TREELEAF ZENDO PODCAST
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast shares Dharma talks given by Jundo Cohen Roshi and the priests of Treeleaf Zendo, a Soto Zen community. Each episode explores Buddhist teachings, Zen practice, and everyday life, offering guidance for practitioners who sit zazen. The talks blend traditional Soto Zen doctrine with practical advice on mindfulness, ethics, and working with the mind. Recorded for a worldwide online sangha, the podcast serves as a resource for study and daily practice.
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Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (8)
We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle poem number 9, called Changing Ranks. The texts says:
9. Changing Ranks
Growing hair and horns, you enter town,
Resembling a blue lotus flower blooming in the midst of fire.
All afflictions become like rain and dew in the vast sea.
All ignorance becomes like clouds and thunder on
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (7)
We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle poem number eight, called The Revolving Function. The short texts says:
8. The Revolving Function
It is still dangerous even inside the castle of nirvana.
Strangers come across each other without appointment.
People call someone who provisionally puts on a dirty robe “a buddha.”
B
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (6)
We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle two more of the talks, the sixth and seventh, called The Song of Returning Home and The Song of Not Returning Home. The short texts says:
6. The Song of Returning Home
Don’t be distracted by the King of Emptiness when you are still on the Way.
You must drive your staff forward,
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (5)
We continue our series based on master Tong'an Changcha's 'Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth', and this month we tackle the fifth of the talks, called Bukkyo, or Buddhist teachings. The short text says:
The Three Vehicles spoke golden words one after another.
But the buddhas of the past, present, and future only declared the same thing.
In the beginning, when they expounded the reality of skandhas
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (4)
This is part four of our examination of the ten unfathomable talks by master Tong'an Changcha, moving on to the one called The Transcendent within Dust and Dirt. The text says:
"That which is impure is impure by itself; that which is pure is pure by itself.
Highest wisdom and delusion are likewise empty and even.
Who could say that nobody can appreciate Bianhe’s jade?
I say that the jewel of the
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (3)
We continue our examination of the ten unfathomable talks by master Tong'an Changcha, moving on to number three, The Unfathomable Function. The text says:
"You cannot rely on looking far ahead to the end of the universe.
And why would you tie yourself down to tainted worldliness?
Essentially, the miraculous body is not bound anywhere.
It is already throughout the whole body, so what other traces c
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (2)
We continue our Treeleaf Zendo Podcast with a new episode from the series based on master Tong'an Changcha's little-known "Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth". Sekkei Harada Roshi relfects that "These Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth ... written by Master Tong’an Changcha and represent a work of pure Sōtō Zen. The first five verses set forth the principles of Sōtō Zen, while the second five are conce
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Tong'an Changcha's Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth (1)
This episode of the Treeleaf Zendo Podcast marks the beginning of a new series, based on master Tong'an Changcha's little-known "Ten Talks of Unfathomable Depth". Sekkei Harada Roshi relfects that "These Ten Verses of Unfathomable Depth ... written by Master Tong’an Changcha and represent a work of pure Sōtō Zen. The first five verses set forth the principles of Sōtō Zen, while the second five are
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Eko Echoes
To welcome and celebrate an auspicious new year, we will look through the beautiful and meaningful words of our 'Dedication of Merit', or Eko, as it is called in Japanese. The eko is recited during services, after the chanting of sutras and verses, directing the merit, or good will, good aspirations, to all beings or for specific causes.
For more information on Treeleaf Sangha teachings, practice
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Bodhidharma’s Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices
In this month's episode, we look into what is probably the earliest Ch'an writing, attributed with a certain amount of confidence, directly to master Bodhidharma. This is the "Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices".
