The Zen Studies Podcast

Dharma Talks (a bit more personal take on Dharma topics)

270 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Four (1 of 2) – Dharma Study: Wrestling with the Teachings

by | May 22, 2024
270 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Four (1 of 2) – Dharma Study: Wrestling with the Teachings

The fourth Field of Zen practice is Dharma Study, which is becoming familiar with and investigating Buddhist teachings. The texts and teachings in Buddhism include tools we can use for practice and inspirational guidance for our behavior, but the most critical part of Dharma Study is challenging the ideas and views we already hold, not acquiring new ones. The teachings describe Reality-with-a-Capital-R and invite us to investigate and verify the truth for ourselves. We don’t seek to acquire insight into Reality for its own sake, but because it is liberating and transformative.

read more

269 – Making a Vow of Inner Nonviolence and Complete Acceptance

by | May 14, 2024
269 – Making a Vow of Inner Nonviolence and Complete Acceptance

We all have negative aspects of ourselves we want to fix, disown, or even expunge completely from our being, but even with practice some things are extremely hard to change. As we strive to break free of our less-than-helpful aspects of self, we typically employ violent means, ranging from subtle rejection to vicious and debilitating self-loathing that may even manifest physically. Regardless of the severity of the violence, it causes damage. Much more transformative than our typical approaches to change is to clearly see and accept whatever manifests within us, making a vow of complete, unconditional, inner nonviolence.

read more

268 – Teisho, An Encouragement Talk During Zazen

by | Apr 30, 2024
268 – Teisho, An Encouragement Talk During Zazen

Last week I led a sesshin, or silent Zen retreat. Participants participated in a 24-hour schedule of zazen, chanting, silent work, formal meals, and rest. Once or twice a day, I offered a "teisho" during zazen. "Tei" means to offer or put forth, and "sho" means to recite or proclaim. Teisho are sometimes called "encouragement talks," and they are meant to help listeners connect with the Dharma in spaciousness and silence of zazen. Teisho are not about explanations or the imparting of information, and they generally 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.

read more

265 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Two (3 of 3) – Zazen: Our Total Response to Life

by | Mar 30, 2024
265 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Two (3 of 3) – Zazen: Our Total Response to Life

This is the third episode of three comprising the “Zazen” chapter of my book, “The Ten Fields of Zen Practice: A Primer for Practitioners.” I start by offering what I should have put at the beginning of my chapter on Zazen: Basic instructions for Zazen. I then discuss how my “Five Efforts in Zazen” suggest Zazen is a neat and linear process, but in actuality Zazen is a messy, organic, real-life experience. Finally, I talk about how to deepen your Zazen without getting caught up in self-centered striving.

read more

263 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Two (1 of 3) – Zazen: Our Total Response to Life

by | Mar 18, 2024
263 – Ten Fields of Zen, Field Two (1 of 3) – Zazen: Our Total Response to Life

This is the third episode in my Ten Fields of Zen Practice series, beginning my discussion of the second field of practice, Zazen, our "Total Response to Life.” In some ways, this is the most challenging chapter to write because so much can be said about Zazen. By its nature, Zazen is difficult – if not impossible – to describe in a completely satisfying way. It also is profound and has infinitely many aspects, so what do you choose to say about it in one chapter? I hope you will find the approach I have chosen to take useful.

read more
Share