Practice of the Wild (M&W 2025 sesshin day 4)

Shinmon Michael Newton draws on Gary Snyder’s essay “Good, Wild, Sacred” to consider the notion of the wild both within us and around us.

Practice of the Wild (M&W 2025 sesshin day 3)

Myoshin Kate McCandless explores living and practicing in place through Gary Snyder’s essay “The Place, the Region, and the Commons.”

Practice of the Wild (M&W 2025 sesshin day 2)

In this talk, Shinmon Michael Newton discusses Gary Snyder’s essay “Blue Mountains Constantly Walking” and explores how the idea of the mountain can be expressed in our practice. 

Practice of the Wild (M&W 2025 sesshin day 1)

Myoshin Kate McCandless introduces the theme of this years MRZC Mountains and Waters sesshin - The Practice of the Wild. Through the writing of Gary Snyder, in particular the essay “The Etiquette of Freedom,” the talk explores our practice in relation to nature, wilderness and the wild.

Note: we apologize for the audio issues in the first few minutes of the talk

Dialogues in a Dream - To Be in the Garden

Myoshin Kate McCandless gives the last talk in the dharma seminar on Musō Soseki’s writing.

“I am seeking nothing special. Even for my guests I have nothing to offer except these white stones and this clear spring water.”

To Acknowledge and Renew - Fusatsu

Shinmon Michael Newton offers an exploration of Fusatsu (the full moon ccremony) - when sangha members have the opportunity to refresh and renew their relationship to the 16 boddhisatva precepts.

Dialogues in a Dream - What is Your Relationship to the World?

“Through desire we invite birth, through aversion we receive death.”

Shinmon Michael Newton continues the Wednesday evening seminar on Muso Soseki’s Dialogues in a Dream.

Zen Mind, Baby Mind

Myoshin Kate McCandless offers teachings and perspectives on the dharma and babies, in advance of a welcoming ceremony for baby Callum.