Dharma Talks are given by transmitted Zen or Buddhist teachers; Guest and Sangha Member Talks are given by senior students. Talks listed here are Dharma Talks unless otherwise noted. Please let us know if you have any problems viewing the video or listening to our audio! Email us at info@brightwayzen.org.

2026

How Do You Achieve Insight if You’re Just Sitting? – Domyo (6/14/2026)
If you want to follow the way of the Dharma ancestors, you must realize your true nature. Although our practice is “just sitting”, it is inseparable from our project of realization. What is this true nature that we must realize? What is the essence of Zazen? Just sitting is an ingenious method of opening ourselves up to reality without arousing dualistic striving. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

Ever Present Refuge: Dogen’s Thusness – Domyo (5/31/2026)
When we experience mental and emotional states of distress, what can we do? Through patient practice, we can relieve our own suffering by turning to the ever-present refuge of thusness, or suchness — when we discover and recognize the emptiness of all our perceptions. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

Buddha is Like an Old Growth Tree – Domyo (5/24/2026)
One’s practice and spiritual growth could be described as a “path”. However, by reframing our practice as one of fulfillment, maturation, and becoming more beautiful and beneficial with time (as old growth Douglas Fir trees do!) we can engage with this process in a new way, and realize our true potential. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

What Is This Life? – Domyo (5/17/2026)
Apart from life’s enjoyments, work, creativity, contributions, personality traits, talents, and intellectual pursuits – What is our deeper search about? In the context of the great matter of birth and death, those things are ultimately ephemeral and ungraspable. Without giving a single definitive answer, Zen practice encourages us and refocuses us toward the discovery of something more profound. Members of our beloved Sangha describe their own moments of closeness to this deeper truth. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

Joshu’s Welcome – Domyo (5/10/2026)
When faced with difficulties from minor to severe, from individual to universal – how can we respond without undue aversion, denial, or spiritual bypassing? Our practice can help us relate to and engage with our hardships in a different way, with greater authenticity, acceptance and equanimity. Those present share aspects of their own personal experiences. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

The Power of the Robe – Domyo (5/3/2026)
All of our various Zen garments: the Wagesa, the Rakusu, and the Kesa, correspond with different (entirely optional) sets of vows that can shape our lives. Domyo talks about the origin, appearance and meaning behind these items. Soki, who is considering priest ordination in our tradition, comments on her journey. (Link to video) (Link to podcast episode)

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What Jukai Means to Me – Kyugen (4/26/2026)
Kyugen relates his personal story of how he came to Bright Way Zen, and shares what it was like for him to receive the precepts in our Jukai ceremony and enter the stream of teachings in order to realize the Buddha way. He discusses the deep meaning behind this commitment to live and embody each of the precepts. A friendly conversation with Sangha members follows. Link to podcast episode

The Goal of Practice – Domyo (4/12/2026)
Sōtō Zen, among religions, uniquely presents as a path of practice. There are many different ways to manifest your Bodhisattva vows along this path at Bright Way Zen, which include: Jukai, Zaike Tokudo, Shuso, etc. This is, in a way, a koan of Sōtō Zen practice – if there is nothing to attain, and nothing to achieve, then why do there seem to be goals? Link to podcast episode

Dōgen’s Sansuikyo, Sutra of Mountains and Waters, Part 3 – Domyo (4/5/2026)
Domyo and Sangha continue the conversation about this fascinating Dōgen sutra, specifically section 2-2: East Mountains Walking in the Water. In the dream of Sansuikyo, what could be the meaning of “mountains”, “walking”, “sentient vs. insentient”, or “incomprehensibility as a false notion”? Link to podcast episode

Dōgen’s Sansuikyo, Sutra of Mountains and Waters, Part 2 – Domyo (3/29/2026)
Mountains walking, a stone woman giving birth in the night…what could these things mean? This sutra might be best read as poetry, or like a dream. Domyo and Sangha members continue reading from this fascicle and consider which passages resonate most for each of us. Link to podcast episode

Dōgen’s Sansuikyo, Sutra of Mountains and Waters, Part 1 – Domyo (3/22/2026)
Many of Dōgen writings (as well as other Ch’an and Zen writings), although poetic, can seem vague and obscure. However, they can communicate the truth deeply and be quite profound through study. Domyo and Sangha members begin to read from and discuss this fascicle and its meaning, getting through only the first paragraph! Link to podcast episode – Links to additional resources: Text of Sansuikyo ~ Text formatted as a booklet ~ Audio version of Dogen’s Sansuikyo – Mountains and Waters Sutra

