Monthly Dharma talks by Tenshin Fletcher Roshi at Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center. Yokoji is a year-round Zen Buddhist Training Center in the Southern Californian mountains.
The Yokoji Zen Dharma Talks podcast has been a staple in my life for the past five years. As a regular listener, I find myself continuously drawn back to this podcast for its stripped-down and authentic approach to zen practice. Unlike many other podcasts that are filled with western influences and romanticism, this podcast offers a pure and enriching addition to my practice. It is like a breath of fresh air amidst a cluttered world.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the calming and balanced quality of Tenshin Roshi's speech. His words resonate deeply within me and have a profound effect on my daily life. The teachings are presented in a straightforward manner that is easy to understand and apply, even for novices like myself. Listening to these talks throughout my day brings a sense of peace and clarity that carries me through any challenges or obstacles I may face.
Another highlight of this podcast is the depth and content of Tenshin Roshi's dharma talks. Each talk is full of wisdom, insight, and practical guidance for navigating life's ups and downs. I have listened to every episode multiple times over, and each time I am blown away by the profundity of his words. Whether you are a monastic practitioner or simply someone curious about zen practice, there is something in these talks that will resonate with you.
While it is difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one minor downside is the occasional technical issues that arise. There have been instances where tracks would loop or skip due to technical problems, which can be frustrating for listeners. However, it seems that the team behind the podcast is dedicated to resolving these issues promptly.
In conclusion, The Yokoji Zen Dharma Talks podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in zen practice or seeking spiritual guidance in their everyday lives. Tenshin Roshi's teachings cut through misconceptions and delusions effectively while reminding us to appreciate all aspects of our lives, both light and dark. The podcast offers a direct and unadorned approach to practice, making it a must-listen for anyone looking for a genuinely enriching addition to their spiritual journey.
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 53 from The Book of Equanimity, "Obaku's Dregs".
Tenshin Roshi talks about the koan system used in the White Plum Asanga.
Tenshin Roshi talks about cases 12 and 19 of The Gateless Gate, "Zuigan Calls Himself Master," and "Ordinary Mind is the Way."
Tenshin Roshi discusses case 12 of the Book of Equanimity, "Jizo Plants the Field."
Tenshin Roshi discusses case 6 of the Blue Cliff Record, "A Good Day."
Tenshin Roshi talks about case nine from The Gateless Gate, "Daitsū Chishō."
Tenshin Fletcher Roshi talks about case 95 of the Book of Equanimity, "Rinzai's One Stroke."
Tenshin Roshi talks about Case 2 of the Gateless Gate, "Hyakujo's Fox."
Tenshin Roshi talks about Master Dogen's writing, Fukan Zazengi, or Universal Promotion of Zazen.
Tenshin Roshi talks about case seven of the Blue Cliff Record, "Asking about Buddha."
Tenshin Roshi talks about the Buddhist festival of Obon, which, at Yokoji we link to Halloween and Día de los Muertos. The text referenced is "The Five Buddha Families," from The Collected Works of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Tenshin Roshi talks about Master Rinzai and shares readings from the Record of Rinzai.
Tenshin Roshi talks on case 12 of the Gateless Gate, "Zuigan Calls Himself 'Master.'"
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 2 of the Blue Cliff Record, "The Supreme Way is Without Difficulty."
Tenshin Roshi discusses case 30 of The Book of Equanimity, Daizui's Kalpa Fire.
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 98 of the Blue Cliff Record, "Two Mistakes."
Tenshin Roshi talks about the start of the training period and the importance of transmission in the Zen tradition. Roshi opens the talk with Mumon's verse from case 41 of the Gateless Gate, "Coming from the West and pointing directly to it – all the trouble comes from the transmission; The one who disturbs the monasteries is originally you."
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 78 of the Book of Equanimity, "Ummon's Farm Rice Cake".
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 14 of the Book of Equanimity, "Attendant Kaku Serves Tea".
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 52 of the Book of Equanimity, "Sozan's Dharmakaya".
Tenshin Roshi talks on case 1 of the Blue Cliff Record, "The Highest Meaning of the Holy Truths".
Tenshin Roshi talks on "Baso's Illness", case 36 of the Book of Equanimity.
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 66 of the Book of Equanimity, "Kyuho's Head and Tail".
Tenshin Roshi talks on case 17 of the Gateless Gate, "The National Teacher's Three calls".
Tenshin Roshi talks on case 22 of the Book of Equanimity, "Ganto's Bow and Shout".
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 3 of the Book of Equanimity, "An Invitation for the Patriarch".
Tenshin Roshi talks about Master Dogen's "Everyday Activity".
Tenshin Roshi talks about case 23 of the Gateless Gate, "Think Neither Good Nor Evil".
Tenshin Roshi talks more on Master Dogen's Uji, or "Being Time". This is the third talk in the series.
Tenshin Roshi talks more on Master Dogen's Uji, or "Being Time". This is the second talk in the series.
Tenshin Roshi talks on Master Dogen's "Uji", or "Being Time". This is the first talk of a series.
Tenshin Roshi talks on case 54 of the Book of Equanimity, "Ungan's Great Compassionate One".
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 59 of the Book of Equanimity, "Seirin's Deadly Snake".
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 31 of the Book of Equanimity, "Ummon's Free-Standing Pillar".
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 4 of the Book of Equanimity, The World-Honored One Points to the Earth.
Tenshin Roshi talks on Parts 1 and 6 of Master Dogen's Bendowa or "On the Endeavor of the Way."
Tenshin Roshi reads from the Writings of Zen Master Hakuin: “I am not trying to tell you to discard completely quietistic meditation and to seek specifically for a place of activity to carry on your practice. What is most worthy of respect is a pure koan meditation that neither knows nor is conscious of the two aspects, the quiet and the active. That is why it has been said that the true practicing person walks but does not know they are walking, sits but does not know they are sitting. For penetrating to the depths of one's own true self-nature and for attaining a vitality valid on all occasions, nothing can surpass meditation in the midst of activity.”
Tenshin Roshi speaks on the first two sections of Henzan or All-Inclusive Study, from Moon in a Dewdrop, Writings of Zen Master Dogen.
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