Zen Wisdom for Your Everyday Life
315 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsSo many are saying Where is God when I need him? Especially today. Many feel deserted and alone. But it is only that we have been looking in the wrong direction, searching everywhere but at home. The surprising answer to the question tells us instead, that all we need is right here with us in our everyday life. In fact it is right at the kitchen table. It is only that we have been looking elsewhere, searching all around. These episodes offer specific ways in which we can encounter God, fulfillment, enlightenment right here in our daily lives, wherever we go.
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Episodes
Who Is The One Who Walks Alone?
May 14, 2019 14:00 - 19 minutes - 8.84 MBMany of us have a dread of being alone, not wanted or included. We live our lives to fit in, gain praise and approval. But living this way something is missing. The One who walks alone does not live an imitation life. He/She is able to live the life given to them, in his own footsteps, expressing his true nature.
Koans: The Place Where Reality Is Revealed
May 07, 2019 14:00 - 18 minutes - 8.3 MBWe usually think we are living in Reality and all is stable and safe. But when sudden change comes and our anchors are swept away, this is a precious moment. A larger view of Reality is revealed, and what is possible. Koan practice is the same. Find out how we can open our lives to all we are meant to be.
Cut The Leaning, Depending Mind
April 30, 2019 13:00 - 20 minutes - 9.45 MBWe all cling to something, depend upon it to keep us strong and secure. But change is inevitable, and when it happens, many feel lost. Find out how to let go of the leaning, depending mind and remain, strong, balanced and resourceful no matter what is going on.
LET A LONG BREATH BE LONG, A SHORT BREATH BE SHORT
April 23, 2019 12:00 - 19 minutes - 9.04 MBZen is the "Wholehearted Relinquishment of Delusion".. What is delusion and how does it cause us so much pain and dissatisfaction in our lives? And, how can the simple joy of letting a long breath be long and a short breath short, heal us of our sorrows? When we learn how to let life live, and let ourselves live as well, balance and joy are naturally restored.
Walking Through The Open Door
April 16, 2019 12:00 - 18 minutes - 8.41 MBThis is a season of moving to freedom, leaving pain, confusion and despair behind. But how to do it?We search for the answer, when all the time there is an open door right in front of us, a perfect way to go forward, new possibilities, a different life.
Coming From Nowhere I Ring The Bell
April 09, 2019 04:00 - 18 minutes - 8.54 MBWe are all on a great journey, but to where? We carefully chart our course of action, and focus upon achieving goals. Yet there is another kind of action possible right in the midst of our daily lives. This action takes us to another place, opens our hearts, puts us in touch with the limitless, vastness of life. .
I DON'T HAVE A THING
April 02, 2019 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.5 MBMany feel empty inside and run to others to fill them up, help, strength. But a great Zen Master told a searching monk. "I wish I could give you the world, but in the Zen school we don't have a thing." See how not having a thing, not clinging and possessing gives you all you have been longing for.
The Most Dangerous Thing In The World
March 26, 2019 04:00 - 17 minutes - 7.83 MBEveryone wants to be smart, to know what this world is and how to behave effectively. We want to be safe, happy and at ease. Yet, thinking we truly understand something, closes the door to on going wonder, exploration and true discovery. The changing world becomes frozen and fixed, and we miss the great joy of allowing life to reveal itself, bringing wonderful possibilities along.
Listen To The Sound Of The Stream
March 19, 2019 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.57 MBAll of us are seeking the way out of confusion. We wonder how to proceed in life, or how to find the right person to guide us. It's as if the path is somewhere else, and that we don't have all that we need right now. We ignore simple moments and those we see all the time. This teaching points in another direction, honoring the great way to move on.
Do Not Look At The Faults Of Others
March 12, 2019 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.44 MBWe can easily become obsessed with finding the faults of others and dwelling upon them. Not only does this us disheartened and upset, it prevents us from seeing what is truly important. Not only do we then bring out the negativity in others, but we lose the ability to see ourselves and our deeds and how to take the next steps in our lives.
MARCH ON, (Where Is The Road To Hanshan?)
March 05, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 8.24 MBMarch is a time of transition, the month between winter and spring. In Zen we March On, muster great determination, but also great resilience and ease. As we take a step upon a road, it becomes clear that we are exactly where we belong at the moment, just must be willing to be there fully.
Do Not Squander Your Life! Attention! Attention!
