2019-07

July 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Building a House and the Four Seals"

Rev. Sekishi's talk on Building a House and the Four Seals: the four characteristics (or "seals") are sometimes seen as a sort of "litmus test" to see if a teaching reflects true Buddha Dharma. But they can also be viewed as part of the core teachings of Buddhism: All compounded things are impermanent All emotions are Dukkha All phenomena are empty; they are without inherent (or "self") existence Nirvana is beyond extremes / concepts / description Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:July 5th-6th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - featuring Sekishi ! »

June 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Bodhidharma's Outline of Practice"

Rev. Kyonin's talk on the Outline of Practice of Master Bodhidharma (also known as the Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices/ 二入四行論) (Translated by Red Pine) MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:June 7th-8th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - featuring Kyonin! »

May 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "Vesak and the Buddha's Birthday"

Today's Talk is by Rev. Shokai, who will speaks on Vesak and the Buddha's Birthday. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:May 3rd-4th, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - featuring Shokai! »

March 2019 Zazenkai Talk - "IN THE NEWS!"

Today's Talk will look at a variety of STORIES and ISSUES IN THE NEWS today. Recently, there has been much discussion in the Buddhist world about "leaving politics at the door" of the Buddhist Sangha, where we encounter a way beyond opinions and debates. Generally, I very much agree. Zazen is beyond "right left and middle," and points to something beyond mere worldly concerns. However, I also believe that Buddhist teachings and values do guide us in certain directions in daily life, and toward certain outlooks and behavior, that must impact how we approach some social issues and stories in the news. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:March 1st-2nd, 2019 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI! - IN THE NEWS! »