Podcasts about Dharma talk

For the last two Sundays, we investigated the ditches of comfort and striving. This week, we turn to what's between them, what some describe as effortless effort. Joko Beck describes this as pure activity: Pure activity is very rare. There's nearly always a shadow, a film over it. We may not be aware of that; we may just be aware of some tension. There's no tension in pure activity, beyond the physical contraction required to do the activity itself. This activity is something altogether different from our comfort-seeking and striving. It arises and unfolds. This Sunday, we explore it together.

Recorded on May 16, 2026 at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY. Please enjoy this dharma talk by BZC teacher Sarah Dōjin Emerson. Sarah explores the teachings of Zen master and author Norma Wong about the wisdom of community and collective leading; and the teachings of Paula Arai on ceremonies of healing. Sarah's talk includes Norma Wong Roshi's chanting practice of calling in aloha through collective chanting, and shares Wong Roshi's connection between the indigenous Hawaiian meaning of aloha, and her Zen teacher's understanding of aloha as compassion manifested. Sarah reads briefly from Norma Wong's latest book, Who We Are Becoming Matters. Sarah also mentioned the podcast episode "Reverence for Death," with Prentis Hemphill and Alua Arthur, from the Becoming the People podcast. https://becomingthepeople.buzzsprout.com/1108100/episodes/19167987-reverence-for-death-with-alua-arthur Some information about the authors mentioned: Norma Wong (Norma Ryūkō Kawelokū Wong Roshi) is an 86th generation Zen master and a Native Hawaiian and Hakka Chinese life-long resident of Hawai'i. She is the author of the books Who We Are Becoming Matters: The Courage, Wisdom, and Aloha We Need in a Timeplace of Collapse (2026), and When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse (2024). https://www.normawong.com/ Dr. Paula Arai is a Sōtō Zen practitioner, Chair of Women and Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies at UC Berkeley, and faculty at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Her focus of study is the practices of Japanese Sōtō Zen laywomen. Her latest book is The Little Book of Zen Healing: Japanese Rituals for Beauty, Harmony, and Love (2023). https://www.zenhealing.org/

"Not Picking Up What I'm Putting Down" Is a Dharma Talk and brief guided meditation on the difference between carrying something and controlling it, why the mind clings to burdens that no longer serve us, and how the Buddha's teachings point toward a deep form of relief found through through wisdom, discernment, and learning what can finally be set down. I hope you find it useful! Enjoy!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

Last week we sat with the cost of comfort. Today, we turn to comfort's restless cousin: striving. Most of us have a complicated relationship with achievement — driven by it, exhausted by it, quietly convinced that enough effort will finally get us somewhere. Dogen had thoughts. He opens the fascicle Bendowa with a puzzle: "This Dharma is abundantly present in each human being, but if we do not practice it, it does not manifest itself, and if we do not experience it, it cannot be realized." Not a permission slip for striving, nor a dismissal of it either, Dogen points to something stranger: the Dharma is already fully here — and yet it requires us. What kind of effort is that? And what does it mean for those of us who arrive on the cushion with an internal scoreboard already running? We explore together today.

How comfortable have you gotten? Is the room the perfect temperature? Does Alexa/Siri/Gemini answer all of your questions instantly? Is that difficult conversation still scheduled for someday later? Dogen's teacher, Tendō Nyojō, carried his cushion in his sleeve. He sat until he ached. At sixty-five he still didn't claim to understand zazen, yet still hadn't missed a day in decades. Nate offers a dharma talk on what comfort costs us. Dōgen called the alternative gyoji. We explore it together.

