MN Zen Meditation Center: Sunday Talks

Talk given by Ben Connelly. In the shade of two trees and the hanging green of the cliffs One lamp for a thousand years broke open the dark barriers I too now realize that phenomena are nothing but a magic show And happily grow old among the mist, the rivers, and the stones. - Miaozhan (13th Century Chinese nun)

Talk given by Bussho Lahn. A patch-robed monk's authentic task is to practice the essence, in each minute event carefully discerning the shining source, radiant without discrimination, one color unstained. You must keep turning inwards, then the source is apprehended. This is called being able to continue the family business. Do not wear the changing fashions; transcend the duality of light and shadow. Accordingly the ancestors' single trail is marvelously embodied... The reeds blossom under the bright moon; the ancient ferryboat begins its passage; the jade thread fits into the golden needle. Then the opportunity arises to turn around, enter the world, and respond to conditions. All dusts are entirely yours; all dharmas are not someone else's. - Hongzhi (1091 - 1157) Practice Instructions

Talk given by Ted O'Toole. Until All of Us Are Free, None of Us Are Free - Sign at Fort Sill Protest At ceremonies like this, we recall how those who came before us make us who we are. We make present those absent. And in so doing, recognize how our lives are interlinked with the past, that we are not alone, connected in community with the vast web of existence. Our own liberation co-arising with the liberation of all beings. -Duncan Williams

Talk given by Tim Burkett. Mirror, Shen Hui, 8th Century: The body is the Bodhi tree The mind a mirror bright Be careful to wipe it clean And let no dust alight No Mirror, Hui Neng, 8th century: The body is not the Bodhi tree Nor the mind a mirror bright Since no thing exists Where can dust alight? Shattered Mirror, Dogen, 13th century: To what shall I liken the world? Moonlight, reflected in dewdrops, Shaken from a crane's bill.

Talk given by Andrea Martin. If you continue to practice, finally you see the realm of real reality, where life is going like the flow of a stream and all beings are walking together, hand in hand, in peace and harmony. You feel your own human warmth and compassion, and you can deal with everyday life kindly, softly, and gently. Yes, it is possible! So when you are ready, jump in and join that flow of life as a buddha. You will find a very simple life where you can make an art of the flow of life. - From The Light That Shines Through Infinity by Dainin Katagiri

Talk given by Rosemary Taylor. And now as long as space endures, As long as there are beings to be found, May I continue likewise to remain To drive away the sorrows of the world. - Shantideva

Talk given by Kyoko Katayama. Kyoko Katayama has recently retired as a psychotherapist after over 35 years of service. She has been a student of dharma since 1999, practicing mostly at Common Ground Meditation Center. The experience of initially companioning her husband's last year of life stirred and awakened her to deeply inquire about life, death, and love. She teaches a 6 weeks long class, Befriending Death: Meeting Impermanence with Courage, Love, and Equanimity, at Common Ground. In 2017 she published Wings Above the Sea: A Story and Images of Loss and Transformation.

Talk given by Pamela Ayo Yetunde. Sunday Talks from the Zen Meditation Center on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, MN. Donations appreciated at MnZenCenter.org.

Talk given by Ted O'Toole. When the World-Honored One was walking with his assembly, he pointed to the ground with his hand and said, "This place is good for building a temple." Indra took a stalk of grass and stuck it in the ground and said, "The temple has been built." The World-Honored One smiled.

Talk given by Ben Connelly. When leaves fall,one knows autumn has come Now is the time for me to return to the source Ha, ha ha! Footloose and fancy free, that's me! - Zen nun Yikui in 1679

Talk given by Tim Burkett. Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, won't you join the dance? Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, won't you join the dance?

Talk given by Ted O'Toole. Sunday Talks from the Zen Meditation Center on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, MN. Donations appreciated at MnZenCenter.org.

Talk given by Tim Burkett. Body Faith (transformed into wisdom) 1. understanding 2. intention/aspiration/vow Two Legs Ethical behavior 3.speech 4. action 5. livelihood Meditation 6.effort 7.mindfulness (vipassana) 8. concentration (shamatha)

Talk given by Bussho Lahn. If you bring forth that which is within you, Then that which is within you Will be your salvation. If you do not bring forth that which is within you, Then that which is within you Will destroy you. -The Gospel of Thomas, Logion 70

Talk given by Tim Burkett. Shoshaku jushaku means: to succeed wrong with wrong, or: one continuous mistake. A Zen master's life could be said to be so many years of shoshaku jushaku. This means so many years of one single-minded effort. -Suzuki Roshi