For more information on these talks and how to attend them live, please visit
here »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - The Eight Realizations of a Great Person (Part 2)
This month, we continue with more of Master Dogen's advice on living wisely and well in this day-to-day life, from Hachi Dainin Gaku 八大人覺 'The Eight Realizations of the Great Person
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
October Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - The Eight Realizations of a Great Person (Part 1)
We commence our Jukai (Undertaking the Precepts) preparations and Ango (Peaceful Abiding) season, with a writing by Master Dogen on living wisely and well in this day-to-day life, contained in the "Hachi Dainin Gaku" fascicle of the "Shobogenzo". These are the Eight Realizations of a Great Person.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
September Monthly Z
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Master Menzan's Kinhinki
Today we Walk with Master Menzan's Kinhinki ( 經行軌 ) The Way of Walking Zen.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
August 2025 Monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Ocean Mudra Samadhi, The Living Sea
We return to port one last time, after a long sail with Master Dogen's “Ocean Mudra Samādhi” 海印三昧... but these waters of life flow on forever
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
July Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Diving the Ocean Mudra Samadhi
This month, we will do the backstroke through Master Dogen's Ocean Mudra Samādhi (Kai’in Zanmai 海印三昧). His wild wordplay is a powerful expression of who we are in the universe, time, being and bringing to life our swimming through life by swimming gracefully.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Treeleaf's June Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Swimming the Ocean Mudra Samadhi
We will do the backstroke through Master Dogen's Ocean Mudra Samādhi (Kai’in Zanmai 海印三昧). His wild wordplay is a powerful expression of who we are in the universe, time, being and bringing to life our swimming through life by swimming gracefully.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
May Monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Other Fukanzazengi (The Lost Tracks)
In today's episode, we look at an earlier and less popular version of master Dogen's Fukanzazengi, which has quite some differences from the popular version we all know. So, what exactly did Dogen Zenji change in the rewrites to his manual for zazen?
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
March Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Dogen, Fullness and Sacred Ordinary Life
Today we dance with an insightful scholar's paper on Dogen Zenji's unique and profound ideas regarding fullness, universal liberation, the sacred as "immanent in space and time", Buddhahood in the "fundamental activity of the world," practice-realization as "liberating activity", Zen practice as the "practice of Buddhahood," and the fullness and sacredness of "ordinary life".
Further reading and d
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Koans from the Blue Cliff Record (III)
Happy New Year to you all! We continue our study of the koans from the Blue Cliff Record, with a new batch of them today, beginning with case 13.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
JANUARY 2025 MONTHLY ZAZENKAI »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Winter Work, Spring Planting, Summer Harvest
However you feel about the results of the American election, and wherever you live in the world, we do not stop working for good. This is Master Dogen's lesson of "Ongoing Practice Enlightenment". We accept where we are, work for a good direction from right here ... and right here ... and right here. Winter is Winter, Spring is just Spring, Summer is just Summer, Fall is Fall ... but if we do not
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Koans from the Blue Cliff Record (II)
In this episode, we continue to look at koans from the Blue Cliff Record, specifically cases 7 to 12. We do that through the Soto Zen lens, extracting the practical essence from these famous ancient exchanges.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
November 2024, monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Koans from the Blue Cliff Record (I)
This month, accompanying our sangha's book study, we take a look at the first five koans from the famous Blue Cliff Record. We do that through the Soto Zen lens, extracting the practical essence from these famous ancient exchanges.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
October 2024 Monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - September 2024: Dogen Zenji´s ¨Shoaku Makusa¨
This month, as we begin our sangha's Ango, we dive into a few sections of master Dogen's ¨Shoaku Makusa¨ (Not Doing Wrongs)
Further reading and discussion are available on the Treeleaf forum:
September 2024 Monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (6)
We continue our study of master Keizan's Zazen-Yojinki, this time diving into the physicality of zazen and some useful techniques to keep ourselves awake and alert when sitting.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
August 2024, monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (5)
We continue with the fifth instalment of this series of talks based on master Keizan's 'Zazen-Yojinki'. In this episode, we are looking at what zazen is by understanding what zazen isn't.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
July Monthly Zazenkai»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (4)
This week, Master Keizan tells us what Zazen is, and is not (and also to have clean feet).
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
June 2024, Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (3)
This week, Master Keizan offers practical advice, relevant even today, although some bits maybe more suited to the 13th Century, on one's life surrounding Zazen Practice.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Treeleaf Sangha's May Monthly Zazenkai »
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's Zazen-Yojinki (2)
We continue our series on Master Keizan's 'Zazen-Yōjinki'or 'Notes to Keep in Heart for Zazen'
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
HERE»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's Zazen-Yojinki (1)
Master Keizan, considered with Master Dogen one of the two "Founders" of Soto Zen in Japan, lived from 1264 to 1325. His essay “Zazen-Yōjinki” might be considered an expansion and further exploration of Dogen's explanation of Zazen, the 'Fukanzazengi'. The advice is often very practical, covering such topics as how to sit, breathe, what to wear, eat beforehand and what to do on those days when the
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Dedication of Merit
Today's Talk will reflect on our "Dedication of Merit", which we recite each time, but maybe without looking closely
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Dedication of Merit»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjokoan Series (6)
This is the sixth (and last) in our monthly series based on the modernized translation of the Genjo Koan, from Jundo's book "The Zen Master's Dance" A Guide to Understanding Dōgen and Who You Are in the Universe. Today a message very appropriate for a good life in this New Year and every day ...