Greetings Friends,I am returning from the Light of the Ancestors Sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery and feeling deep gratitude for this path of practice and all the people who have walked this path— discovering freedom and love in their own lives.Over the past few months the Monday night online Sangha through ZCO has been exploring The Mountains and Rivers Sutra by Dogen Zenji. In wrapping up our study of the sutra, we explored the last two stanzas from the version of the sutra that is often chanted in ZCO.Mountains have been the abode of great sages from the limitless past to the limitless present. Wise people and sages all have mountains in their inner chamber, as their body and mind. You may think that in mountains many wise people and great sages are assembled, but after entering the mountains, not a single person meets another. There is just the activity of mountains. There is no trace of anyone having entered the mountains.Although mountains belong to the nation, mountains belong to people who love them. You should know that mountains are fond of wise people and sages.From ancient times people and sages have often lived near water. When they live near water they catch fish, catch human beings, and catch the Way. Therefore, thoroughly investigate mountains, thoroughly investigate water. When you investigate thoroughly, it is the work of mountains and water. Then mountains and waters of themselves become wise persons and sages.When Dogen Zenji refers to mountains, he is inviting us to observe and contemplate actual mountains, to recognize and reflect on the constancy, stillness, presence and teachings of the mountains in the natural world and he is also inviting us to observe and contemplate our true nature. You can try reading the above paragraph substituting the words “true nature”, “the Way”, “awakening/enlightenment” or “practice-realization” for mountains. What opens up as you reflect on these different readings of the teaching of this sutra?How does the Way or practice-realization belong to those who love it?What is your experience of your life being the great activity of awakening?During the Light of the Ancestors sesshin, my co-teacher Bansho, Sensei referenced a koan from the Zen school, where a person is taking leave of the monastery and is asked by the teacher, “Where are you going?” The student replies, “around on pilgrimage.” The teacher then asks, “what is the purpose of pilgrimage?” The student replies, “I don't know.” The teacher responds, “Not-knowing is nearness.”We might also say, “not-knowing is love.”In a world where we are taught to fear the unknown, to always have a plan or purpose—what would it be like, instead, to see not-knowing as an invitation to love? To meet the unknown with curiosity? To be intimate with the mystery?Can not-knowing invite us in to the embrace of this life?Can the practice of not-knowing create space for love to arise?Is not-knowing an expression of love?On this path of practice-awakening we are constantly being invited to love. To recognize that we are loved, to recognize that we belong to this life.Another time a student asked, “what is the essence of the path?”A teacher replied, “whatever arises, love that.”Not-knowing makes us fetch-able, the way rises up and meets us, catches us in the openness of our curiosity. We become mountain, we become river just as mountains and rivers become us.Listen to the Dharma Talk for a more in-depth exploration of these last paragraphs from the Mountains and Rivers Sutra, and for reflections on coming home to ourselves, not-knowing, love and belonging on the path.Awakening happens in relationship. Hope to see you in-person or on zoom sometime soon. Starting this coming Monday, we will return to studying the teaching stories of the women ancestors found in The Hidden Lamp.Weekly Online Meditation EventMonday Night Dharma — 6P PT / 9P ET Join weekly for drop-in meditation and dharma talk. We are currently exploring the Hidden Lamp: Teaching from the Buddhist Women AncestorsFeel free to join anytime. Event lasts about 1.5 hours. ZOOM LINKIn-Person in OregonGrasses, Trees and the Great Earth Sesshin— August 10 - 16 at Great Vow Zen MonasteryIn-Person in Columbus, Ohio through Mud Lotus SanghaWeekly Meditations on Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayRetreats, Meditation instruction and other events can be found on our website.Upcoming Sesshins at Saranam Retreat Center in West VirginiaInterdependence Sesshin June 29 - July 5 (Registration is now open!)I'm Amy Kisei. I am a Zen Buddhist Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Artist. I offer 1:1 Spiritual Counseling sessions using IFS and Hakomi (somatic mindfulness). I also offer astrology readings. Check out my website to learn more. I currently live in Columbus, OH and am a supporting teacher for the Mud Lotus Sangha. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amykisei.substack.com/subscribe

"Holding the Middle Way - Learning to Use Who We Are," Dharma Talk by Rev. Ginger

"Something Has Changed" is a Dharma Talk and brief guided meditation offered at MindfulnessVR on the subtle and often surprising nature of genuine happiness. Sometimes transformation appears in a simple moment where we suddenly realize, “I think I'm actually okay.” This talk explores contentment, healing, friendship, gratitude, emotional resilience, and the gradual rewiring of the heart through practice. And, crucially, it's about paying attention so that we notice when it happens! Enjoy!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

