Best Open Sky Zen Podcasts (2025)

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Life, Death, and Freedom 53:15

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2h ago53:15

53:15

In this unique Wednesday Night Dharma Talk before the upcoming Love and Death program, Roshi Joan Halifax and Frank Ostaseski engage in an open dialogue on Life, Death, and Freedom. Departing from scripted teachings, the evening unfolds through participant questions that touch the raw edges of grief, love, and mortality. Roshi Joan frames grief as …

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ZC 2126: Tricycle Week - Winter Light: Old age Brings an Intensity of Experience by Douglas Penick 22:24

7h ago22:24

22:24

While I don’t know the exact demographic of Zen Commuter listeners, I have confidence in saying that many of you are my chronological peers. To that end, today’s article from Tricycle will resonate with you as well. Even though I don’t fully embrace all the sentiments of the article, it did resonate on the major points. What is the obfuscated topic…

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The Grace of Bodhisattvas 44:35

1h ago44:35

44:35

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Dainin interweaves personal story, Buddhist teaching, and contemporary challenges to show how the Bodhisattva vow can be lived — and is urgently needed — in our times. She shares how her understanding of compassion shifted through practice, from a fixed character trait to something that can be cultivated …

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Awareness In Action: We Were Made for This with Rebecca Solnit (Part 10 – August) 1:38:51

1h ago1:38:51

1:38:51

In this session of Upaya’s Awareness in Action series, writer and activist Rebecca Solnit joins Roshi Joan Halifax to explore how stories shape reality, the nature of human behavior in crisis, and the discipline of hope as an antidote to despair. Rebecca reminds us, “Hope is not an emotion, it’s a commitment to not give up, to keep looking for poss…

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ZC 2125: Tricycle Week: Blind Passions: Seeing What Holds Us Back 12:50

15h ago12:50

12:50

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno’s essay “Blind Passions,” a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we’ll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the…

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Vimalakirti’s Vulnerability: Through Star to Sky to the Eye of Another 46:01

13d ago46:01

46:01

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei James Fushin explores vulnerability as a profound gateway to awakening. Drawing from the Vimalakirti Sutra and physicist Brian Cox’s question—”How do we live a finite, fragile life in an infinite, eternal universe?”—Fushin reflects on illness, silence, and the dissolution of self and other as pathways to …

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Silent Illumination and the Practice of Wonderment (Part 2) 1:08:22

8d ago1:08:22

1:08:22

In the second part of this two-part Wednesday Night Dharma Talk mini-series, Zen teacher Guo Gu guides us into the embodiment of silent illumination. He begins not with theory but with experience: posture, presence, and body. Speaking with a soft, smooth cadence—measured and unhurried—we explore the terrain of our own physicality through an extende…

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Awareness In Action: Earth with Terry Tempest Williams & Joan Halifax (Part 9 – August) 1:36:49

12d ago1:36:49

1:36:49

In this session of Awareness in Action, Roshi Joan Halifax and Terry Tempest Williams guide participants to witness the world with care, presence, and courage. Roshi Joan opens with the Zen koan—“A monk asked Joshu, when great difficulties come upon us, can they be avoided?” Joshu replies, “Welcome.”—and, in the same spirit, notes the similarity in…

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Living Transmission Closing Session (8 of 8) 1:06:08

13d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

In this closing session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, faculty and participants reflect on how ancient teachings become living transmission through courage, friendship, and practice. Roshi Joan reminds us that discovery emerges not through resolution but through living fully within paradox, just as Dogen himself persisted amid loss and uncertainty. Stev…

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Eight Awakenings of Great Beings (7 of 8) 1:02:03

19d ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In the seventh session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, Sensei Genzan explores Dogen’s Eight Awakenings of Great Beings (Hachi Dainin Gaku), weaving scholarship with lived experience to reveal how Zen practice addresses the paradoxes of daily life. “It’s not that Dogen is paradoxical,” he notes, “our lives are paradoxical.” With humor and humility, Genzan…

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Dogen Seminar 2025: The Art of Contextual Teaching (6 of 8) 1:07:52

23d ago1:07:52

1:07:52

In the sixth session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, the faculty engage in a rich exploration of Dogen’s use of language, paradox, and poetry as spiritual communication. Heine highlights how paradox functions as a “turning word,” pushing beyond ordinary discourse to liberate us from fixed assumptions. The faculty respond with perspectives on authenticity…

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Four Methods of Guidance (5 of 8) 1:03:17

