji. It explores the Zen enso and its meaning.  How do we sit in the middle of the circle of form and non-form? 

In this Teisho, given on July 15th, 2024, the sixth day of No-Rank Zen Temple's Summer Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 36 of the Hekiganroku: Chosha Went for a Walk." How do we touch everything with the greatest appreciation, even while allowing for preferences?

In this Teisho, given on July 15th, 2024, the third day of No-Rank Zen Temple's Summer Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 34 of the Hekiganroku: Kyozan's "You Have Not Visited Rozan." There are different ways to investigate the question "Where are you from?" Zen training teaches us to delve beyond the relative into the depths of our ineffible origins. Then, we spring back up, encapsulating it all, all at once. 

In this Teisho, given on June 9th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Ziyong's Earth. We reach out to the world in an effort to connect. To do this, we must open up to the mystery and wonder of all thing.

In this Teisho, given on April 21st, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 26 of the Hekiganroku: Hyakujo Sits on the Great Sublimne Peak. Zen often seems like a practice of quietude, but the peak is abustle with life. What is it to be alone on it?        

In this Teisho, given on April 18th, 2024, the sixth day of No-Rank Zendo's Spring Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 25 of theHekiganroku: The Master of Rengehō's Staff. Spiritul practice asks us to be our best selves. So what use is so-called "enlightenment?" Though we can see into the deep nature of our existance, how do we carry it forth?

In this Teisho, given on April 7th, 2024, the third day of Chobo-ji's Spring Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 20 of the Hekiganroku: Ryuge asks Suibi and Rinzai. What is the meaning of life. From one perspective, we can find no meaning ... yet what is it that speaks to us of the profound meaning-fullness of life.

In this Teisho, given on March 25th, 2024, the third day of Chobo-ji's Spring Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 18 of the Hekiganroku: Emperor Shukusō Asks About the Style of the Pagoda. In Zen, it is said that we must die to be free. What is it to die? What remains when we do die? What is it to let life spring forth from this great wellspring and to be seamless with all things?

In this Teisho, given on March 3rd, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 16 of the Hekiganroku: Kyosei's Instruction on Pecking and Tapping. Being present and leaning into the direct experience of life is pecking. The whole universe taps back, inviting us to wake up. If we stay vigilant and attentive, in the ripeness of time, the ego barrier will break open.  

In this Teisho, given on February 11th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 13 of the Hekiganroku: Haryo's "Snow in a Sliver Bowl." Koan introspection invites into a way of being that is always available but that we don't normally access. This way of being opens us up to a more meaningful relationship with the deep nature of things.

In this Teisho, given during No-Rank's Rohatsu sesshin on January 18th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 11 of the Hekiganroku: Obaku's Partakers of Brewer's Grain. Buddhism invites us to know the truth for ourselves. Whatever concepts we have about "truth" only get in the way of the direct experience of something beyond. The role of the so-called "Zen teacher" is not to show what is, but to help clear away the obstructions we have placed in front of ourselves. In this, we are all students to someting that cannot be taught.

In this Teisho, given during No-Rank's Rohatsu sesshin on January 17th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines case 10 of the Hekiganroku: Bokushus's "Empty Headed Fool." Our modern mind has lost much of its capactiy to feel into and relate to the world in ways that are deep and intimate. Koan study allows us to enter a different way of being and relating if only we are willing to step out of the shallows.

In this Teisho, given on January 14th, 2024, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Soma Rebukes Mara. In this first Teisho given at the new No-Rank Zen Temple, Rinzan Osho examiens the way the judging mindf, caught by right and wrong, like and dislike, limites the full blossoming of our lives.

In this Teisho, given on December 13th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: The Goddess' Transformations. When we look deeply, there is no foundation for our differences. At the same time, as we become intimate with the deep nature of things, we are more and more amazed and appreciative of the profundity of our living, breathing, uniqueness.

In this Teisho, given on November 1st, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Asan's Dewdrop. In the face of impermanence and the passing of our own lives, we are confronted with the imparative to let the light inside us shine forth, to give back to a world awaiting our full participation. 

In this teisho, given on October 11th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the Mumonkan Case 44: Bashio and a Stick. When we get caught in notions such as having and not having, we lose the fundamental vitality of life. What is it to live without such concerns, seemingly separating us from ourselves?

In this Teisho, given on September 6th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Get on and Go. Self-help, psychotherapy and spiritual practice all help us live happier lives, but how do we distinquigh the spiritual call from the normal pursuits of well-being. Allowing ourselves to die to the moment, when the bus comes, we get on and go. 

In this teisho, given on August 23rd, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the Mumonkan Case 40: Kicking Over the Pitcher. What is spiritual practice that is deeply intimate with the world as it is? What is it to dance with this very life?