We have been in a passage of detours. Some unexpected and others understood. As we enter this new lunar cycle, it is an opportunity to honor any delays with a deeper awareness that this is divine timing. Coupled with a willingness to sync up with our true organic nature of spiraling out and adhering with the natural cycels that surround you where you are currently living. SIMPLY put. Throw out the bankers calender for the majority of your day to day living. Start syncing up to your relationship with your ecosystem internally and externally.During this lunar cycle we are being given an opportunity to take a detour with wonderment and awareness. Then, when you have deep knowing you will be ready to transfer your highest and best in every moment for the benefit of all. As inspired, keep your eyes open and prepare to transfer her what is needed.Simply. Listen. Reflect and then gently move into forward motion.The New Moon reached full potency on Saturday, May 16, 2026, From the traditional ways of the earth, these moments like the New MOON(s) are best met with silence and non-verbal listening. It is an opportunity to shed which no longer serves.Contemplation: What detour have you just traveresed? Do you understand what you want to ‘share with others'? How do you want to support other's well being and yours in the process?Weekly talks are an offering to assist you in diving deeper into a spiritual practice, exploring your inner landscape, and cultivating inner peace.Time Stamps: Dharma 0:00 | Meditation 55:00 | Sound 1:15 | Outro 1:35:00MusicRandom Rab  Up Coming Shows:‘Just Me' by Cadre Scott Sound Suzanne Toro Producer: Dante Marino Production brought to you by OmToro Wellness + MediaMind Training: 8 Limbs Yoga Session: Weekly Writings and Well BeingHumanity + Earth Friendly Goodies:SuperfeastLiving TeaKindSpringFormula FlawlessBalance + Focus Quick LinkOra CacoaBook: SunPlayHoney Bee Hippie

"Non-Harming Lives in the Heart of My Heart" was the theme for the Open Way Family Retreat with Dharma Teacher Michael Ciborski, held on the shores of Flathead Lake from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3, 2026. Please enjoy these Dharma talks exploring seed consciousness and the practice of selective seed watering.

"Another Chapter" is a Dharma Talk and brief guided meditation on the topics of change, impermanence, and letting go. This talk was inspired by my favorite social book tracker app shutting down. It's been my favorite place for over a year, and it's closing up shop. This made me think of the MindfulnessVR community (where this talk was given) and all the changes we have encountered, grieved, and survived. It seems only natural to offer a talk that might help another community through their own suffering of loss like this. I hope someone will find it helpful!https://bio.reverendgeorgebeecher.com

In this Disciple's Dharma Talk given on December 12, 2025, Reverend Kensei speaks to the necessity and power that comes from becoming intimate with what is "Thusness", asking for help, and fervent prayer. If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Recorded on April 25, 2026, at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY This dharma talk by BZC teacher Charlie Korin Pokorny describes the closing ceremony for the Ancestral Heart Monastery, in Millerton, NY, which took place on April 18, 2026, and offers guidance in how Zen practice addresses loss and grieving. The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. If these teachings have benefited your life, please consider supporting the program with a donation (suggested $2-7/episode, or whatever feels right for you!). You can donate to Brooklyn Zen Center at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.' Thank you for your generosity!

Reflection question: How have you been shaped or formed by your primary or first relationships?

The fear of missing out (FOMO) is the engine of missing out. The reaching is the leaving. Building on the intensive teachings of Peg, Joel, and Flint, Nate offers a dharma talk on encounter — what it is, why we keep missing it, and what the craving mind is actually building while it's busy looking elsewhere. There is a poem by Mary Oliver (below). There is a koan or two. There is a story about a youth soccer game that went poorly for a vocal subset of parents, the dharma teacher in attendance, and every available adult on the sideline— though notably not for the seven-year-olds. Except from Mary Oliver's poem, "At the River Clarion": 1. I don't know who God is exactly. But I'll tell you this. I was sitting in the river named Clarion, on a water splashed stone and all afternoon I listened to the voices of the river talking. Whenever the water struck a stone it had something to say, and the water itself, and even the mosses trailing under the water. And slowly, very slowly, it became clear to me what they were saying. Said the river I am part of holiness. And I too, said the stone. And I too, whispered the moss beneath the water. I'd been to the river before, a few times. Don't blame the river that nothing happened quickly. You don't hear such voices in an hour or a day. You don't hear them at all if selfhood has stuffed your ears. And it's difficult to hear anything anyway, through all the traffic, the ambition.

(Gaia House) The Buddha called the noble eightfold path the middle way. The middle way stands for a basic principle that can be applied to many areas of our life. Our relationship to sense pleasures, energy, emotions, social responsibilities and hope vs. fear. It means not getting caught in dualities or polarities, not fixating on any extreme, but finding creative ways to deal with the complexities and ambiguities of human life.

(Gaia House) The Buddha called the noble eightfold path the middle way. The middle way stands for a basic principle that can be applied to many areas of our life. Our relationship to sense pleasures, energy, emotions, social responsibilities and hope vs. fear. It means not getting caught in dualities or polarities, not fixating on any extreme, but finding creative ways to deal with the complexities and ambiguities of human life.