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Tr
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjo Koan Series (5)
Today, we find enlightenment in EVERY aspect of this world, even the hard parts we do not welcome. And we find enlightenment in how we live in this world, finding our own role
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI»
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjo Koan Series (4)
We continue our series on Genjo Koan, 'Realizing the Truth Right Here,' and the way of Bodhidharma found there.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Remember Bodhidharma Day!
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjo Koan Series (3)
This time, we will be looking at passages of Genjokoan based on the modernized translation from 'THE ZEN MASTER’S DANCE A Guide to Understanding Dōgen and Who You Are in the Universe' in light of our Jukai (Undertaking the Precepts) and Ango (Peaceful Abiding) Season ...
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Commenc
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjo Koan Series (2)
Practitioners sometimes think that enlightenment is the endpoint of practice rather than an ongoing series of daily actions that are each an opportunity to manifest either ignorant or enlightened behavior. They think that they must get to a perpetually blissful place called “enlightenment,” removed from the pain and complexity of this world, and all their problems will disappear but their wishes a
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Genjo Koan Series (1)
We Start of New Series on Genjo Koan, 'Realizing the Truth Right Here," the Key to Master Dogen's Zen. The text for the talk today, the first in a monthly series, is based on Jundo Cohen´s modernized translation of the Genjo Koan, from his book ¨THE ZEN MASTER’S DANCE¨ A Guide to Understanding Dōgen and Who You Are in the Universe
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the T
Shikantaza Ipso Facto
The following is an audio version of the essay with the same title by Treeleaf Sangha founder and guiding teacher, Roshi Jundo Cohen
¨One must sit Shikantaza with profound trust that sitting is whole, complete, nothing lacking, the sitting of the Buddhas and Ancestors sitting as this sitting right here and now, no other place to be, nothing more in need of doing, nothing more to attain, that Zazen
The Elephant In The Zazen Room
The following is an audio recording of an essay by Treeleaf founder and guiding teacher, Jundo Cohen.
Here's the "elephant in the room" of Shikantaza Zazen: What does it mean to "think-non-thinking?" In ordinary life, our daily minds resemble a mad circus, maybe a chaotic jungle. We react to the elephants passing through our awareness, jumping on, leaping from one to the next, pulling their tails,
June 2023 Zazenkai Talk - Nyorai Zenshin (A Mini-Lesson in Dogen Jazz)
Today we'll scat with Dogen's jazz in Shobogenzo Nyorai Zenshin (The Buddha Whole Body). Some 700 or so years before modern jazz folks, Dōgen had the equivalent jazzy approach, taking “standard” Mahayana Buddhist teachings, fanciful but traditional Buddhist images, and “samples” of quotes from well-known stories related to his intended topics, tearing them apart, and tossing all back together agai
The ’Inner Switch’ Of Zazen
The following is an audio recording of an article by Treeleaf founder and guiding teacher, Jundo Cohen.