An Overview of 2500 Years of Buddhist Texts in our Lineage – Domyo (3/15/2026)
Given the daunting volume and diversity of Buddhist texts available to read – where does one even begin? How does it all fit together and interrelate? Our teacher gives an overview of the major Buddhist sects (as illustrated in this complex and colorful lineage tree graphic) and by pointing out foundational sutras and key Soto Zen texts, to better orient and encourage us to study the Dharma. Link to podcast episode

Bearing Witness – Domyo (3/8/2026)
The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara/Kanzeon is beloved for their omniscient, compassionate awareness to the cries of the world. Keeping them in mind, Sangha members name aloud some of what we are bearing witness to in today’s world. How do we remain aware and open-hearted to the state of things, while staying committed to our Bodhisattva vow to liberate all beings? How can we bear witness even though there may be nothing we can do? Link to podcast episode

Enlivening Our Zazen – Domyo (3/1/2026)
Particularly in Soto Zen, our central practice of Shikantaza – just sitting – the method of no-method – can be challenging. How can we steer away from dullness, dreaminess, and scattered thoughts? Luckily there are many ways in which we can stay more engaged and wholehearted in our Zazen. Domyo and Sangha members share helpful thoughts, tips, and methods. Link to podcast episode

Buddha Meeting Buddha: Embracing Social Abundance – Domyo (2/22/2026)
Social relationships can be very challenging to our practice. It’s common for people to feel a sense of lack, rejection or inadequacy. How can we stay connected to one another and feel mutual acceptance and belonging? It starts with realizing everyone around you is suffering, and meeting them where they are – acknowledging their own inherent goodness and value, with a sense of responsibility and compassion for them as if they were our only child. When we adopt the attitudes of a Buddha, we transform ourselves and the world. Link to podcast episode

The Sandokai: Harmony of Difference and Sameness – Domyo (2/15/2026)
This chant is recited daily in Soto Zen monasteries and temples around the world – there are only a handful of Buddhist scriptures we honor in that way. Our teacher clarifies its meaning, line by line. Why is it so important? How does it relate to our Bodhisattva Vows? This teaching is about how relative and absolute aspects of reality aren’t really separate. Link to podcast episode

Building Beloved Community – Domyo (2/8/2026)
Based on finding a potential new Zendo property, plus the recently successful fundraising effort, Domyo describes our shared vision and the role of trust through the eyes of Dharma. Sangha members express their feelings of community support, connection and gratitude as we navigate toward owning a place where we can go – “where everybody knows your name.” Link to podcast episode

The One Who is Not Busy – Domyo (2/1/2026)
In a Koan from Hongzhi’s Book of Serenity, two Dharma brothers engage in a conversation. As one sweeps the ground, the other challenges him, observing: “Too Busy!” This feeling of “busyness” is a state that is relatable to many of us. In this talk, Sangha members share what characterizes busyness, and also what characterizes activity without a sense of busyness. How can we be still even in the midst of all of our commitments, activities, and challenges? Link to podcast episode

Transforming Fear – Domyo (1/25/2026)
Our teacher reads from Thich Nhat Hahn’s book “Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm” the conviction that transforming fear into fearlessness is possible through deeply acknowledging one’s fears and their sources. Domyo invites Sangha members to openly express what they are most afraid of, and then share what ideas and practices help ground them and give them strength. A generous and courageous discussion follows. Link to podcast episode

Returning to the Practice – Sangha member talk with Mick Stukes (1/18/2026)
Mick shares his challenges to keeping a committed and confident practice at home, and reads from the Shobogenzo Zuimonki. Are we “vessels of the Dharma” even in our perceived inadequacies or difficulties? Is the big “E” attainable even if we feel too small for it?  Dōgen’s radical idea is that practice and enlightenment are not separate. It’s when we return to this place, here and now, and simply do our practice that we can find that thing that we’re looking for.  Link to podcast episode

Zazen as the Ultimate Self-Care – Domyo (1/11/2026)
Self-care can be defined as regenerative activity, free from a sense of entitlement, that supports healthy functioning. In this context, does Zazen qualify as “self-care”? What can Zazen do for us, and what is its true purpose? Link to podcast episode