(Gaia House)

(Gaia House)

As we pave the way for PEACE. Balancing the inner union between the masculine and feminine with radical honesty and awareness. We are all being asked to be true to self, our inner circles and communities. While, we have been encouraged to SPEAK UP.  Speaking up for self and others will become the catalyst for the additional inner to outer change to support this threshold humanity is crossing over. In addition, we are being invited to walk around the facets of manipulation. Reconcilling your part as one who has been manipulated and those one has manipulated. Another layer and opportunity to clear your way of being from the inside out. You all are being asked to refine and serve with your innate gifts. Rather than get distracted focus with your innate gifts and create the space to refine those gifts. You are in the course correction in real time for self and others. May you dance freely with Mother Nature and Divine Love as we engage with Spring/Fall with a new sense of responsibility and posibility for our future. It is within this healing, transformation and peace making that we release the predators and the fear that has oppressed all of humanity. Coupled with USING our WORDS to build Peace and Divine Love.Simply. Listen. Reflect and then gently move into forward motion.The Full Moon reached full potency on Friday, May 1, 2026. From the traditional ways of the earth, these moments like the FULL MOON(s) are best met with silence and non-verbal listening. It is an opportunity to shed which no longer serves.Contemplation: Making things right. Humility. Inner Truth. Self Advocacy. Inner Wisdom.Weekly talks are an offering to assist you in diving deeper into a spiritual practice, exploring your inner landscape, and cultivating inner peace.Time Stamps: Dharma 0:00 | Meditation 24:00 | Sound 52:00 | Outro 1:32:00MusicRandom Rab  Up Coming Shows:‘Just Me' by Cadre Scott Sound Suzanne Toro Producer: Dante Marino Production brought to you by OmToro Wellness + MediaMind Training: 8 Limbs Yoga Session: Weekly Writings and Well BeingHumanity + Earth Friendly Goodies:SuperfeastLiving TeaKindSpringFormula FlawlessBalance + Focus Quick LinkOra CacoaBook: SunPlayHoney Bee Hippie

This is a teisho – like a cross between a Dharma Talk and guided meditation. Teisho are sometimes called "encouragement talks," and they are meant to help listeners connect with the Dharma in the spaciousness and silence of zazen. Teisho are not about explanations or the imparting of information, and they generally are not recorded. They are offered spontaneously, just for the moment, just for those listening. Although you may not be sitting zazen while you listen to this episode, I thought I would offer you a teisho as if you are.

(Gaia House) Right or wise intention is the second path factor in the noble eightfold path and it comprises the three qualities of renunciation, non-ill will and non-cruelty. They are wholesome qualities that lead to our own welfare and the welfare of others. The talk discusses the discourse MN 19 in which the Buddha describes how he came to this understanding and how they can be cultivated.

(Gaia House) Right or wise intention is the second path factor in the noble eightfold path and it comprises the three qualities of renunciation, non-ill will and non-cruelty. They are wholesome qualities that lead to our own welfare and the welfare of others. The talk discusses the discourse MN 19 in which the Buddha describes how he came to this understanding and how they can be cultivated.

(Gaia House)

(Gaia House)

2026-04-26 | Dharma Talk | No Gaining Mind | Ellen Hippard by Appamada

Dharma Talk by Ven. Kanji Argetsinger.  Automated Transcript The post Living in the Grass Hut appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Instructions for small group activity: Divide into groups of 3. Groups of 2 are ok. Take 2 minutes for each role. Each person will have an opportunity to share, be heard, and bear witness. Person 1 will share what they like in what they see/hear/experience about Person 2. Person 3 will listen, hold the space, and notice. They will then share their observations with person 1 & 2. Person 2 can reflect about what they have heard and what it means to them to be noticed in that way, Then change roles and repeat. Additional discussion question: what would you need to change to bring out the qualities in yourself that you see in others?

