Best Zen Community Of Oregon Podcasts (2025)

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The Nuance of Self-Compassion - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 29:45

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1d ago29:45

29:45

In this talk, Jogen reflects on a student’s feedback that Zen teachings sometimes seem to overlook compassion for oneself. From that spark, he explores how dharma practice can be both deeply compassionate and at times uncomfortable, emphasizing that releasing fixation and illusion often feels like suffering before it frees us. He distinguishes self…

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The Miracle of Aimlessness - Hogen, Roshi 21:25

4d ago21:25

21:25

Drawing on Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Art of Living, this talk explores the teaching of aimlessness—the practice of arriving fully in the present rather than chasing completion in the future. Hogen reflects on how our restless striving to become more or fix what feels lacking separates us from the miracle of being alive right now. Through stories of los…

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What Would Mountain Do? - Kisei Costenbader, Sensei 51:39

6d ago51:39

51:39

In this closing talk from sesshin, Kisei invokes Dōgen’s Mountains and Rivers Sutra and guides us into the practice of “mountain mind,” the spacious, steady awareness that has been the abode of sages from timeless past to timeless present. Through meditation instructions and vivid imagery, she shows how we can rest in awareness beyond self-identifi…

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Three Ways to Reduce Fear - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 29:37

9d ago29:37

29:37

In this talk, Jogen reflects on Maezumi Roshi’s teaching that the greatest gift we can give or receive is freedom from fear. He explores how so much of our striving—whether for health, wealth, status, or security—is rooted in fear, and offers three simple but profound practices to reduce its grip. By cultivating the willingness to fully experience …

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Patience and Timeless Dharma - Chozen, Roshi 25:52

11d ago25:52

25:52

This talk weaves together the joy of smiling in meditation, the vow of Jizo Bodhisattva, and a timeless folk story about learning patience. Through the tale of Little Rabbit and her journey of sitting still with Jizo, we’re reminded that patience is not given from outside but grown from within. Reflections on impatience, practice, and the flow of d…

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The Hidden Lamp: Lingzhao’s Helping 32:18

11d ago32:18

32:18

In this Teisho, given on August 10th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines Lingzhao’s Helping from The Hidden Lamp. Koan's ask us to explore depths not accessible by normal modes of thinking. In this context, this koan asks us to explore what is it to be of help beyond seeking a particular outcome.By Rinzan Pechovnik

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The Three Pure Precepts in Practice - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 45:34

25d ago45:34

45:34

In this talk, Jomon introduces the Three Pure Precepts—vows to refrain from harm, to cultivate goodness, and to benefit others—as the foundation of Buddhist ethics. Through stories of Zen ancestors, the work of the Sangha Harmony Committee, and contemporary reflections, he shows how these simple yet profound commitments guide both personal practice…

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The Creative Space of The Mind - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 26:34

27d ago26:34

26:34

In this talk, Jogen explores the intimate relationship between Zen practice and creativity, drawing on Dogen’s teaching that practice, realization, and expression form a complete circle. He shows how every moment of experience is a creative act—whether in the stories we tell ourselves, the identities we shape, or the way culture and attention sculp…

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Hekiganroku: Bodhisattva's in the Bath 29:02

27d ago29:02

29:02

In this Teisho, given on July 27th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines case 78 of theHekiganroku: "Bodhisattvas in the Bath." The principles of Zazen (Zen meditation) is to melt into the senses to sense beyond the senses.By Rinzan Pechovnik Osho

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Aimlessness and The Miracle of Life - Hogen, Roshi 21:23

30d ago21:23

21:23

In this talk, Hogen draws on Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Art of Living to explore the practice of aimlessness—the invitation to rest in the present moment rather than chase after a future that never arrives. Through reflections on loss, illness, mosquito bites, and the everyday struggles of sangha members, he shows how freedom is found not by solving pro…

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Mountain Mind, Endless Way - Kisei Costenbader, Sensei 48:45

1M ago48:45

48:45

In this talk, Kisei reflects on the rare gift of meeting in practice and the simple, yet profound, invitation of the Buddha: “try it out for yourself.” From the experience of sesshin and mountain practice, to Dogen’s teaching that enlightened and deluded beings share the same boat, we are reminded of the stillness and stability always present withi…

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Life As The Original Vow - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 42:23

1M ago42:23

42:23

In this talk, we explore the meaning of vow and how it shapes the direction of our lives. From the Buddhist teaching of bodhichitta—the awakened heart-mind of compassion and wisdom—to personal stories of exemplars and inherited vows, we reflect on how intention becomes the fuel for practice. Through poetry, lived experience, and the reminder that e…

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Beyond Calmness and Signs - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 29:03

1M ago29:03

29:03

In this talk, Jogen explores the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh on signlessness and interbeing, reminding us that calmness alone is not true liberation. Through vivid examples and guided contemplations, he invites us to look beyond labels like life and death, self and other, to experience reality more directly. Weaving together insights from zazen, k…

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Bearing FOMO and Boredom So You Can Do More Practice - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 30:54

