Patrice Taisho Bucher’s poignant talk about caring for her elderly parents in her hometown of New Orleans reminds us that serious Zen practice can sometimes feel like trying to be quiet when you’re caught in a whirlwind. But the rewards are priceless…
Voices of Zen
Inspiring Transformation
In this Dharma talk which he gave shortly after he returned from a hiking adventure to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Kelly Doman Stevens Sensei recounts the rewards and challenges of his transforming experience. “It was vast, desolate and awe-inspiring,” he says of the landscape around Mount Everest. “But I wouldn’t call it pretty exactly.” […]
Follow the Monk!
Affirmations Work
“When he began talking about affirmation practice, I told Nyogen, this is so long overdue for me personally. This habit of negative thinking of mine is poison, and I have been poisoning myself with it for years.”
Pain Versus Suffering
In this excerpt, Hogen points to the power we have to reduce our own suffering. When we entertain fantasies of something “other” than what exists right now—no matter how painful or difficult the situation—our desire to escape from who and where we are actually creates more suffering for ourselves.
Signs of Progress
How does practice enhance your life? In this excerpt from a talk, Doman Sensei speaks candidly about noticing little things going more easily in his life because he is less self-conscious or afraid and therefore more relaxed and engaged in the present moment.
The Cloud
In this talk given at the Hazy Moon Zen Center of Los Angeles, Hosso Sensei of the Black Scorpion Zen Center of Mexico, relates her fear of public speaking and her experience preparing to give this talk. She shares how her practice allows her to see things as they are.
Dying Without Fear
In this student talk, Donin, a Buddhist Chaplain in training, relates her experience sitting vigil with a dying woman.
Impossible to Deny
Mary Jotai Rosendale, student at the Hazy Moon, considers the meaning of Zen practice. “For me it’s life with practice, as opposed to life without practice.”
Affinity
In a recent talk about his affinities with Zen practice, Michael Isshin Spiller’s inventory began with a pair of items that will be familiar to any regular student at the Hazy Moon. “The first thing that occurred to me,” Isshin said, “was that I have an affinity with sitting. If you don’t cultivate some sort […]
Being Present
In this dharma talk, Rev. J.J. Kyoji Anderson speaks about caring for her elderly mother and how being present opens up a world of joy and possibility.
Living on the Edge
Student and Dharma Holder at the Hazy Moon Zen Center, Doman recounts his experience of having a stroke and shares how the practice transforms his experience.
