Best Rochester Zen Center Podcasts (2025)

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Simple, Not Easy 46:48

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3d ago46:48

46:48

Why does a practice that is so utterly simple feel so difficult? Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Simple, Not Easy appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Two Flavors of Dharma 48:24

4d ago48:24

48:24

Commentary on an Interview of Richard Gere About the Dalai Lama Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Two Flavors of Dharma appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #6 42:55

12d ago42:55

42:55

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 6 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #6 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #5 39:18

16d ago39:18

39:18

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 5 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #5 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #4 42:09

14d ago42:09

42:09

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 4 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #4 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #3 40:48

15d ago40:48

40:48

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 3 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #3 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #2 39:04

16d ago39:04

39:04

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 2 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Illuminating Silence #1 41:39

17d ago41:39

41:39

November 2025 Sesshin, Day 1 Commentary on “Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen” by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Illuminating Silence #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Affirming Faith in Mind (IV) 26:51

8d ago26:51

26:51

In this teisho from the March 2025 sesshin, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede concludes her series on Affirming Faith in Mind (Xinxin Ming). This long chant is attributed to Sengcan, the third Chinese Zen ancestor. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org…

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Coming to the Path Talk by Catherine Jones 39:47

18d ago39:47

39:47

Coming to the Path Talk by Catherine Jones. Automated Transcript The post Coming to the Path Talk by Catherine Jones appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Affirming Faith in Mind (III) 34:21

1M ago34:21

34:21

In this teisho from the March 2025 sesshin, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede continues her series on Affirming Faith in Mind (Xinxin Ming). This long chant is attributed to Sengcan, the third Chinese Zen ancestor. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org…

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Self and No Self 44:43

18d ago44:43

44:43

How does our True Self that is No Self function in everyday life? Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Self and No Self appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Affirming Faith in Mind (II) 38:20

1M ago38:20

38:20

In this teisho from the March 2025 sesshin, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede continues her series on Affirming Faith in Mind (Xinxin Ming). This long chant is attributed to Sengcan, the third Chinese Zen ancestor. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org…

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This Moment Itself Is Mind 38:18

25d ago38:18

38:18

What we’re looking for is here. Learning not to look past this moment. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post This Moment Itself Is Mind appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Affirming Faith In Mind (I) 31:35

1M ago31:35

31:35

In this teisho from the March 2025 sesshin, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede begins a series on Affirming Faith in Mind (Xinxin Ming). This long chant is attributed to Sengcan, the third Chinese Zen ancestor. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org…

301
Mumonkan #47, “Tosotsu’s Three Barriers” 49:41

1M ago49:41

49:41

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 6 Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Mumonkan #47, “Tosotsu’s Three Barriers” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Harada Tangen Roshi #2 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 5 Commentary on “Ichi Tantei, One Doing: Tangen Roshi of Bukkokuji.” Edited by Ron Klein. Translated by Belenda Attaway Yamakawa. Independently published, 2024. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Harada Tangen Roshi #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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Harada Tangen Roshi #1 52:45

1M ago52:45

52:45

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 4 Commentary on “Ichi Tantei, One Doing: Tangen Roshi of Bukkokuji.” Edited by Ron Klein. Translated by Belenda Attaway Yamakawa. Independently published, 2024. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Harada Tangen Roshi #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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Zen Master Hakuin #3 50:09

1M ago50:09

50:09

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 3 Commentary on “The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin.” Translated by Normal Waddell. Shambhala, 1994 Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Zen Master Hakuin #3 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Zen Master Hakuin #2 47:08

1M ago47:08

47:08

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 2 Commentary on “The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin.” Translated by Normal Waddell. Shambhala, 1994 Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Zen Master Hakuin #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Zen Master Hakuin #1 46:17

1M ago46:17

46:17

October 2025 Sesshin, Day 1 Commentary on “The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin.” Translated by Normal Waddell. Shambhala, 1994. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Zen Master Hakuin #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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The Heart Sutra After The Hurricane 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

September 27, 2025 marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene ripping up the coast and decimating of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Windhrose was in the final day of a 5-Day Zentensive Sesshin when it hit. In this first teisho after we reopened, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede talked about the necessity of practice during difficult times. To do…

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The Two Sides of Practice: Mindfulness and Concentration 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

Though zazen is mainly considered a concentration practice, mindfulness plays an important role as well. Whether we’re working in the kitchen or walking in a park, everything flows more freely once mindfulness is in the forefront and we get out of the way. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript The post The Two Sides of Practice: …

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The Dharma of Birds 44:38

2M ago44:38

44:38

All beings and things expound the Dharma. With their spontaneity and wholehearted singing, what can we learn from birds? Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post The Dharma of Birds appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Stop Fixing Yourself 40:14

2M ago40:14

40:14

Trying to be perfect backfires and cuts us off from life. Openness and willingness is a better way. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Stop Fixing Yourself appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Blue Cliff Record #11: “Obaku’s ‘Mash Eaters'” 45:23

3M ago45:23

45:23

What is a Zen teacher? What can a Zen teacher give you? This commentary was given on the day after her Zen teacher sanctioning ceremony. It includes a succinct introduction to koans and koan practice. Teisho by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry. Automated Transcript The post Blue Cliff Record #11: “Obaku’s ‘Mash Eaters'” appeared first on Rochester Zen C…

