Mountain Rain Zen Dharma Podcast

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... ________________

Lessons From the Han

Jikai Vicki suggests the call to meditation and awakening begins with the crack of a wooden board being struck by a heavy mallet. ______________________________________

Awakened Care as Self Care - A Bodhisattva Vow

Kyōkō Chie Angela suggests that when there is more fluidity there is more potential for care.  "There is no liberation without profound awakened care" (Lama Rod Owens)

Bodhicitta - Where Suffering, Longing, and Love Meet

Shinmon Michael Newton suggests that when our longing for connection and wisdom matures into universal care, then we can vow to keep opening our heart for the whole net o

What is There to Hold on to?

Myosen River explores the wisdom of taking-up and letting-go at same time.  _____________________________________________________________ These talks are made possible

Sewing Buddha’s Robe

Nin-En Susan Elbe explores robes and rakusu as a symbol of authentic transmission between teacher and student. The robe itself is the dharma, it is a teaching, it is trut

Grief and Refuge

Loss is unavoidable in our lives. Shinmon Michael Newton asks: How do we stay with the pain of loss? How can we allow the present moment to simply be? _________________

Rest Relaxation and Zen

Myoshin Kate McCandless, reflects on how making space for restoration and recuperation can be the antidote for a dull or agitated mind, thus leading to open awareness.