"So much of all life is like a neutral canvas to which we add our judgments and reactions, coloring it with our feelings. It is like an empty container or some bland ingredient, like Tofu for example, that can be decorated or flavored as our heart decides. The experience is bad if we make it bad
May 2023 Monthly Zazenkai Talk (Shinjinmei Series Part 5)
In Today's Talk, will close our dance with the 信心銘, the Xinxinming, or Shinjinmei.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
May 5th-6th, 2023 -OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI
April 2023 Monthly Zazenkai Talk (Shinjinmei Series Part 4)
Our Zazenkai today is in celebration of the Buddha´s birthday, traditionally April 8th in Japan! We will look at the Buddha's birthday and the Shinjinmei
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
April 7-8, 2023 -OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI »
March 2023 Monthly Zazenkai Talk (Shinjinmei Series Part 3)
Today's Talk will be the third in a series reflecting on: THE SONG OF TRUST MIND (信心銘 Shinjinmei), A Key to Zazen
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
March 3rd-4th, 2023 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Shinjinmei (III) »
February 2023 Monthly Zazenkai Talk (Shinjinmei Series, part 2)
In Today's Talk, we continue our dance with the 信心銘, called the Xinxinming in Chinese and the Shinjinmei in Japanese, and by a variety of names in English
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
February 3rd-4th, 2023 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Shinjinmei (II) »
January 2023 Monthly Zazenkai Talk ( Shinjinmei Series, part 1)
CELEBRATING THIS EVER NEW YEAR! Today's Talk will be the first in a series reflecting on: THE SONG OF TRUST MIND (信心銘 Shinjinmei), A Key to Zazen
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Jan 6-7th, 2022 - OUR (NEW YEAR!) MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Shinjinmei (I) »
Treeleaf Rohatsu 2022 Dharma Talks - Menzan Zuiho Osho’s Jijuyu Zanmai
Our Dharma Talks this time will feature Rev. Kokuu and Rev. Jinkan, presenting their first Teachings upon and in celebration of their Dharma Transmission in our Lineage. Other Talks will feature our newest ordained priests, Koushi, Onkai and Nengei, as their "debut" offering of a Talk to our Sangha. Readings for Talks are based on passages from Menzan Zuiho Osho's Jijuyu Zanmai (自受用三昧 - "The Self-
November 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS in EUROPE)
Today's Talk will reflect on Master Keizan's "Middle Way, Beyond Hope to Attain" and "No Entering, No Emerging Samadhi"
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Nov. 4-5th, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS in EUROPE»
October 2022 Zazenkai Talk ( OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Menzan in the Mirror )
Today's Talk will reflect on Mirror Mind by Master Menzan from his Jijuyu-Zanmai
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Oct. 7th-8th, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Menzan in the Mirror»
September 2022 Zazenkai Talk ( OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Commencing JUKAI & ANGO! )
Our Zazenkai is in Special Celebration and Welcome of the Commencement of our 2022 ANGO & JUKAI Season! Today's talk will reflect on redemption, Icchantikas and 'Broken Ladles'
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Sept. 2nd-3rd, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Commencing JUKAI & ANGO! »
August 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf Zazenkai - Keizan’s Sankon Zazen Setsu)
Our talk today is on ''Sankon Zazen Setsu: Three Kinds of Zazen Practitioners' by Keizan Zenji. Which is better, Soto or Rinzai, Shikantaza or Koan Instrospection? Both! Neither! In fact, the medicine depends on the needs of the patient.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Aug 5-6, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf Zazenkai - Keizan's Sankon Zazen Set
July 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Ho-i - 法位 - Dharma Position)
Today's talk is on a seemingly arcane bit of Buddhist Teachings, positioned well to aid us in living.Dharma Position is mentioned in the Lotus Sutra, "The Dharmas Dwell in their Dharma Position". It is an important teaching of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, from which Master Dogen first came, and seems to have been cherished by Dogen in his Zen teaching as well.
Further reading and discussion for this
June 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI) - Farewell, Vimalakirti
Today, a final visit with the Vimalakirti Sutra. We end our series of talks on the Vimalakirti Sutra with the following visit to Buddha, from (mostly) Chapter 12
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
June 3rd-4th, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Farewell, Vimalakirti »
May 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Dharma-Door of Non-duality) Vimalakirti Sutra Series
Today we will again walk through the Door of the Vimalakirti Sutra. Here, at Gate 9, we again find many very excellent responses by a bunch of very wise Bodhisattvas (after all, they are big time Bodhisattvas, so not amateurs! ) Does the lay person Vimalakirti truly "best" them at the end? Here are some good examples of what the Bodhisattvas said...
Further reading and discussion for this talk are
March 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Wisdom Amid Confusion) Vimalakirti Sutra Series
Today's Talk will reflect on a rather strange and bewildering portion of the Vimalakirti Sutra This time, we will look at a very strange, seemingly two-faced passage from Chapter 8 of the Vimalakirti Sutra ... but is that what it really means? Hmmmm ...