February 26, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.2 MBWe all receive so many competing invitations to pay attention to this or that. It's easy for our focus to become split, and our energy depleted as we go through the day. But Zen offers a wonderful antidote. It shows us how to reclaim ourselves and stop squandering our lives. How to be compete and whole.
"Praise And Blame Away With Them Once And For All"
February 19, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 8.68 MBMuch of our lives is run by our hunger for praise and fear of blame. These two dominate our actions and erode our relationships. We fear being natural and honest, trying new things and growing. Zen practice suggests that we let go of both praise and blame and stand in the truth of who we all are.
Falling In Love With A Fantasy
February 12, 2019 05:00 - 16 minutes - 7.72 MBValentine's Day is here, and we all want to be loved, thanked, remembered. If we are not, sadness follows and disappointment. But let's look at the true nature of love. Are we in love with the real person in front of us, or a fantasy of our own? When we can know everything about a person and still love them, that is love.
Hold Your Seat (No More Puppet on The Stage of LIfe)
February 05, 2019 05:00 - 20 minutes - 9.33 MBThe moment something happens we react, and one reaction breeds another. Our good mood and balance disappear, along with our connection to our own reality.. But when we do not live on automatic, are able to respond constructively from the true person living within.
Feeding Others We Are Fed
January 29, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 8.26 MBMost of us want so much from others. And whatever we get is not enough. Craving develops along with resentment. But it's easy to break out of that trrap.This podcast offers a simple Zen teaching which provides a whole new way to feel nourished, connected and complete.
Feeding Others We Are Fed
January 29, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 8.26 MBMost of us want so much from others. And whatever we get is not enough. Craving develops along with resentment. But it's easy to break out of that trrap.This podcast offers a simple Zen teaching which provides a whole new way to feel nourished, connected and complete.
Take Me As I Am
January 22, 2019 05:00 - 18 minutes - 8.58 MBSo many of us crave approval, acceptance and to belong. We then create an Ideal Self and strive to be someone we're not. But the difference between Real and Ideal Selves causes endless conflict and pain. However, as we learn how to nourish, discover and love the Real Self, a whole new life appears.
There's Always Something (Waiting for Everything to Fall Into Place)
January 15, 2019 05:00 - 17 minutes - 7.92 MBWe're always waiting for the perfect day, weather, person,home or job to appear. Once that happens, everything will fall into place. But after one problem is solved another pops up. Find out how to step out of the loop of struggle, problems and discover the perfection that is here right now.
Let Reality Be Reality
January 08, 2019 05:00 - 19 minutes - 8.92 MBThese days we are confronted with so many dreams, possibilities, questions, illusions, how can we know what is real and return to it in our lives? This episode shows how to go back to the Reality of Life, and live in a way that is dynamic, open and constructive, no matter what is going on.
How To Make The New Year Truly New
December 31, 2018 16:00 - 17 minutes - 7.9 MBWe all wish each other Happy New Year! But how do we truly make the new year new? There is a great and simple secret to experience a really fresh and lively New Year. It is not that events have to suit your liking! It is that You have to become New. It is up to You to greet your life differently. Let's explore how.
The Birth of Love
December 24, 2018 15:00 - 16 minutes - 7.6 MB"A Feeling That Is Here One Minute and Gone The Next, Cannot Be Called Love." Let's spend time to discover the true taste of love that can never disappear or harm us. This is a wonderful experience in the midst of change, and hunger of all kinds.
Love Is In The Air
December 18, 2018 14:00 - 17 minutes - 8.22 MBWe all want love, to be seen, known, cared for and respected. And it is so simple to experience, has nothing to do with seeking approval or controlling others. Find the few simple ways to turn around, and experience love all day long.
The Practice of Real Kindness
December 11, 2018 14:00 - 17 minutes - 8.07 MBDuring the holiday season we all want to offer kindness and uplift one another's spirits. But what is real kindness? How do we practice it and escape from the dangers of Counterfeit Kindness we see all around. This episode explores the many faces of kindness and how different it can be from what we expect.
Take It Easy:
December 04, 2018 14:00 - 15 minutes - 7.35 MBDuring this busy holiday season, we cannot stop rushing around, arranging for gatherings, buying gfts, making calls. We want to do it right and be important, and all the while miss the real gift we have to give and are receiving all the time.
Take It Easy:
December 04, 2018 14:00 - 15 minutes - 7.35 MBDuring this busy holiday season, we cannot stop rushing around, arranging for gatherings, buying gfts, making calls. We want to do it right and be important, and all the while miss the real gift we have to give and are receiving all the time.