1M ago30:54

30:54

This talk explores how boredom and fear of missing out often derail meditation practice and how facing them directly can deepen our path. Jogen emphasizes the unique value of sustained practice in bringing clarity of mind, calming the nervous system, and reshaping our habitual patterns. Through stories, reflections, and humor, he shows how boredom …

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Faith in Mind - Bansho Green, Zen Teacher 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

In this talk Bansho discusses many different aspects of the famous poem Affirming Faith in Mind. This talk was given by Bansho as the 3rd talk of 2025 July Sesshin. ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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Hekiganroku: Surangama Sutra and "Unseeing" 28:40

1M ago28:40

28:40

Genjo Marinello Roshi presented this Teisho during the Aug. 3, 2025 Zazenkai held at No Rank Zendo in Portland. This talk investigates how to explore the inconceivable essence of ourselves and the universe via the experience of Great Death.By Genjo Marinello Roshi

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The Gift of Disappointment - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 23:11

2M ago23:11

23:11

In this talk, we explore how disappointment, though often unwelcome, can be a profound teacher. By meeting life’s letdowns with openness, we discover the tender ground of vulnerability that reveals our interconnectedness. The stories and reflections point to a shift from resisting what is to receiving it as part of the path. In the space where expe…

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Close-up, Afresh - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 29:49

2M ago29:49

29:49

In this episode, we reflect on the Beginner’s Mind retreat, exploring the courage it takes to meet each moment without clinging to certainty. Through a Rilke poem, a timeless Zen story, and the shared experiences of retreat participants, we discover the power of “not knowing” as a doorway to intimacy with life. The talk invites us to let go of our …

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The World in The Heart - Hogen Roshi 32:25

2M ago32:25

32:25

This talk invites us to rest in the still point where the breath begins, letting the mind settle into spacious awareness. Through stories of mountain walks, quiet gardens, and the tender bonds between beings, we explore how the world lives within us as much as we live within it. The reflections point toward a deep intimacy with life — one that does…

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Hekiganroku: Do You Have Them or Not? 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

In this Teisho, given on July 5th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines case 72 of theHekiganroku: Ungan's, "Do You Have Them or Not?." Sometimes, all the artifice and investigation must be put aside. At such a time as this, time to walk the dog.By Rinzan Pechovnik

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One--What is that? - Kisei Costenbader, Sesei 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

Exploring interconnection, our desire to be right and mind-stopping moments through the story of Bhadda Kundalakesa. ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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Motivation and Aspiration on the Path to Awakening - Bansho Green, Zen Teacher 48:41

2M ago48:41

48:41

In this talk Bansho discusses vow and aspiration on the spiritual path. What is it that brings us to practice? It's less about what we want to be, but instead how we are being called to be in the world. He also discusses his personal vows and the bodhisattva vows, in particular, the vows of Jizo Bodhisattva. This is the 5th talk of the 2025 July Se…

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The Quiet Power of Worrying Less - Jogen Salzberg, Sensei 24:51

2M ago24:51

24:51

In this episode, we explore the difference between concern and worry, and how spiritual practice can free us from the endless cycle of anxious thoughts. Through stories of daily life, karmic cause and effect, and the power of our mental states, we consider how inner clarity seeds future change. The talk reflects on spiritual activism, the “fragranc…

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Life As Pilgrimage: Old Woman of Mount Wutai - Kisei Sensei 31:46

2M ago31:46

31:46

This talk explores the koan “The Old Woman of Mount Wutai,” a story that opens up questions about pilgrimage, practice, and how wisdom often appears in ordinary forms. We reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim rather than a wanderer, and how sacredness and devotion can show up in everyday life. Along the way, we meet Jizo Bodhisattva—the guardian…

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Familiar Life, Fresh Eyes - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

This episode explores the Zen teaching that “not knowing is most intimate.” Through story, reflection, and real-life retreat experience, we look at how beginner’s mind helps us meet life directly—without relying on old assumptions. From the discomfort of not knowing to the clarity it can bring, this talk points to intimacy not as closeness with oth…

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Love 100K Times - Kisei Sensei 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

This episode explores metta, the practice of lovingkindness, as a way of meeting life with warmth and care. Through stories, teachings, and reflection, we look at how metta softens the grip of resentment, reconnects us with our shared humanity, and creates space for healing. Like sunlight, metta radiates outward—touching ourselves, those we love, a…

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The Radiance of Metta - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

In this talk we explore the Buddhist heart practice of metta—a boundless, radiant wish for the well-being of all beings, including ourselves. Through meditation, reflection, and real-life stories, we examine how lovingkindness can soften resentment, humanize strangers, and even transform our relationship with those we struggle to forgive. Like the …

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The Beauty Gate - Jogen Sensei 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

This episode explores how moments of beauty can interrupt our mental habits and reconnect us with presence. Whether it’s light through leaves, a piece of music, or the sound of wind chimes, beauty can cut through the trance of constant thought. We reflect on how to become more available to those moments, to linger in them, and to let them open spac…

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Beyond Labels - Hogen Roshi 15:48