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
March 4-5, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Wisdom
February 2022 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Vimalakirti Sutra Series)
Today's Talk will reflect on Living Beings within Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
February 4th-5th, 2022 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI»
January 2022 Zazenkai Talk (Our 2021-2022 NEW YEAR’s EVE 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Vimalakirti Sutra Series)
Today's Talk will reflect on more magical happenings from the Vimalakirti Sutra. Pull up a chair for a little reading of a magical tale, as Vimalakirti arranges the furniture ... Chapter 6: BEYOND COMPREHENSION
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Our 2021-2022 NEW YEAR's EVE 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI- CELEBRATING A NEW THIS MOMENT! »
November 2021 Zazenkai Talk ( OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Vimalakirti Sutra Series)
Today's Talk will reflect on more Wondrous Passages from the Vimalakirti Sutra. Vimalakirti continues his undefeated record, taking on all contenders ... in Round 4: the Bodhisattvas
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
November 5th-6th, 2021 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Vimalakirti Sutra Series »
October 2021 Zazenkai Talk (OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Vimalakirti Sutra Series)
Today's Talk will reflect on Further Passages from the Vimalakirti Sutra, chapter III (the Arhats) ... We will see further examples of how this tale seeks to blend an idealized view of the Bodhisattva with life on earth, in this complicated world.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
{Oct. 1st-2nd, 2021 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Dedicated
September 2021 Zazenkai Talk (Commencement of 2021 ANGO & JUKAI Season - Vimalakirti Sutra Series)
Today's Talk will reflect on passages from the Vimalakirti Sutra.
One of the most popular Asian classics for roughly two thousand years, the Vimalakirti Sutra stands out because unlike most sutras, its central figure is not a Buddha but a wealthy townsman, who, in his mastery of doctrine and practice, epitomizes the ideal lay practitioner.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are ava
March 2021 Zazenkai Talk (The Heart Sutra Part II)
We will continue our series of reflections on the Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo).
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
March 5th-6th OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI »
February 2021 Zazenkai Talk (The Heart Sutra Part I)
Our Talk this week will look at the mysterious 'missing parts' of the Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo 般若心経), as the first in a series of monthly reflections on ... the Heart Sutra!
The Tibetan version of the Heart Sutra contains the following verses that we do not usually chant. Why? And what do they mean?
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
February 2021
January 2021 Zazenkai Talk (New Year Reflections on Poems and Teachings by Daichi Zenji)
OUR NEW YEARS TALK will be based on the Poems and Teachings of Daichi Zenji (1290-1366) who became a monk under 寒巌義尹 Kangan Giin (1217-1300) who was himself a disciple of Dogen Zenji. After Kangan's death Daichi visited various teachers and later practiced with Keizan Zenji for seven years.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Jan 1st 2021 Our NEW YEAR
November 2020 Zazenkai Talk (Book Tour Kickoff)
We will look today at one passage of Master Dogen's Shobogenzo Uji (Being-Time), rapping and riffing on a famous Koan.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Nov 6-7 2020 OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI- Book Tour Kickoff/DAYLIGHT SAVINGS »
October 2020 Zazenkai Talk (The Verse of Atonement & The Four Vows)
The VERSE OF ATONEMENT
All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,
On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,
Born of my body, mouth and mind,
Now I atone for them all
The FOUR VOWS
To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless
To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible
To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless
To attain the
September 2020 Zazenkai Talk (Sept 4th-5th, 2020 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Commencing Jukai & Ango!)
Our Zazenkai is in Special Celebration and Welcome of the Commencement of our 2020 ANGO & JUKAI Season Today's Talk will reflect on our "Dedication of Merit" Recital.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Sept 4th-5th, 2020 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Commencing Jukai & Ango! »
August 2020 Zazenkai Talk (July 31th-August 1st, 2020 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI)
Our Talk today will be on a few Cases of the Book of Serenity.
Koan 86: "Rinzai's Great Enlightenment"
Koan 87: "Sozan's With or Without"
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
July 31th-August 1st, 2020 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI »
September 2019 Zazenkai Talk (Sept 6th-7th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - COMMENCING JUKAI & ANGO!)
Our Zazenkai is in Special Celebration and Welcome of the Commencement of our 2019 ANGO & JUKAI Season
Today's Talk will reflect on "ANGO: NOW & THEN" - What is Ango in our day and time, for householders in the modern West? Is it Ango as the Buddha, Dogen and all the Ancestors Practiced?