A Traveller, Let Me Be Known Thus
November 27, 2018 14:00 - 14 minutes - 6.73 MBOur lives move so quickly from one season to the next. Yet we fight change, long for things to be the same, especially during the holiday season, wanting to feel safe and secure. Find a brand new way to deal with change that not only brings new treasures into your life, but a sense of sense of stability, no matter what happens.
Who Is The Giver? What Is The Gift?
November 20, 2018 13:00 - 16 minutes - 7.54 MBThe Thanksgiving holidays are a time to give thanks for all we have received and celebrate it. Yet so many feel empty, lonely and filled with lack. However there is an unfailing way to turn this out and feel fulfilled and grateful. Take a moment and really see Who is the Giver, and What is the True Gift?
Don't Take The Bait
November 13, 2018 16:00 - 17 minutes - 7.87 MBIt's so easy to get caught up and taken over by the endless people, calls, messages and surprises that appear. But there's a great cost to us living this way. Let's find out how to stay rooted in our own lives and direction and not get lost.
Worry Free Giving
November 05, 2018 05:00 - 16 minutes - 7.39 MBMost of us give with one hand and then wait to see the outcome. This inevitably leads to disappointment and resentment. Is our gift enough? Will they love us for it? From the world of Zen a new way of giving arises...This podcast shows us how to give fully in all circumstances and feel full and happy about it, no matter what.
Who is The Guest? Who Is The Host?
October 30, 2018 04:00 - 16 minutes - 7.75 MBWe go many places, visit and return. What calls us home? What in our life is fleeting and temporary, only a guest, and what remains stable and welcoming, the Host? As we learn to recognize the difference between that which must go, and that which remains, our lives fall into harmony. We also learn how to take the different roles in our lives, become both a guest and host, and enjoy the gifts of each situation.
Just Grab The Dust Rag
October 23, 2018 04:00 - 14 minutes - 6.79 MBWe all feel called to do something important in life. Many create large goals and plans in order to do something worthwhile, larger than ordinary life. Yet there is a danger here. It becomes easy to overlook what is needed right now, waiting beside you. We may not realize that just grabbing the dust rag and caring for what must be cared for is enlightenment itself.
Playing With Toys (Finding The Real Thing)
October 17, 2018 04:00 - 13 minutes - 6.03 MBMuch of our life revolves around playing with toys and putting so much time and effort into getting them, keeping them, and then when the toy is worn out finding an updated version. Including relationships. But Uchiyama Roshi says, when we are young we play with toys, when we grow old we want the real thing." What is the real thing in your life? What is that which is abundantly available, natural and provides lasting satisfaction and joy?
Ordinary Mind Is The Way
October 09, 2018 04:00 - 17 minutes - 7.93 MBWe are all looking for something or someone special, or to become special ourselves. Who we are is not enough, something is always wrong or missing. Many feel that way, wondering how to become fulfilled and whole? There is a great secret of Zen which answers this directly and simply as we explore the truth about Ordinary Mind.
Thank You, This Suffices
October 02, 2018 04:00 - 17 minutes - 8.05 MBThe world as we know it is ruled by fierce hunger which quickly develops into greed. And when we get what we want, oddly we only want more of it. No matter how much we receive, there is always dissatisfaction. When is it enough? How to become full and complete, able to say a true Thank You and move along? TThere is a way. Come discover the answer.
Don't Be Confused By Your Confusion
September 25, 2018 04:00 - 14 minutes - 6.45 MBThere is so much confusion in our world today, we barely know where to turn. Some say the "Center does not hold." This is a wonderful time to find our true Center, the place where we know just what to depend upon and where to turn.
Trusting Life's Changes
September 18, 2018 04:00 - 15 minutes - 7.35 MBWe all seek the ultimate answer to what we can really count on in life. Many absorb the words and experiences of others and expect them to provide all they need. They hold onto these truth fiercely. But, what was real and true for us yesterday may make no sense a few days later. Conditions change, we change, our needs and understanding changes. So, what can we really count on, where can we put our trust? Come listen to this episode and find out.
A Taste of Honey
September 12, 2018 04:00 - 13 minutes - 6.26 MBWe all want life to be sweet and are looking for that taste of honey. We look for it in our food, relationships, friends, circumstances that will not disturb us. The goal is comfort and being undisturbed. But all that is sweet turns bitter. Where can we find a taste of honey that remains delicious and comforting throughout all the experiences in our life? Come listen and see.
