Opening the Hand of Thought (Chapter 4)

Continuing the dharma seminar on Kosho Uchiyama's writing, Kakuko Kaye Simard describes intensive practice, shikantaza, and  how sesshin is an opportunity to sink firmly and nobly into our bones.

Opening the Hand of Thought (Chapter 3)

Dai-i Flo Rublee continues our dharma seminar on Uchiyama Roshi's wonderful book. Chapter three is an exploration of how to wake-up to zazen and see our thoughts, desires, and delusions as the scenery of life. 

Opening the Hand of Thought (Chapter 2)

In part three of this dharma seminar on Kosho Uchiyama's writing, Daikan offers thoughts on zazen and what it means to open a space between the conscious mind and the universal self.

Opening the Hand of Thought (Chapter 1)

Mayne Island resident and longtime MRZC practice leader Jikai Vicki Turay continues our exploration of Opening the Hand of Thought by Japanese Zen teacher Kosho Uchiyama Roshi. She dives into Uchiyama's discourse on the cultivation of sweet persimmons, how Buddhist practice can manifest and flourish in the West, and how the practice of zazen helps us awaken to our universal nature.

Opening the Hand of Thought (Intro)

“Zazen is precisely the posture of sitting in the sphere of absolute peace of mind that is like the big sky in which the many clouds of thoughts come and go.” (Kōshō Uchiyama)

Shinmon Michael Newton introduces Opening the Hand of Thought by twentieth century Japanese Zen teacher Kosho Uchiyama Roshi.

This is the first of a ten week dharma seminar with MRZC guiding teachers and practice leaders. Uchiyama’s teachings are accessible, down-to-earth, wise and humorous.  He was a student of Kodo Sawaki Roshi ("Homeless Kodo"), and the teacher of Shohaku Okumura Roshi, Kate and Michael's first Soto Zen teacher in Japan. If you have the book you are welcome to follow along, but advance reading is not necessary. 

Zen Poetry through the Ages Part 6/6: Contemporary Poets

Last of a six-week Wednesday dharma seminar series with MRZC Guiding Teacher Myoshin Kate McCandless. What is zen poetry today in North America? How can we make zen poetry of everything?

Zen Poetry through the Ages Part 5/6: The Beat Poets

The Beat Poets: Part 5 of a six-week Wednesday dharma seminar series with MRZC Guiding Teacher Myoshin Kate McCandless. 

Zen Poetry through the Ages Part 4/6: Chinese and Japanese Women Poets

Chinese and Japanese Women Poets: Part 4 of a six-week Wednesday dharma seminar series with MRZC Guiding Teacher Myoshin Kate McCandless.