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
Sept 6th-7th, 2019 - OUR MONT
August 2019 Zazenkai Talk (SPECIAL SUNDAY Aug 4-5th - Our MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI)
Our Talk today will be on a few Cases of the Book of Serenity that we recently danced in our "No Words" Book Club : Case 81 - Gensha Comes to the Province
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
SPECIAL SUNDAY Aug 4-5th - Our MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI (No Zazenkai Fri-Sat) »
July 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Building a House and the Four Seals"
Rev. Sekishi's talk on Building a House and the Four Seals: the four characteristics (or "seals") are sometimes seen as a sort of "litmus test" to see if a teaching reflects true Buddha Dharma. But they can also be viewed as part of the core teachings of Buddhism:
All compounded things are impermanent
All emotions are Dukkha
All phenomena are empty; they are without inherent (or "self") existence
June 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Bodhidharma's Outline of Practice"
Rev. Kyonin's talk on the Outline of Practice of Master Bodhidharma (also known as the Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices/ 二入四行論) (Translated by Red Pine)
MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
June 7th-8th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - feat
May 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Vesak and the Buddha's Birthday"
Today's Talk is by Rev. Shokai, who will speaks on Vesak and the Buddha's Birthday.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
May 3rd-4th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - featuring Shokai! »
March 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "IN THE NEWS!"
Today's Talk will look at a variety of STORIES and ISSUES IN THE NEWS today. Recently, there has been much discussion in the Buddhist world about "leaving politics at the door" of the Buddhist Sangha, where we encounter a way beyond opinions and debates. Generally, I very much agree. Zazen is beyond "right left and middle," and points to something beyond mere worldly concerns. However, I also beli
January 2019 SIT-A-LONG with Jundo: THOUGHTS and EMOTIONS are GOOD ZAZEN too!
I am going to say something that might be missed or not emphasized enough in many explanations of Shikantaza Zazen. (I apologize to any teachers who do in fact say this).
In Shikantaza, trains of thought and stormy emotions might come. and we are told to release the thoughts, become untangled, returning to the posture or breath or 'open awareness,' the stillness and silence free of thoughts. Then,
Special New Year Zazenkai SATURDAY 1/5 with Zoketsu Norman Fischer
Zoketsu Norman Fischer is an American poet, writer, and Soto Zen priest, teaching and practicing in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki. He is a Dharma heir of Sojun Mel Weitsman, from whom he received Dharma transmission in 1988. Fischer served as co-abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center from 1995–2000, after which he founded the Everyday Zen Foundation in 2000, a network of Buddhist practice group and
November 2018 Zazenkai Talk (November 3rd-4th, 2018 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI!)
Today's Talk is the second part (we began last month) of reflections on portions of the 'Tenzo Kyokun' (典座教訓) or "Instructions for the Cook," Master Dogen's celebration of work (作務) and all our responsibilities in life, as we continue our Jukai and Ango Season for this year.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
November 3rd-4th, 2018 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hou
October 2018 Zazenkai Talk (October 5th-6th, 2018 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI!)
Today's Talk will honor portions of Master Dogen's "Instructions for the Cook," a celebration of 'Samu' Work Practice and all our duties in life.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:
October 5th-6th, 2018 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! »
September 2018 Zazenkai Talk (Ango Kickoff - Dogen's "Shobogenzo-Jukai")
Today's Talk will reflect on a portion of Master Dogen's 'Shobogenzo-Jukai' as we commence our Jukai and Ango Season for this year.
In the Western Heavens and the Eastern Lands, wherever the transmission has passed between Buddhist patriarchs, at the beginning of entering the Dharma there is inevitably the receiving of the precepts. Without receiving the precepts we are never the disciples of the
August 2018 Special Zazenkai with Author and Teacher Susan Moon
(Reigetsu) Susan Moon is a writer, editor, and lay teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. She is the author of a number of books about Buddhism, including the humor book The Life and Letters of Tofu Roshi and This Is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity. For many years she was the editor of Turning Wheel, the journal of socially engaged Buddhism. Her short stories and essays have
July 2018 Zazenkai Talk (Cases 76 and 77 from the Book of Equanimity)
The Talk this time will be on "Book of Equanimity" Koans we have recently danced in our "No Words Book Club." These are available to read on our current Book Club thread at: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?55-BEYOND-WORDS-LETTERS-BOOK-CLUB-TREELEAF-ART-CIRCLE
CASE 76: Shuzan's Three Verses
CASE 77: Kyôzan: As Befits His Portion
Further reading and discussion for this talk are av
June 2018 Zazenkai Talk (Dogen's Dharma Hall Discourses - Part V)
We will finish this series of talks on a text by Dogen which is not so commonly the topic of Dharma Talks, but which contains a detailed record of Dogen's own lessons and interactions with his Teacher in China, Master Tiāntóng Rújìng (天童如淨; Japanese: Tendō Nyōjo). Dogen was then a young student who went to travel (by boat, across deadly seas, not airliner) seeking an answer to many questions.
Furt