3M ago15:48

15:48

This talk explores the Buddhist teaching of signlessness, including the fact that who we are cannot be reduced to fixed categories or identities. Drawing on Thich Nhat Hanh’s insights, we look at how everything—including ourselves—is in constant transformation. Through mindfulness and embodied awareness, we can step outside rigid definitions and ex…

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Hekiganroku: Shut Up 27:31

2M ago27:31

27:31

In this Teisho, given on June 29th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines case 71 of theHekiganroku: Goho's, "Shut Up." In Zen training, we learn to travel the pathways beneath our personality construct. What is it? Who are we then? The essential question in Zen is how ill you arise from it?By Rinzan Pechovnik

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Hekiganroku: I Would Ask You To Say It 32:17

3M ago32:17

32:17

In this Teisho, given on June 23rd, 2025, at Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji's Summer Sesshin, Rinzan Osho examines case 70 of the Hekiganroku: Isan's, "I Would Ask You To Say It." How do we find harmony in a world full of dischord? How does Zen training help us to open our ears to listen?By Rinzan Pechovnik

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As If Love Was the Point- Jogen Sensei 39:02

3M ago39:02

39:02

This episode explores how we can live from a place of love, even when we don’t feel like we’ve earned it. We talk about the pressure to be perfect, the feeling of not being enough, and how choosing love—toward ourselves and others—can shift everything. With reflections from Adrienne Maree Brown, Rumi, and other voices, this is an honest look at wha…

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Metta is Like the Sun - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 46:43

3M ago46:43

46:43

In this talk Jomon dicusses the practice of metta, Loving-Kindness. She uses the analogy of metta being like the sun. This talk was given as the 4th talk of the 2025 Loving-Kindness Sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery. She also tells her story of doing metta for a difficult person and encourages us to do the same in our lives. ★ Support this podcast…

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Are You a Soul Mate of the Buddha? - Hogen Roshi 23:05

3M ago23:05

23:05

In this talk Hogen continues his talks from Thich Naht Hanh's Art of Living book. In this talk, Hogen explores the Kalama Sutta and Thich Nhat Hanh’s reflections on how to cultivate true faith through direct experience rather than blind belief. We look deeply at how the Buddha encouraged the use of our own critical mind to investigate teachings for…

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Karma, Time & Deep Self Respect - Jogen, Sensei 45:41

3M ago45:41

45:41

In this episode, Jogen explores the nature of karma as our participation in creating the world, moment by moment. Using vivid metaphors like sending postcards to our future selves, he illustrates how our past actions echo into the present. He invites us to contemplate how these echoes shape our experience, while reminding us that each moment holds …

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The Labyrinth of Love - Jogen Sensei 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

This is the third talk of the 2025 Metta Sesshin at GVZM. In this talk, jogen explores the boundless nature of the heart and its deep entanglement with mind, body, and world. Through poetic reflections and vivid metaphors, listeners are invited to question what shapes the heart and how love can continually be chosen. The talk reminds us that tender…

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The Mystery of Loving - Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

This is the second talk of the 2025 Metta Sesshin at GVZM. In this talk Jomon discusses love and appreciation. What do these words really mean, and how to they relate to our lives, right here and now? ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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The Hidden Lamp: Dieu Nhan’s Without Words 34:25

3M ago34:25

34:25

In this Teisho, given on May 18th, 2025, Rinzan Osho examines Dieu Nhan’s Without Words from The Hidden Lamp. When we attach to things, we lose the essence. Zen practice is the practice of presence. Being present, we see that there is nothing to attach to. Then the whole world reveals itself.By Rinzan Pechovnik

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Universal Friendliness - Jogen Sensei 47:23

3M ago47:23

47:23

This talk was given during the 2025 Loving-Kindness Sesshin at GVZM. This is the first talk of the sesshin. In this talk Jogen discusses Loving-Kindness in general and how we can view metta through a lens of universal friendless. ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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Is Consciousness True Self? - Jogen Sensei 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

In this talk Jogen replies to a number of questions from practitioners during the Heart of Wisdom Wednesday night program on June 4 2025. Some questions include: Why is consciousness not the self? How to I balance striving, and relaxing and opening up? How do I balance enjoying pleasure and not attaching to it in my practice? ★ Support this podcast…

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The Evolution of Something into Everything Else - Hogen Roshi 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

This is the fifth talk in a series on the Art of Living By Thich Naht Hanh. Hogen dicusses what he calls the physics of reality. He discusses impermanence and how it changes how we relate to our live and our sense of aliveness. ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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Call Me By My True Name - Hogen Roshi 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

This talk is the fourth talk in a series on Thich Naht Hanh's book The Art of Living. In this talk Hogen continues to discuss chapter 1 of the book. He talks about our assumptions of who we think we are and how we can open to a more spacious view in our everyday lives. ★ Support this podcast ★By Zen Community of Oregon

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The Light of Zazen - Bansho Green, Zen Teacher 47:14

3M ago47:14

47:14

This talk was given by Bansho during Ancestors Sesshin 2025 on the fourth day. This talk is about "Yunmen's Light" Koan, and many other topics about practicing when deeper in sesshin. He discusses the essence of the practice of zazen, and what we are really doing when we sit. ★ Support this podcast ★…