Village Zendo Talks

In the last talk of Dai Sesshin, Roshi brings out the main points covered by all the speakers, why the empty field supports us.

Ryotan offers a graceful appreciation of Hongzhi’s indeterminacy through the koan of Chimen and the Oyster Swallowing the Bright Moon.

Myoko contrasts our ‘self-correcting’ mind with our mind that can be present to whatever arises. With the power of samadhi, we experience ourselves in a different way.

Oshin gives encouraging words for our practice of zazen - from Hongzhi, from the field, from a rug being beaten.

Tokuyu remembers the last “blue moon” eleven years ago and offers a teaching on Softness, Dharma and La Strada.

Soshin encourages to honestly experience our practice, with true sincerity.

Shinryu includes Hongzhi, Dogen, and DaHui in his talk that actually is about each of us and our sense of our selves, and our true nature.

Roshi introduces the sesshin mind, on the first day of the ten day sesshin. “I almost don’t lose myself.”

Jiryu describes his experience on a recent Street Retreat in New York City.

Shinryu Sensei gives an unusual teaching on zazen, on zen meditation and how it works.

Roshi continues her teachings on Samadhi, this time exploring the innocent, joyous, baby-like qualities.

Myoko reminds us of the power and helpfulness of ‘turning in’ in the midst of activity. She encourages us to use our ango practice for the good of the community, and the world.

Soshin offers a deep teaching on the power of recognizing our lives and the wisdom of our practice.

Roshi invokes the qualities we associate with fatherhood , the day before Fathers’ Day, to help us see the virtues of form rigor and accountability in our zazen practice.

Issho Fujita, Director of the International Division of Soto-shu Japan, offers encouraging words on Zazen.