Mountain Rain Zen Dharma Podcast

Practice Period - Knowing Right from Wrong

Unmon Jacob offers the second talk in his capacity as shuso. He asks: can we dynamically work between knowing and not knowing in order to support our ethics? __________

Practice Period - Baizhang and the Fox

Myoshin Kate McCandless discusses Zen's ambivalence towards the wild fox. "Do not ignore cause and effect". ______________________________________________________

Practice Period - Stability and Knowledge

Shinmon Michael Newton suggests that unknowing or not knowing have always been part of the human condition.  Practicing with "I don't know" can strengthen attention

Practice Period Opening Weekend: How Do We Know What We Know?

Anchoring in the Koans of Knowing and Not Knowing, Myoshin Kate McCandless asks that we open to curiosity and not cling to our fixed views of each other. All we know is a

Practice Period Opening Weekend: Shuso's Way-Seeking Mind Talk

Unmon Jacob Butula, shuso for the Practice Period, offers a Way-Seeking Mind Talk - a traditional talk in Zen Buddhism where a practitioner reflects on their personal lif

Practice Period Opening Weekend: Koans of Knowing and Not Knowing

Shinmon Michael Newton introduces the theme for Practice Period: Koans of Knowing and Not Knowing - Practicing with Uncertainty.  Even though we often act as though the

A Day of Thanks

With awareness of interdependence, a grateful heart grows.  Shinmon Michael Newton asks: What is gratitude? How often does it arise in your life? In what way does our za

Nothing to Attain - Compassionately Studying Karmic Consciousness

Continuing the seminar on Reb Anderson’s book Zen Stories of Faith and Understanding Kyoko Angela wonders: “How would you respond if someone asked what your Buddha nature

Bodhisattvas Without Borders

Myoshin Kate McCandless reflects on how we all carry within us the principles of generosity, kind speech, beneficial action and solidarity.  ___________________________

The Dharma of Truth and Reconciliation

Kyoko Angela offers readings from indigenous voices, in the context of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day. ____________________________

Nothing to Attain - Realizing the Stage of Person

Matthew Ramsay offers the fourth talk in our seminar on Reb Anderson's book. He asks: when have you been engaged in a simple everyday activity but sensed or perceive

Nothing to Attain: Unfolding the Gift of the Robe

Toshin Patrick continues the Seminar on Stories of Faith and Understanding by Tenshin Reb Anderson. He asks: what brings you back to your cushion? What is unfolding in yo

Joy is Not Somewhere Else

Shinmon Michael Newton offers a dharma talk on the quality of joy rooted in awareness. Can we practice with joy until it becomes as natural as  drinking water when thirst

Nothing to Attain - The Path of Buddha

Myosen River continues our Wednesday Seminar on Reb Anderson’s book with an exploration of Chapter 2. She asks: has there been a time when your confusion has brought more

The Great Matter of Life and Death

Myoshin Kate McCandless asks: when we are faced with the loss of someone we love, how can we maintain a sense of connection, without grasping or pushing away?  ________

Nothing to Attain: The Stage of Faith

Shiryū Moe picks up the Wednesday Evening Seminar on Tenshin Reb Anderson with an exploration of faith, asking: "what happens when our practice blooms?" _______________

Getting Everything Right

For Labour Day, Myoshin Kate McCandless offers reflections on  play. _____________________________________________________________ These talks are made possible thanks

Nothing to Attain: The Parable of the Destitute Child

Myoshin Kate McCandless introduces the new Wednesday Evening Dharma Seminar, which will spring from the  book Nothing to Attain : Zen Stories of Faith and Understanding b

In Service To All

Shinmon Michael Newton explores how we can orient to loving-kindness or metta. “If only I were a candle in the dark.” (Mahmoud Darwish) _______________________________

Who I Am Right Now

Toshin Patrick Griffin knows that our objects and things can both nurture and distract us - yet we simply have only this step, this breath, this bow... ________________