Greater Boston Zen Center Podcast

Zen Stories and Koans

GBZC member Julie Nelson (sensei) speaks about Zen stories and koans, both classical and contemporary. 

The History of Zen

GBZC member James Lopata (Masters of Theological Studies) speaks about the history of Zen.

(Short) Clear Anger

Julie Nelson speaks about bringing all off ourselves to our practice, even our anger. (June 9, 2023)

(Short) The True Person of No Rank

Julie Nelson comments on a case from the Book of Equanimity. (May 26, 2023)

(Short) Distraction

Julie Nelson speaks about why we get distracted from doing things that are important to us. (May 19, 2023)

(Short) Grumpy

Julie Nelson speaks about what our Zen practice can say about a grumpy mood. (May 10, 2023)

Dogen's Feminist Views

Julie Nelson speaks about Raihai Tokuzui, written in the medieval times by the founder of Soto Zen. (May 7, 2023)

(Short) Time

Julie Nelson reflects on the difference between using time and being time. (May 5, 2023)

(Short) Bypassing Through Oneness

Julie Nelson talks about the danger of holding to a romantic ideal of merger, whether in regard to a life partner or a spiritual teacher. (April 28, 2023)

The Empty Teacup

Julie Nelson speaks about the story of Nanin pouring tea, at the April GBZC sesshin. (April 21, 2023) (No discussion)

(Short) No Complaints

Julie Nelson discusses whether it is possible to be grateful in any circumstances, in a way that is not just spiritual bypassing. (April 14, 2023)

(Discussion) What is our Practice?

Rebecca Moonspike leads a discussion about what things help us be present, and what things that feel like interruptions are actually our practice. (April 15, 2023)

(Short) Our Gold

Julie Nelson talks about not using our practice to hide our "gold," our beauty and uniqueness. (April 6, 2023)

(Short) Anger

Julie Nelson talks about not using our practice to try to bypass our anger. (March 31, 2023)

Bearing Witness Is Not Fleeing

Susan Myoyu Andersen of the Great Plains Zen Center gives a guest talk at GBZC. (April 1, 2023)

A Woman Comes Out of Samadhi

Julie Nelson speaks about bliss states, why we need to come out of them, and why perfect wisdom can't do the job. (March 28, 2023)

(Short) Trauma and Grief

Julie Nelson talks about not using our practice to try to bypass our trauma and grief. (March 24, 2023)

(Short) Fear and Failure

Julie Nelson speaks about becoming intimate with our failures. (March 17, 2023)

(Short) A Fresh Perspective

This is a short talk (with no discussion) in which Julie Nelson comments on how traveling in Alaska woke her up to things taken for granted.(March 8, 2023)

A Fresh Perspective

Julie Nelson comments on how traveling in Alaska woke her up to things taken for granted. (February 28, 2023)