How Buddhist is Zen? – Domyo (1/4/2026)
David Hinton makes the following argument in his book “China Root: On Taoism, Ch’an, and Original Zen” – that when Buddhism arrived in China it was fundamentally reinterpreted and reshaped by Taoist thought, and then the resulting amalgam of Ch’an, or Zen, was so transformed by Taoism that it became scarcely recognizable as Buddhism at all. Our guiding teacher explores this idea in the context of how original Buddhist teachings combined with Mahayana features (such as inherent Buddha nature, interdependence, thusness, “sudden” realization, and radical nondualism) to manifest as the Ch’an or Zen that we recognize. A lively discussion follows. Link to podcast episode

2025

Making Relaxation a Zen Practice – Domyo (12/21/2025)
In many ways, Zen practice takes effort: paying attention, regularly sitting zazen, following the precepts, etc. Then, at certain times in our lives, we’re asked to relax. What is our practice then? Ironically, true relaxation can be difficult, but also very important for our overall practice. We explore this topic together, just in time for the holidays.

Nothing Special: Ordinary Mind is the Way – Sangha Member Talk with James Gregg (12/14/2025)
Our shared practice can sometimes seem grandiose and enigmatic, accessible only to those with advanced spiritual attainments and abilities. The beauty of Zen, though, is that it is completely ordinary, available to everyone, everywhere, all the time. How can we let go of our clouded views and turn our attention to this ordinary mind? How can we accept – as Dōgen says – that “going forward is, after all, an everyday affair?” In this discussion, we explore the reasons why it can be hard to accept that our defilements and our Buddhanature are one.

The Importance of Sesshin – Domyo (12/7/2025)
As Rohatsu Sesshin begins for many Zen Buddhists all over the world, our teacher discusses Sesshin (a silent multi-day residential retreat), addresses the challenges, and describes why it’s important and central to Zen practice.

When Meditation is Not Enough – Domyo (11/30/2025)
Inspired by the regretful story of a dedicated monk who carried significant trauma, but was then instructed by his teacher to “snap out of it –  you know how to meditate!”, Domyo advises that Zazen and formal Buddhist practices can’t completely heal every wound, nor address all different kinds of psychological challenges alone. Three types are outlined, (trauma, attachment wounding, and narcissistic wounding) and we discuss aspects of our practice which can help create a Sangha environment of mutual awareness and care.

Your Original Face – Sangha member talk with Greg Kulik (11/23/2025)
The face is a reflection of the self in numerous ways. It conveys so much of who we are: our emotions, our history, our trauma, the prejudices we’ve experienced, our karma, our ancestry, our heritage, our age. Please bring your face and a willingness to know it more intimately as we discuss the myriad ways the image of the face comes up in our tradition.

Every Day is a Good Day – Domyo (11/16/2025)
When considering this classic Koan from the Blue Cliff Record, we might wonder, “Well, is today a good day? What is a good day, anyway?” Current research in evolutionary psychology suggests that the human mind might have a built in tendency toward negativity – and some of us might be even more naturally prone to depressive states to begin with. Regardless of our bias, most of us will experience darker moods once in awhile. If so, how can we aspire to live as if every day is a good day, no matter what?

Questions and Answers – Domyo (11/2/2025)
How can I creatively build a Zazen practice into the structure of my days? What can I do to be more wholly present and aware in my everyday activities of life? What’s a good text to start with to study Dōgen? How do you cultivate non-attachment to those things you strongly desire? Domyo addresses these topics, and more, during this open conversation.

Self Power and Other Power – Domyo (10/26/2025)
It is said that Zen and Pure Land Mahayana Buddhist traditions are like two ends of a tunnel – enter through one and exit through the other (in either direction!) Zen is generally regarded as being more self-powered through zazen and koans, (jiriki), whereas in Pure Land, devotional practices to Amida Buddha and Kanzeon are other-powered (tariki.) Domyo explores the distinction: how can “self powered” and “other powered” Buddhist practices relate, intersect, and inform our own practice?

Mind Itself is Buddha – Domyo (10/19/2025)
Today we consider this Dōgen fascicle from the translated Shōbōgenzō: “Just this mind itself is Buddha.” Our teacher encourages us to investigate Dōgen’s rearranging and reconfiguring the order of the characters in this phrase, ( 即心是佛 ) and to engage the question: If the heart/mind is already Buddha, what use is there to study further? Why does it matter?

