Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast show

Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

Summary: The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya’s diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.

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  • Artist: Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
  • Copyright: Copyright 2006-2018, Upaya Zen Center. All rights reserved.

Podcasts:

 The Power of Each Moment of Intentionality | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 44:13

In this talk, Sensei Monshin discusses the Yogacara or “Mind Only” teachings of 5th century Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu. Central to Vasubandhu’s teaching is the idea that we create separateness with our minds. “Whatever is out there that we’re agitated, angry, or overwhelmed about is a projection, a projection influenced by our karmic tendencies.” With this understanding, we create space to see our conditioned and habitual reactions. We may begin to loosen our grip on a rigid sense of a separate self and wake up to the profound mystery of our experience, including our deep connection with everything. These teachings are difficult, but they’re worth it, she emphasizes. They empower us and “help us see we are not helpless victims of our karmic tendencies. . .and neither are we helpless victims of apparent external phenomenon”. They point us to the power of our choices and our actions. When we take responsibility for our own mind, Monshin teaches, we can “enact with skill and love [our] responsibility toward others, who aren’t really other anyway. . .this is the power of each moment of intentionality.”

 Dogen Seminar 2023: Aspects of Awakening (5 of 8) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 59:40

In this talk Ruth Ozeki shares her reflections on gabio or painted rice cake fascicle. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

 Dogen Seminar 2023: Aspects of Awakening (4 of 8) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:07:04

In this talk Sensei Kaz discussed various topics, including the concept of perfection, the importance of practice and realization, the role of translation in conveying authenticity, and the personality of Dogen. The discussion also touches on the challenges of using language to convey spiritual experiences and the idea that authenticity can evolve and change over time. The speaker emphasized the importance of staying open to different interpretations and experiences on the spiritual path. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

 Dogen Seminar 2023: Aspects of Awakening (3 of 8) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:03:59

In this talk Henry explores Dogen’s work as transcending duality, emphasizing inner peace through Zen practice which is a continuous engagement with the present moment, free from attachment to outcomes or conceptual frameworks. Kaz, Ruth, Steven and Roshi Joan offer their comments on Henry’s talk. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

 Dogen Seminar 2023: Aspects of Awakening (1 of 8) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:08:11

It is difficult to summarize the life and work of Dogen, a renowned Zen master. This program opening frames Dogen’s life into four main life stages from his birth in 1200 to his death in 1253. This talk highlight the social and historical context of Dogen’s time, including the transition from aristocratic rule to samurai leadership and and on Dogen’s early education, his decision to become a monk, his time in China, and his role in establishing Zen in Japan. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

 Opening to Darkness in Unsettling Times: Celebrating Darkness (3 of 3) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:42:01

In this discussion, Sensei Zenju introduces the theme of “celebrating darkness” and reflects on the audience’s initial reactions to the concept. She emphasize the interconnectedness of light and darkness and the need to embrace both. The influence of Jesus Christ as a mystic and the merging of spiritual and religious teachings are briefly touched upon. Zenju also underscores the importance of integrating sacredness into everyday life, using dark experiences as opportunities for personal growth and revelation. Click here to order your copy of Opening To Darkness.

 Opening to Darkness in Unsettling Times: Messengers of Darkness (2 of 3) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:37:07

In this talk Sensei Zenju discusses the theme of grief and its importance. Zenju shares her personal experience of losing a partner of 23 years and how it has impacted her life. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge and walk deeply in grief. Zenju also touches on the idea of darkness, its persistence, and its potential to bring about transformation and love. This session explores the interrelationship between darkness and various aspects of life, including people, experiences, and meaning. Click here to order your copy of Opening To Darkness.

 Opening to Darkness in Unsettling Times (1 of 3) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:34:44

Sensei Zenju delves into the profound concept of embracing darkness as an integral part of the human experience. Zenju shares a quote “Darkness is asking to be loved,” which explores themes of inner peace, composure, and the need to confront darkness. The speaker invites the audience to fully engage with their own darkness, acknowledging it as an essential aspect of life. Click here to order your copy of Opening To Darkness.

 Being With Loss 2023 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:36:02

Join us in this heartwarming conversation with Frank Ostaseski and Tara Brach as they explore the depths of grief, loss, and the human experience. Through personal stories and profound insights, they reveal the transformative power of allowing ourselves to feel the full spectrum of our emotions. Together, they offer wisdom on navigating the wilderness of grief, letting go of control, and finding the path to wholeness.

 Planting Life 2023: Sowing and Preserving Native Seeds of Antiquity (6 of 6) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:10:55

In this heartfelt conversation, participants discuss the importance of sustainable harvesting, respecting indigenous wisdom, and the reciprocal relationship between humans and the earth. They share their experiences and gratitude for the teachings received during the planting ceremony. The discussion highlights the significance of leaving enough for others, giving back to the land, and the transformative power of practicing the honorable harvest.

 Planting Life 2023: Sowing and Preserving Native Seeds of Antiquity (5 of 6) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:30:21

Alonso Mendez describes the fascinating world of the ancient Maya and their profound connection to corn. This talk explores the intricate relationship between the Maya civilization, their beliefs, and the cultivation of this essential crop. This session also discusses how the Maya regarded their ancestors’ remains as seeds of life and rebirth, mirroring the growth of corn from tiny kernels to bountiful crops.

 Planting Life 2023: Sowing and Preserving Native Seeds of Antiquity (4 of 6) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 58:54

Melissa Nelson speaks to the importance of seed preservation, land stewardship, and indigenous food revitalization. In this session, Melissa shares her multicultural heritage, blending Native American, Scandinavian, and settler backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of ancestral lands and seeds in indigenous cultures. Melissa’s work centers around Cultural Conservancy, focusing on preserving traditional seeds, sacred lands, and the revival of native food traditions. From rematriation movements to urban gardening initiatives, discover how seeds play a pivotal role in reconnecting indigenous communities with their heritage.

 Planting Life 2023: Sowing and Preserving Native Seeds of Antiquity (3 of 6) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:06:58

After a beautiful introduction from Sensei Wendy Johnson, Roxanne Swentzell speaks to her traditions and how those traditions carry the knowledge and wisdom of her people and ancestors. She encourages us to see the patterns and connections that pervade the world from which we can learn.

 Planting Life 2023: Sowing and Preserving Native Seeds of Antiquity (2 of 6) | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:14:23

Porter begins by giving context to himself and his life in his native community, emphasizing the impact teachers of all kinds have had on his life, and on all our lives. Not just teachers in the classroom but our parents, ancestors, and the physical world around us. Porter also gives context to native people, the different tribes, traditions, languages, and customs which shaped and taught people from this land for generations before us.

 Coming Alongside | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 38:31

From his houseboat where he “rides the tides of life”, Frank Ostaseski bears his humanity and demonstrates how to tenderly and honestly meet another’s suffering. Frank offers no prescriptions. “I find that advice rarely helps. Better to do someone’s laundry or help them figure out their insurance forms.” When we come alongside one another, there is “no leader and follower, no helper and helped, no healer and healed. Just healing.” He challenges our assumptions that as Buddhist caregivers we need to offer Buddhist perspectives to help others see their true nature. “As the world of a person receiving caregiving changes, guidance for what to do needs to be based on their needs.” Instead of clinging to our learned roles and their predictability, we must build empathetic bridges by facing our own fears, our helplessness, and our strength. This is hard work and his reminder to us is simply “be humble, be humble.”

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