The Zen Studies Podcast

Recent Episodes

22 – How Buddhists Should Behave: Evolution of the Buddhist Precepts Part 1

Jul 13, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist History and Buddhist Practice.

Many people are unaware that, from the beginning, Buddhism has said as much about how you should behave in your daily life as it does about meditation or study. In this episode, I cover the first Buddhist teachings about moral conduct, and then talk about the evolution of the Buddhist precepts, including the code of discipline for fully ordained monks and nuns.

21 – Sesshin: 24-7 Silent Meditation Retreats

Jun 29, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist Practice and Meditation.

Buddhists all over the world regularly gather for silent meditation retreats with a 24-7 schedule. In this episode I describe a Zen retreat, or sesshin, including what a typical day is like, and the challenges and rewards of maintaining silence and meditating for 6-10 hours a day.

18 – Zen Forms (Customs and Rituals) and Why They Matter

Jun 8, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist Practice.

In traditional Zen practice, we have a lot of what we call “forms.” Forms are the established ways we enact our practice with our bodies… they include the ways we move in the meditation hall, sit in the meditation posture, place our shoes outside the door, chant and offer incense, show respect for one another, eat communal meals, and enact our rituals and ceremonies. Why do we have so many forms instead of just going with the flow and letting people do things the way they want to?

16 – Sangha: The Joys, Challenges, and Value of Practicing in a Buddhist Community

May 25, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist Practice.

Is it really necessary to participate in a Sangha, or Buddhist community? What are the benefits, joys, and challenges of doing so? You may be surprised by some of the aspects of Sangha practice I talk about in this episode (it's not all about enjoying the pleasant company of enlightened people!).

10 – What Is “Zen Practice” Anyway?

Apr 13, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist Practice.

If you've spent any time in a Zen community, or reading Zen books, you will have encountered the term “practice” countless times. Buddhist teachers throughout the centuries have told us to “practice” diligently. Students of Zen are called “practitioners” and we talk to one another about our “practice.” What Is "Zen Practice," anyway? In this episode I present three important meanings of "practice," and how you can define practice in a traditional sense (Zen teachings, methods, conventions, etc.) or an experiential sense (how you face your life right here, right now).

7 – Dharma Talk – Beyond Mindfulness: The Radical Practice of Undivided Presence

Mar 23, 2017 | Categories: Buddhist Practice.

In this episode I present an alternative to mindfulness practice. I do this because I believe the concept of mindfulness – at least the way it is typically understood – may limit our spiritual development. It can become a dualistic trap that causes us to reject much of what we are as human beings. I call this alternative, "The Radical Practice of Undivided Presence."