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2024 Rohatsu (IV): How Do You Step From The Top of a 100' Pole? 28:33

3M ago28:33

28:33

This teisho is from the seventh day of Windhorse's 2024 Rohatsu Sesshin offered by Roshi Sunya Kjolhede. In it, she begins by discussing Case #46 of the Mumonkan, "How do you step from the top of a 100 foot pole?" To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.…

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Sesshin Encouragement 42:43

3M ago42:43

42:43

Three encouragement talks given by Roshi Philip Kapleau during a 1975 sesshin, accompanied by comments from his successor, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Presented in honor of Founder’s Day—Roshi Kapleau’s birthday. Talk by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Automated Transcript The post Sesshin Encouragement appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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2024 Rohatsu (III): A Huge Foolish Project 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

This teisho is from the fifth day of Windhorse's 2024 Rohatsu Sesshin offered by Roshi Sunya Kjolhede. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.orgBy Roshi Sunya Kjolhede

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Unselfing 35:31

4M ago35:31

35:31

Forgetting the self and awakening to the “world of ten thousand things.” Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Unselfing appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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2024 Rohatsu (II): Preaching Facing Oneness 32:39

4M ago32:39

32:39

Roshi Sunya Kjolhede discusses Case #14 of the Blue Cliff Record (Hekiganroku) on the third day of Windhorse's 2024 Rohatsu Sesshin. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.orgBy Roshi Sunya Kjolhede

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2024 Rohatsu Sesshin (I) 29:44

4M ago29:44

29:44

In this teisho, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede reflects on the spiritual, cultural, and historical context of the Buddha's awakening, emphasizing its relevance to our present-day challenges. She calls us to renew their dedication and to affirm that the potential for awakening exists within all beings, right here and now. To donate or learn more about Sunya-r…

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Shoyoroku #20: Dizang’s “Most Intimate” 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 6 Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Shoyoroku #20: Dizang’s “Most Intimate” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Mumonkan #15: Tozan and Sixty Blows 45:56

4M ago45:56

45:56

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 5 Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Mumonkan #15: Tozan and Sixty Blows appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #2 41:06

4M ago41:06

41:06

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 4 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 2. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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To Cherish All Life 43:03

4M ago43:03

43:03

In this teisho, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede discusses the importance of the animal kingdom, one of the six realms of existence in the Buddhist Wheel of Life. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.orgBy Roshi Sunya Kjolhede

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Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #1 43:48

4M ago43:48

43:48

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 3 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 1. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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Teachings of Zen Masters Foyan and Daikaku 44:20

4M ago44:20

44:20

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 2 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Masters Foyan and Daikaku. Sources: Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present by Thomas Cleary (Translator) and The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Masters Foyan and Daikak…

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Teachings of Zen Master Foyan 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 1 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Foyan. Source: Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present by Thomas Cleary (Translator). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Master Foyan appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Death Practice: On Suzuki Shōsan 44:33

5M ago44:33

44:33

In this teisho from November 2024, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede discusses the life and teachings of Suzuki Shōsan (1579-1655). Originally a samurai warrior, Shōsan studied Zen and became a teacher. One of the practices he advocated was to keep awareness of your eventual death in the forefront at all times. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Wind…

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Turning to “No Hope” in Difficult Times 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

Opening up to life as it is requires us to let go of the desire to be in control of conditions and to get intimate with suffering — not just our own, but the suffering of others and the planet. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Turning to “No Hope” in Difficult Times appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.…

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The Life and Teachings of Master Dahui (Part Four) 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

Here, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede concludes her series on the life and teachings of Master Dahui (his Japanized name is Daie Zenji) from the October 2024 7-Day Sesshin. He is one of the greatest Zen Masters of Song Dynasty China. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to wind…

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The Life and Teachings of Master Dahui (Part Three) 37:24

5M ago37:24

37:24

Roshi Sunya Kjolhede continues her series on the life and teachings of Master Dahui (his Japanized name is Daie Zenji). He is one of the greatest Zen Masters of Song Dynasty China. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org.…

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The Life and Teachings of Master Dahui (Part Two) 34:58

5M ago34:58

34:58

Roshi Sunya Kjolhede continues her series on the life and teachings of Master Dahui (his Japanized name is Daie Zenji). He is one of the greatest Zen Masters of Song Dynasty China. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org.…

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Everyday Zen #2 41:23

5M ago41:23

41:23

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 6 Commentary on “Everyday Zen: Love & Work” by Charlotte Joko Beck, Part 2 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Everyday Zen #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Everyday Zen #1 39:57

5M ago39:57

39:57

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 5 Commentary on “Everyday Zen: Love & Work” by Charlotte Joko Beck, Part 1 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Everyday Zen #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Being Dharma #4 41:06

5M ago41:06

41:06

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 4 Commentary on “Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings” by Ajahn Chah, Part 4 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Being Dharma #4 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Being Dharma #3 41:31

5M ago41:31

41:31

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 3 Commentary on “Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings” by Ajahn Chah, Part 3 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Being Dharma #3 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Being Dharma #2 45:07

6M ago45:07

45:07

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 2 Commentary on “Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings” by Ajahn Chah, Part 2 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Being Dharma #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

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Being Dharma #1 41:33

6M ago41:33

41:33

June 2025 Sesshin, Day 1 Commentary on “Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings” by Ajahn Chah, Part 1 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Being Dharma #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center