A Time For Everything – Domyo (10/12/2025)
Cognitive dissonance is an inevitable part of being human. The contrasts between suffering and ease can be jarring and lead to a sense of deep dividedness. How can we face this? Beyond fundamentally accepting what is, we can also realize that there is a time for everything:
A time for selfless contemplation, and a time for giving freely of self –
A time for letting go of discrimination, and a time for moral discernment –
A time for being fully present in simple restorative activity, and a time for concrete Bodhisattva service to other beings in the world.

The Bahiya Sutra – Jinryu (10/5/2025)
The Bahiya Sutra is short, and the Buddha’s teaching contained within it is even shorter. But the teaching speaks volumes about key themes the Buddha left us to wrestle with. Maybe you’ll see why Jinyru calls it the Buddha’s “Elevator Pitch”…

Formal Positions and Roles in Zen – Domyo (9/28/2025)
Within the Sangha, why do we have special roles, hierarchy and structure? Our lineage tradition has decided, with much careful reflection, that the benefits of formal positions have value that outweighs the potential drawbacks. Domyo describes some of these roles (including that of Shuso, or head seat) in terms of commitment, levels of participation, and purpose.

Love Your Enemies – Domyo (9/21/2025)
All the major religions and many of the most influential people in history (Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, Nelson Mandela) emphasized the importance of including even your enemies in your sphere of love. What does this really mean when your enemies hate you and are persecuting the vulnerable? What does this really mean when you are filled with fear and anger, and feel the need to protect what is good and right? An open, honest discussion follows.

The Zen Response to Suffering and Injustice – Domyo (9/14/2025)
During these troubled times in our country and our world, our hearts are moved toward compassion for those harmed. As Zen Buddhists, how can we then respond? There are two simultaneous, essential approaches: freeing ourselves from dualism, and fulfilling our Bodhisattva Vow to free all beings. Our practice is to keep exploring the ways in which these paths are neither opposed, nor separate.

Hinayana and Mahayana: Two Aspects of Our Practice – Domyo (9/7/2025)
Although Hinayana literally translates as “small vehicle”, it is not lesser than or in opposition to the Mahayana, or “great vehicle”. Rather, Zen can be engaged with in a way that includes both Hinayana and Mahayana aspects. Our teacher clarifies these two complementary facets of our practice, and how both sides can balance and enhance the other.

Sangha Voices ~ In August, Domyo goes on sabbatical and talks are given by Sangha members.

Practicing With a Body – Sangha member talk with Leah Jay (8/31/2025)
Do you have a body? If so, let’s talk about how we can embrace a fulfilling Zen practice with this “pivotal opportunity of human form” in all of its fraught, fragile, painful, sick, impermanent, and imperfect glory. 

Shunryu Suzuki’s Becoming Yourself – Sangha nember talk with Coral West (2025-08-26)
This discussion covers a chapter of the new book by Shunryu Suzuki, Becoming Yourself. This book affirms that the central practice of Zen is to become truly ourselves. It encourages us to see how this seemingly simple invitation to “just be yourself” is actually the complete path of Zen practice and abides naturally within the precepts. The chapter that is discussed is called, “Taking Care of Yourself”.

My Teacher, Fear – Sangha member talk with Yuka (8/24/25)
Fear has been a constant in my life. As a child I was afraid of my mother and when I left home, fear followed me. Needless to say, this has been a large source of suffering for me. My reaction to fear is to freeze – I cannot act – I cannot think. It is only recently that I have been able to really look at my fear when it is upon me. What I have learned is that by keeping fear close, making fear my friend, I have been able to learn from it. What has been your teacher?

The Artist is Present: Zen, Art and Creation – Sangha nember talk with Greg Kulik (2025-08-19)
In his book, The Eight Gates of Zen: A Program of Zen Training, John Daido Loori discussed 8 gates of Zen practice we can enter in order to more fully realize the inherent Buddha nature that permeates us and everything around us. This talk focuses on the sixth of these gates, art practice.  By integrating the arts into our everyday lay practice, we are emulating an approach taken by Zen monastics going back centuries. During this talk, we examine the 7 characteristics of Zen aesthetics proposed by Kazuaki Tanahashi by viewing examples of both traditional Zen and contemporary western art, in order to guide us in our realization of the emptiness of artist, art and audience.