The Great Return: (Returning Home To Ourselves)
September 04, 2018 04:00 - 15 minutes - 7.14 MBHere we are at end of summer, preparing to return home. Everything returns to where it came from, it has to. Waves return to seashore, baby to mother's arms, friends to one another. Learn how the great rhythms of the universe can bring us exactly where we belong. Learn the great art of pausing and return.
An End To Sorrow
August 21, 2018 04:00 - 17 minutes - 8.08 MBWe all wish to be happy and plan our lives around it. Inevitably, however, happy times come and go. How is it possible to end sorrow and experience unflinching happiness? Our first reaction is to fight disturbing moments, but this episode offers a completely new way of experiencing sorrow so that it transforms into a deeper life.
The One Who Walks Alone
August 14, 2018 04:00 - 15 minutes - 7.24 MBWe all seek companionship, good friends. We want to be heard and to be known. And yet within ourselves and our worlds is One Who Walks Alone. This is a Zen koan. This is not a lonely one, but one who can never be lonely, who walks in her truth, living the life given to them.
Again and Again; The Great Value of Repetition
August 07, 2018 04:00 - 18 minutes - 8.37 MBHere we are in summer, vacationing, looking for excitemement and refreshment, hoping to make life special. Then we return to our routines, having to face ordinary moments again. But here is a secret about how to make our usual lives alive, refreshing and filled with surprises.Without going anywhere at all.
Go Wash Your Cup
July 31, 2018 04:00 - 19 minutes - 8.92 MBThe Zen direction to lasting happiness is very different from the way we usually live. When asked that question, teachers just point to what is under your nose. Happiness is right here always, they are saying, offering a cup of tea. Drink your tea, enjoy it! And then, please, wash your cup. Both the drinking and cleaning, receiving and giving make for a complete life.
Wanting Nothing In Return
July 24, 2018 04:00 - 15 minutes - 7.2 MBUsually we give to others, expecting a great deal in return. This way of life keeps us dependent upon the outcome of our actions. If they go as we wish, we are a success, if not a failure. Find out a totally new way of giving that frees you to enjoy each moment, person and gift, no matter the outcome.
Falling In Love With Your Fantasy
July 17, 2018 04:00 - 18 minutes - 8.6 MBSo many of us falling in love with someone because they make us feel good and meet our needs. When they change, the love vanishes. But are we in love with them, or with our fantasy about them? Are we basically in love with ourselves? Learn how to break through this, let go of the fantasy and see what love truly is.
Leaving The House of Sorrow
July 11, 2018 04:00 - 14 minutes - 6.76 MBIt's so easy to get trapped into sorrow that we can't get out of. Zen wisdom has a way for us to open the windows and doors, to let the sun in and find that there is so much more happening along with the sorrow we experience.
The Best Encouragement Is No Encouragement
July 03, 2018 04:00 - 15 minutes - 7.35 MBFind out why the Best Encouragement is No Encouragement. We all want to be encouraged, uplifted, inspired and look for role models to emulate. But when someone disappoints us, or things go wrong, our inspiration usually goes down the hill. The Zen Way, however, offers an entirely different way to remain inspired and encouraged. Take a step on this new path.
Inevitable Kindness (The Tree House Master)
June 26, 2018 04:00 - 16 minutes - 7.66 MBHow can we fill our lives with acts of Inevitable, natural kindness? How do we live with playfulness and joy, no matter what? The great Master who lived in a tree house tells us, offering a surprising wake up call.
It's Not An Ordinary Afternoon
June 20, 2018 04:00 - 14 minutes - 6.83 MBAfter an exciting day of celebrations, many feel let down, as if now it's just an ordinary afternoon... Nothing special. They retreat and go through the paces of the life. But each day, each moment is unique and precious. Let's learn how not to kill time, to miss our lives, and live it to the call.
Where Is Life? Where is Death?
June 12, 2018 04:00 - 20 minutes - 9.27 MBSo many are shocked by the sudden loss of two well known individuals. Why did they resort to suicide to end their suffering? In Zen we explore the very nature of what life is, how it can be lived fully in a way that brings fulfillment. We also look at the cycles of life and death that occur each day and how to be at ease with them. Finally, we can grow to see, that wherever one is, these cycles go on endlessly, and there is a deep way to live without suffering and a sense of separation.