In this Teisho, given on July 5th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Ziyong's Last Teaching. In this moment, there is neither birth nor death, so how can there be Nirvana? These are the questions Ziyong asks her disciple as Ziyong lay on her own death bed.

Genjo Marinello Roshi gave this Teisho during the Aug. 12, 2023, Zazenkai at No-Rank Zendo. This talk examines what makes a good teacher of Zen practice.  Is it how many peaks you have climbed?

In this teisho, given during Chobo-ji's Summer sesshin on June 28th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the Mumonkan Case 31: Joshu Saw Through The Old Woman. Our life is limited by conceptualizations and opinions. What is it to really see through? What is it to be deeply intimate?

In this teisho, given during Zazenkai on June 10th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the Mumonkan Case 28: Well Known Ryutan. Though we tend to approach the world from an analyitical, rational, and scientific state of mind, this form of knowing and understanding is but like "a single strand of hair held up against the great sky."

In this Teisho, given on June 7th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Satsujo Weeps. Opening to grief opens us to love. When the barriers to love are dropped, love can do what it is called to do: be open to and care for the hurting world.

In this teisho, given on May 31st, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the Mumonkan Case 27: Neither Mind nor Buddha. The mind wants to have something to hold on to. In the end, with full examination of what is, we find that there is nothing. So we are left with a profound sense of the power of the ineffable.

In this teisho, given on April 12th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the second of the four Divine Abidings: Equanimity (upeksa). Each of the Divine Abidings asks us to take responsibility for how we are in the world. With equanimity, we are asked to create space within ourselves to let all things move and pass through niether clinging to nor rejecting anything.

In this teisho, given on April 5th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the second of the four Divine Abidings: Sympathetic Joy (mudita). Each of the Divine Abidings asks us to take responsibility for how we are in the world. With sympathetic Joy, we join with the outflowing of the joyfully blossoming universe.

In this teisho, given on March 22nd, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the second of the four Divine Abidings: Compassion (karuna). Each of the Divine Abidings asks us to take responsibility for how we are in the world. With compassion, we turn our minds toward holding that everything matters, caring deeply for all things, and taking responsibility for it.

In this teisho, given on March 15th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines the first of the four Divine Abidings: loving kindness (metta). Each of the Divine Abidings asks us to take responsibility for how we are in the world. With loving kindness, we are asked to be warm and tender. Though it may seem that this leaves us exposed and vulnerable, the true nature of this non-conditioned love is that nothing can hurt it, and when we can love in this way, we are truly free.        

In this Teisho, given on March 8th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Satsujo Overthrows Hakuin. This teisho explores working with and utilizing koans (case examples). When koans are seen not simply as tools for helping us unpack ourselves but as the very expression of Dharma reality itself, we can dive more fully into the direct experience of koan, becoming intimate, connected and responsive.

In this Teisho, given on March 1st, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines case number eighteen from the Mumonkan: "Three Pounds of Flax." Like a person facing their own death, when confronted with nothingness, the somethingness of life becomes brilliant and profound. Zen practice asks both that we engage the "nothing" and to open to the mysterious "something." We then thunk ourselves into life, taking responsibility for the gift of life, living it freely and fully.

In this Teisho, given on January 11th, 2023, Rinzan Osho examines The Hidden Lamp: Senjo and Her Soul are Separated. When we deeply investigate ourselves, we will find not one, but many inner truths. Beneath those inner truths is a great "emptiness." But even this "emptiness" is not the fundamental truth. When the ocean waves are as true as the ocean depths, we have still to take responsibility for swimming.      

In this Teisho, given on Noivember 9th, 2022, Rinzan Osho continues his examination of the Ten Grave Precepts with Teisho on the Tenth and final Precept: "We will esteem the three treasures, the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha." Religion and spiritual practice asks us to put something larger than ourselves ahead of ourselves. We can do this by showing respect and reverence toward the treasures of our tradition. 

In this Teisho, given on Noivember 2nd, 2022, Rinzan Osho continues his examination of the Ten Grave Precepts with Teisho on the Ninth Precept: "We will keep our mind at peace; we will not be directed by anger." Rather than suppressing anger, which leads to energetic congestion and a spiritual bypass, we must learn to create a realm of peace for it to exist in. We must then seeks its root which, ultimately, can lead to compassionate action. 

In this Teisho, given on October 12th, 2022, Rinzan Osho continues his examination of the Ten Grave Precepts with Teisho on the Eighth Precept: “We will be grateful for our lives; we will not covet or be directed by envy or jealousy.” There are many methods for cultivating a more grateful heart-mind, and all are good. However, it is when we learn how to dip into the deep and unconditional “This” that the most reliable gratitude opens up.