Not Losing Sight of the True Dharma – Sangha member talk with Jinryu (8/17/2025)
This talk is based on the fifth chapter of the book The Roots of Goodness by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, translated by Daitsu Tom Wright. What is meant by the true dharma? Is it possible that in the meandering style of Uchiyama Roshi’s commentary on Dogen’s last fascicle, there’s an antidote to the chaotic life we find ourselves in today? 

Cloudy with a Chance of Enlightenment – Neither Monk, nor Lay, Neither Here Nor There – Sangha member talk with Tyler Roach (2025-08-12)
In this talk Tyler discusses his Zen practice as a Cloud Sangha member focusing on a period of shift in the Winter where he noticed his motivation for practice decreased coupled with increased feelings of spiritual isolation. Through the talk he engages with Zen themes of attachment, practice enlightenment, Interbeing and Interconnectedness with all living things, solitude, Sangha, and finding our path right where we are. 

Women in Soto Zen History – Sangha member talk with Ellen Tea (8/10/2025)
Are women in the 21st century subject to the same obstacles that might have limited commitment to Zen practice in the past? Our discussion will be based on the books IN THIS BODY, IN THIS LIFETIME and WOMEN OF THE WAY to gain perspective on whether cultural restrictions based on the traditional gender binary in both Japan and America persist or have lessened. 

Zen and Quantum Physics – Sangha member talk with Mick Stukes – (2025-08-05)

Practicing with Privilege : The Four Embracing Actions – Sangha member talk with James Gregg (8/3/2025)
The word “privilege” has been at the forefront of public discourse for a number of years. And in that time, it has gotten a reputation for being somewhat of a “dirty word.” But what if we can recognize our own inherent privilege – in whatever form it takes – and transform it into bodhisattva action?  In this talk, James discusses Buddhism’s origins in privilege, and how through the “Four Embracing Actions” we can use it to help alleviate the suffering of the world.

The Dharma of Family – Domyo (7/20/2025)
Can our family ties allow us insight into the true nature of self and the Dharma?  If so, how?  Domyo and Sangha describe and discuss not only the challenges, but also the opportunities that can emerge from exploring these relationships more deeply. 

What Would A Buddha Do? – Domyo (7/13/2025)
Practice isn’t just zazen, study, or Sangha participation. Our effort to awaken to, and accord with, Reality-with-a-Capital-R is something we can do every single moment of life. One way to make practice relevant no matter what you’re doing is to ask, “What would [a] Buddha do?” It doesn’t matter whether there have ever been perfectly enlightened Buddhas – the ideal resonates within our hearts, and it’s generally pretty easy to answer this question. Then we can use that answer to investigate our own minds. 

Bearing Witness During Challenging Times – Domyo (7/6/2025)
Our teacher takes some time to bear witness to the current political situation in the U.S., and invites us to join her. As Zen practitioners, we know the best way to deal with suffering is to face it directly. Thankfully, practice gives us the tools to not be overwhelmed by these challenges, and to respond in a centered, balanced and authentic way. Sangha members share their responses and thoughts. 

How Often to Sit Zazen, and How Practice Relates to Other Interests – Domyo (6/29/2025)
Today our teacher answers a couple of questions submitted by Sangha members. How often and how long should we be sitting?  What hobbies, fields, or disciplines can compliment or inform your Zen practice? 

Practice is How You Do Everything, Moment By Moment – Domyo (6/22/2025)
For most of us, formal Zen practice only takes up a small fraction of our time. But what about the rest of the time, when we’re cooking, cleaning, and engaging in the various mundane activities of life? Domyo relates some ways we can pay closer attention and care, be more mindful, and manifest our practice wholeheartedly, in each moment. 

Truths You Can Rely On in Times of Trouble – Domyo (6/15/2025)
Domyo describes some fundamental truths we can rely on, take refuge in, build our lives around, and take inspiration from — no matter what happens in the world.

The Treasure of Sangha – Domyo (6/8/2025)
The Bright Way Zen congregation and community is an example of the Sangha treasure, one of the three treasures of Zen Buddhism. What is “Sangha” really? What do we want it to be? How can we nurture and take refuge in Sangha as central to our practice? Staying connected with each other in the context of our shared values, no matter what, can support, engage, and inspire us along the path. 