13d ago1:03:17

1:03:17

In this fifth session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, Norman and Kathie Fischer explore Dogen’s Four Methods of Guidance (Bodaisatta Shishobo), one of the most accessible and transformative fascicles of the Shobogenzo. Building on reflections about paradox in Zen, Norman Fischer explains how paradox “extends the subtlety and the scope of what you mean,” …

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Dogen Seminar 2025: True Paradox (4 of 8) 52:50

27d ago52:50

52:50

In this fourth session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, Sensei Jiryu explores the profound paradox at the heart of Zen practice: the essential teaching of non-separation. He highlights the famous line, “The great way […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Paradox as a Tool of Awakening (3 of 8) 1:08:13

20d ago1:08:13

1:08:13

In this third session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, renowned poet, translator, and peace activist Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi presents his analysis of paradox in Dogen’s writings, drawing from his monumental 33-year translation project of […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Paradox, Parable, and Paradigm (2 of 8) 1:06:14

19d ago1:06:14

1:06:14

In this second session of the Dogen Seminar, distinguished scholar Dr. Steven Heine explores the profound role of paradox in Zen Buddhism, examining how these seemingly contradictory teachings serve as liberating devices rather […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Dogen Seminar 2025: Meeting Paradox in the Teachings of Zen Master Dogen (Part 1) 1:06:35

14d ago1:06:35

1:06:35

In this opening session of Upaya’s Dogen Seminar, program faculty introduce themselves and reflect on themes and paradoxes within Dogen’s teachings they will be sharing over the weekend. Roshi Joan Halifax presented Dogen’s […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Just One Thing 43:00

26d ago43:00

43:00

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, resident priest Senko Perez reflects on the common trap of imagining that true practice lies elsewhere—in quieter places, calmer minds, or better circumstances. During a recent solo […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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ZC 2124: Tricycle Week, Autumn Edition - Non-Self Storage by Christopher Rivas 16:56

18d ago16:56

16:56

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it’s on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar …

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Awareness In Action: Equity with Konda Mason (Part 8 – August) 1:34:24

21d ago1:34:24

1:34:24

In this session of Awareness in Action and speaking from her farm in Alexandria, Louisiana—unexpectedly located at the center of America’s deportation operations—dharma teacher and social justice activist Konda Mason explores the powerful connection […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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We Just Have to Get Quiet Enough 32:24

22d ago32:24

32:24

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Monshin explores the ancient Buddhist teaching of Kanno Doko — “responsive communion” or “mystical communion.” Drawing from a Wallace Stevens poem and the writings of Suzuki Roshi, she […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Silent Illumination and the Practice of Wonderment (Part 1) 50:09

29d ago50:09

50:09

In the first part of this two-part Wednesday Night Dharma Talk mini-series, Zen teacher Guo Gu explores the deep relationship between silent illumination (or just sitting), and embodiment practice. He traces the historical roots of silent […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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ZC 2123: Easing a Cancer Journey with Steve Olsen 30:49

1M ago30:49

30:49

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Steve Olsen, a retired dentist who shares his powerful journey of healing and resilience. After facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Steve turned to meditation and the neuroacoustic app nuCalm as vital tools in his recovery. His story is a testament to the power of inner calm, mindset, and the body’s a…

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Becoming Yourself 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Jiryu affirms the central practice of Zen is to become truly ourselves. Reading from Suzuki Roshi’s teachings, and sharing quotes from Shohaku Okamura, Katagiri Roshi, and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Ryokan Dances Dogen 43:39

1M ago43:39

43:39

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Genzan offers a unique exploration of true dharma expression – weaving together the teachings of 13th century Zen master Dogen with the poetry and life of […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Way Seeking Mind 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, longtime resident and novice priest Jimon Lorene Flaming tenderly offers her long and winding path to practice in her way-seeking mind talk. Inspired by overseas medical service […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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ZC 2122: Under Open Skies: How to Meditate Outside 16:26

2M ago16:26

16:26

In today’s episode of Zen Commuter, we take our practice beyond four walls and into the wide embrace of nature. Meditating outside offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—not just with the present moment, but with the world around us. Whether it’s a quiet park bench, a forest trail, or your own backyard, outdoor meditation invites you to soften yo…

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Discovering the Reality of the Five Remembrances 39:13

2M ago39:13

39:13

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Dainin shares deeply personal stories of accompanying her father and Roshi Joan through life-threatening medical crises, revealing how the Buddhist Five Remembrances transformed from abstract teachings […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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To Be a Peacemaker 46:40

