Different Ways of Expressing What it is to be Human

Myoshin Kate McCandless gives a dharma talk on one of humanity's great koans: gender. Can we release our fixed views on identity? 

Absolute Compassion (Training in Compassion - Chapter 2)

Myosen River Shannon continues the Dharma Seminar on Zoketsu Norman Fischer’s Training in Compassion.

How does caring for ourselves help us care for others? How do we not hide behind the dream-like quality of the absolute?

A ZED talk for Earth Day

Zen Engaged Dharma (ZED) talk by Kokai Michael Drebert on Gardening and the Wild.

ZED talks are informal talks by sangha members on how they take their practice into the world, and how their practice supports doing so.

Resolve to Begin (Training in Compassion - Chapter 1)

Shinmon Michael Newton gives the first talk in our new Dharma Seminar on Zoketsu Norman Fischer’s Training in Compassion, where we will explore the practice of Lojong.

The first slogan, “Train in the preliminaries,” strengthens our resolve to practice and invites us to reflect deeply, whether we are an experienced practitioner or just beginning.

Following the Precepts

Shinmon Michael Newton outlines how taking the bodhisattva vows reduces suffering and can help cultivate dignified presence.

Heart of Compassion : The Teachings of Tonglen

Tonglen, a Tibetan Buddhist compassion practice, means taking in and sending. We take in suffering and send out light, ease and healing. 

Myoshin Kate McCandless, has learned this powerful practice from two American teachers of Tibetan Buddhism and shares a step-step sequence to develop the capacity for deep compassion for oneself and others.  

The following is the approximate timing. Please feel free to pause the recording if you need more time between each section. 

Welcome

(2:10) Avalokiteshvara meditation 

(19:00) Ultimate/relative bodhicitta  

(58:00) Four immeasurables meditation

(1.14:30) Tonglen

(1.29:00) Tonglen for world  

(1.43:00) everyday Tonglen

Notes can be found HERE

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A full archive of recorded teachings going back over ten years is free and accessible on our website.

For questions and comments, contact podcast@mountainrainzen.org.

Everyday Zen (9/9): Service

Shinmon Michael Newton gives the last talk in our Dharma Seminar on Charlotte Joko Beck's Everyday Zen - Love and Work, offering further insight into a formidable zen teacher. 

What would it be like to live a life of no exchange?

Religion's Relevance to Contemporary Society

Mysoshin Kate McCandless emphasizes that religions can not only provide solace and inspiration, but also need to reckon with harms done in the name of "god".