Denkoroku: The Seventh Ancestor, Vasumitra – Domyo (5/25/2025)
This Sunday’s talk is about Keizan’s seventh chapter of the Denkoroku, in which Vasumitra places a wine vessel before his teacher Mishaka. Finding our way into this story together, Domyo guides us to explore the symbolism and deeper meaning within. 

Within a Dream, Expressing the Dream – Guest talk with Shin’ei Alison Brown (5/18/2025)
The dream before reality, the nightmare before tragedy, fright before the monster, nausea before the fall. The world is a dream, imagined. The power of the archetype is numinous, suggestive; it hints, and alludes yet can never be thoroughly known. Archetypes lift us out of the limited space of brute, merely personal reality, encouraging the difficult inner work, encouraging a renewed relationship with the 10,000 beautiful things and…to bring great happiness. 

Bad Zazen – Domyo (5/11/2025)
What is “bad” zazen, anyway?  What do we do about it? Zazen seems simple according to instructions…but as we know, it’s not always easy to engage with the practice perfectly, or sometimes even at all. Hopefully, through vow, intention, aspiration, and increased familiarity with true Shikantaza, over time we can open ourselves to the peace, clarity and joyful ease….of good Zazen! 

One Foot in Each Reality – Domyo (5/4/2025)
During troubled and uncertain times, we can easily feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and powerless. It can be scary to face how we feel — but doing so can enliven us, awaken our compassion, and motivate us to practice. Fortunately, as part of our practice, the Bodhisattva Vow turns us not only toward saving beings in this world, but also toward the integration of the two truths in both the dependent and independent dimensions. As aspiring Bodhisattvas, we can stand balanced and grounded — in both.

Lectio Divina and Shantideva’s Bodhisattva Vow – Sangha member talk with Linda Brown (4/27/25)
Linda introduces us to “Lectio Divina” (“divine reading”) – a Christian monastic practice that has been around since the 12th century. Applying Lectio Divina to Shantideva’s Bodhisattva Vow, she guides us through this deep, resonant, and contemplative practice.

Guilty? Pleasures: Buddhist Practice, Renunciation, and Embracing this Life – Domyo (4/20/2025)
Zen tradition encourages living a life of renunciation, and setting aside our desires and various worldly attachments. We could figure this is advice is for other people, not ourselves. Sure, the truly renunciate path is still available in this world, with rewards that make the sacrifice more than worth it. Why then do the majority of us walk the “dusty path” of staying home to accomplish the way? The Bodhisattva ideal shows a value in, to some extent, postponing our own awakening by engaging in the world. If we trust there is a reason for our own practice field to be what it is, we can walk our own path without guilt. 

Questions and Answers – Domyo (4/13/2025)
Some topics addressed on this “open Q & A” Sunday included: What to focus on when you’re new to Zen, what it truly means to let go of attachment, who is Dogen and why his writings are important, and the role of chanting in our practice.

Devotion in Zen – Domyo (4/6/2025)
On this Sunday after the Vesak ceremony, Domyo reflects on the devotional aspects of our Zen Buddhist practice. Why pour sweet tea over a statue’s head, or light candles and incense on an altar? Through such acts of devotion, we not only express our gratitude for tradition and the lineage — we can also acknowledge, surrender, and open ourselves up to what is most true.

Denkoroku: The Sixth Ancestor, Mishaka – Domyo (3/30/2025)
Our teacher describes Keizan’s sixth chapter of the Denkoroku and explains its meaning. Like Mishaka, should we think to command special powers of wizardry to affect the world, or ourselves? Zen practice is not about cultivating powers. At a deeper level it becomes the actualization of reality, itself — beyond differentiation and finite perception to the infinite ocean beyond our knowing. 

The Three Ways of Giving – Sangha member talk with Coral West (3/23/2025)
In the ancient Buddhist teaching called “The Three Ways of Giving” there are three traditional gifts: amisa-dana (the material gift), dhamma-dana (the spiritual gift), and abhaya-dana (the gift of fearlessness). The most virtuous type of giving, the gift of fearlessness, is to protect the emotional and physical well being of others. Generosity, or dana, is the gateway to the bodhisattva path and the first of six perfections. Coral begins by discussing abhaya-dana and her practice with it, followed by an open discussion. 

Questions and Answers – Domyo (3/16/2025)
Domyo addresses issues and topics raised by Sangha members, such as: how to work with attachment and self-attachment in our close relationships, approaches to judgement of our experiences and preferences, and how our practice can help us navigate others’ polarized and challenging world views from an authentic and grounded center. 