As we pave the way for PEACE. Balancing the inner union between the masculine and feminine with radical honesty and awareness. We are all being asked to be true to self, our inner circles and communities. Couple we are being inspired to SPEAK UP.  Speaking up for self and others will become the catalyst for the additional inner to outer change to support this threshold humanity is crossing over. You all are being asked to refine and serve with your innate gifts. Rather than get distracted focus with your innate gifts and create the space to refine those gifts. You are in the course correction in real time for self and others. May you dance freely with Mother Nature and Divine Love as we engage with Spring/Fall with a new sense of responsibility and posibility for our future. It is within this healing, transformation and peace making that we release the predators and the fear that has oppressed all of humanity. Coupled with USING our WORDS to build Peace and Divine Love.Simply. Listen. Reflect and then gently move into forward motion.The New Moon reached full potency on Friday, April 17, 2026, From the traditional ways of the earth, these moments like the New MOON(s) are best met with silence and non-verbal listening. It is an opportunity to shed which no longer serves.Contemplation: Communication. Inner Truth. Self Advocacy. Inner Wisdom.Weekly talks are an offering to assist you in diving deeper into a spiritual practice, exploring your inner landscape, and cultivating inner peace.Time Stamps: Dharma 0:00 | Meditation 21:00 | Sound 50:00 | Outro 1:28:00MusicRandom Rab  Up Coming Shows:‘Just Me' by Cadre Scott Sound Suzanne Toro Producer: Dante Marino Production brought to you by OmToro Wellness + MediaMind Training: 8 Limbs Yoga Session: Weekly Writings and Well BeingHumanity + Earth Friendly Goodies:SuperfeastLiving TeaKindSpringFormula FlawlessBalance + Focus Quick LinkOra CacoaBook: SunPlayHoney Bee Hippie

"Living Fully Through Understanding Life and Death," Dharma Talk by Rev. Jieun

Recorded on April 4, 2026 at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY. Please enjoy this dharma talk by BZC teacher Sarah Dōjin Emerson, which explores allowing the principle of care to guide our interactions in all settings and relationships. Sarah Sensei refers to the following online sources: “Care is a Lifeforce,” episode of the podcast “Becoming the People with Prentis Hemphill,” with guest Ai-jin Poo. https://becomingthepeople.buzzsprout.com/1108100/episodes/18866180-care-is-a-lifeforce-with-ai-jen-poo “Moving Toward the Horizon of Love Together,” episode of the podcast “How to Survive the End of the World,” adrienne maree brown in conversation with Sonya Renee Taylor. https://endoftheworldshow.org/episodes/moving-toward-the-horizon-of-love-together-with-sonya-renee-taylor “Awareness Alone Is Not a Strategy,” post on Adrianna DiFazio's Substack newsletter, “Radical Change.” https://open.substack.com/pub/adrianadifazio/p/awareness-alone-is-not-a-strategy?r=1kh014&utm_medium=ios The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. If these teachings have benefited your life, please consider supporting the program with a donation (suggested $2-7/episode, or whatever feels right for you!). You can donate to Brooklyn Zen Center at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.' Thank you for your generosity!

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

References: "Nothing Holy About It," by Tim Burkett Hsin Hsin Ming, Appamada chant book (https://appamada.org/s/Appamada-Chant-Book.pdf) "The Wakeful Body," Willa Baker

(Uncontrived)

Two Paths to Freedom from Adversity - Dharma Talk by Rev. Yoo

This Dharma Talk is experiential, with the Sangha addressing and sharing from the prompts of the previous Dharma Talk on "Cooking & the Sangha". There is a brief summary talk given and then we delve more deeply into the topic with discussion prompts. Prior attendance at the first Dharma Talk is NOT a requirement.

Discussion prompts: 1. What concerns me about the world today? 2. What am I doing to care for this life? Quote from Joanna Macy's book, "Coming Back to Life." Poem by Li Po, "At Chin Ling": Tucked into the earth, Chin-Ling City the river curving past, flowing away: there were once a million homes here, and crimson towers along narrow lanes. A vanished country all spring grasses, the palace buried in ancient hills, this moon remains, facing timeless islands across Thereafter Lake waters, empty.

Stand on Our Own: Cultivating Self-Power, Dharma Talk by Ginger

This talk was given by Mikey Noechel at the Imperfect, Impersonal, Impermanent Meditation Retreat on Jan. 28th - Feb. 1st, 2026 in Sewanee, TN. This is the first evening dharma talk. Enjoy! Wild Heart Meditation Center in a non-profit Buddhist community based in Nashville, TN. https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.orgDONATE: If you feel moved to support WHMC financially please visit:https://www.wildheartmeditationcenter.org/donateFollow Us on Socials!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildHeartNashville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildheartnashville/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildheartmeditation

From the Sunday mentoring group. Consider joining us: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/mentoring/     https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

(Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community) Dharma Talk: Stillness helps us to see patterns of the mind and heart so that we can work wisely with them. This talk explores how to meet unpleasant, pleasant, and neither strongly unpleasant or pleasant experiences with wisdom with the intention to support peace.