2M ago46:40

46:40

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Monshin explores what it means to be a peacemaker in our complicated world. Recalling a creative renaming of the 4th of July as “Interdependence Day,” Monshin […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Awareness In Action: Homeboys with Father Gregory Boyle (Part 7 – June) 1:22:45

3M ago1:22:45

1:22:45

In this session of Upaya’s Awareness in Action series, Father Gregory Boyle—Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries—offers a profound reflection on kinship, healing, and radical compassion. Father Boyle brings humor, depth, and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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ZC 2121: Knowing the Voice of Your Higher Self 15:28

2M ago15:28

15:28

Inside all of us are many voices. Some uplift us, others cast doubt. How can we tell which one is our true guide? Today’s episode helps you learn to distinguish the voice of your higher self from the more reactive inner dialogue. Through body awareness and subtle cues in language, we’ll uncover how to better trust your wisest self. What we’ll cover…

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ZC 2120: Mobile Mindfulness Studio: Meditating in Your Car 14:39

3M ago14:39

14:39

Many people feel like they don’t have time to meditate, especially during a busy commute. But what if that commute became part of your practice? Today on Zen Commuter, we’ll talk about how to use your car as a space for mindfulness. While safety must always be the priority, there are ways to incorporate stillness and presence even while driving. Wh…

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Buddha Meets Buddha: Teacher / No Teacher in Zen 38:27

2M ago38:27

38:27

In this informative Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Zenshin Florence Caplow explores the meaning of “Buddha meets Buddha” in the context of how we might skillfully navigate our relationships with spiritual teachers. Zenshin […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Planting Life 2025: Corn And Culture (Part 4B) 1:19:07

3M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

This is the 2nd half of the session on Planting Life, where participants explore indigenous food ways and decolonization through cultivated ancient wisdoms. Artist and cultural preservationist Roxanne Swentzell shares her […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Planting Life 2025: Corn And Culture (Part 4A) 1:09:08

2M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

This is the 1st half of the session on Planting Life, where participants explore indigenous food ways and decolonization through cultivated ancient wisdoms. Artist and cultural preservationist Roxanne Swentzell shares her […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Planting Life 2025: Three Sisters Garden Planting Ceremony (Part 3) 1:12:43

2M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

In this session of Planting Life, we participate in the sacred planting ceremony that honors indigenous wisdom through the cultivation of ancestral crops—corn, beans, and squash—known as the Three Sisters. Led by […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Planting Life 2025: Corn, Cosmos, and the Sacred Architecture of Time (Part 2) 1:35:02

2M ago1:35:02

1:35:02

In this session of Planting Life, Mayan archaeoastronomer Alonso Méndez reveals the profound astronomical knowledge embedded in ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Drawing from his decades of research at Palenque, Méndez traces how corn […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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Planting Life 2025 Kinship with the Earth: Bridging Worlds (Part 1) 1:13:11

2M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

In this session, Roshi Joan Halifax, Troy Keido Fernandez, Sensei Wendy Johnson, and Alonso Mendez open the annual Planting Life program at Upaya Zen Center. Roshi welcomes in-person and online participants to this sacred gathering that […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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The Mind of Absolute Trust: Practicing with Preference 42:16

3M ago42:16

42:16

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Sensei Cynthia Ryotan explores the ancient Zen poem “The Mind of Absolute Trust” or “Xinxin Ming.” She unpacks how our preferences “chop up our lives and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

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ZC 2119: Divine Flow and Feminine Energy with Lillian Savoie 53:05

3M ago53:05

53:05

In today’s inspiring episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lillian Savoie, intuitive healer, spiritual teacher, and author of Fill Your Soul the Feminine Way. Together, we explore how tuning into divine feminine energy can help you move from striving to flowing—creating a more peaceful, purposeful life. Lillian shares her journey from corporate …

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ZC 2118: A Family, Maybe: Zen, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

On today’s episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lane Igoudin, author of A Family, Maybe—a beautiful, nuanced memoir about identity, belonging, and the shape-shifting nature of family. Our conversation moves between personal reflection and practical insight, touching on Lane’s writing process, the complexities of chosen family, and how Zen medit…

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ZC 2117: Tricycle Week: Making Life Your Practice by Ken McLeod 12:30

3M ago12:30

12:30

On Day Five of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Making Life Your Practice" by Ken McLeod—a deeply practical and inspiring reminder that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen on the cushion. This piece reframes our everyday experiences—both the mundane and the messy—as the very terrain of awakening. In today’s episode, I reflect on …