Questions and Answers – Domyo (3/9/2025)
Our teacher answers questions posed by Sangha members, such as: What is the significance of the texts and chants that appear in our chant book? How does the Gatha of Atonement apply to both harming oneself and harming others? 

The Power of Equanimity – Domyo (3/2/2025)
What is equanimity in a Buddhist sense? Maintaining this composure and even-mindedness can be hard to come by, particularly in distressing, threatening, or challenging conditions. Our teacher explains how to cultivate true equanimity, and why it’s important to develop it as a Bodhisattva response to the state of our world.

Avoiding The Second Arrow: Meeting Life Where It Is – Sangha member talk with James Gregg (2/23/2025)
We all know the drill – something bad happens, and it hurts. And as if that isn’t enough, in response to that pain, we add more suffering in the form of anger, sadness, anxiety, etc. In the Pali Canon this is referred to as “a second arrow” that we inflict on ourselves. In this discussion James shares his thoughts on why we seem to have a quiver full of “second arrows” and what the Buddha had to say about avoiding them.

Connecting With The Ineffable – Domyo (2/16/2025)
Is Zen Buddhism more than an effective and insightful self-improvement project? Is there greater relevance beyond our own personal practice? Why does our intuition tell us that there is something more?  Marking the completion of Domyo’s tenth and final chapter of her book-in-progress, the Ten Fields of Zen Practice, she addresses the topic of the ineffable — that aspect of existence that is indefinable and beyond explanation. The wisdom of the Zen tradition offers a non-theistic, apophatic, poetic and experiential approach to the ineffable. Beyond knowing and not-knowing, we can awaken to that something more that we are already a part of…a glorious and peaceful, mysterious joy.

Cloud Formations Guide, Part 3 – Sangha member talk with Greg Kulik (2/9/2025)
Sangha member Greg gives a final talk through his short publication, Cloud Formations: A Guide to Making the Most of Zen Forms at Home and in the Cloud Zendo. He shares some of his personal background and thoughts, gives a description of what comprises a home altar (with examples), and touches upon the section “A Model of a Formal Day-to-day Zen Practice”. 

Cloud Formations Guide, Part 2 – Sangha member talk with Greg Kulik (2/2/2025)
Sangha member Greg Kulik continues an overview of Cloud Formations: A Guide to Making the Most of Zen Forms at Home and in the Cloud Zendo. Greg covers the chapter “Common Physical Forms and Examples of When They are Used”, and a discussion follows. 

Cloud Formations Guide, Part 1 – Sangha member talk with Greg Kulik (1/26/2025)
For this Sunday’s talk, Sangha member Greg introduces Cloud Formations: A Guide to Making the Most of Zen Forms at Home and in the Cloud Zendo. This talk and this document are intended to help all members of the Sangha to better become ordained into their lives while additionally allowing us to experience interbeing. This happens through the harmony of engaging in the Zen forms together as one entity made up of multiple individuals across numerous locations and platforms. 

Fearlessness – Domyo (1/29/2025)
From Thich Nhat Hanh: “Fearlessness is not only possible, it is the ultimate joy.” Great! Then how can we reach this joyous, fearless state? A deeper understanding of the absolute – the independent dimension – or Reality with a capital “R” – can offer freedom and liberation from fear regardless of circumstances. Said another way: our practice can ground us in unconditional fearlessness. 

Denkoroku: The Fifth Ancestor, Daitaka – Domyo (1/12/2025)
If you were Daitaka, your teacher Upagupta might ask you – “Do you want to enact and embody the Dharma literally and physically, or do you want to awaken personally to the deeper truths?” Well, ideally, we might ask for both. But perhaps, the answer is neither. The central message of this case is  to respond from the mind-ground, as opposed to intellectual knowledge alone. Since “the one who goes forth is the self of no-self”, Upagupta’s teaching is ultimately pointing toward our bodhicitta – the mind that seeks the way. 

The Tricky Practice of Vow: Differentiating Aspiration from Dissatisfaction – Domyo (1/5/2025)
Vow is central to Buddhist practice. However, our relationship to our vows can be challenging. In practice, we can aim for balance. Exploring the potential dukkha underlying your aspirations, embracing self-acceptance, as well as just starting small and being creative, can help bring us into a closer, more skillful, and more peaceful alignment with our truest vows.

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