Teachings
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Dharmatalk: Venus Twinkling
May 26, 20201 min read
"I and all beings have simultaneously attained the Way" ~ Buddha Description: This is the first in a series of talks on basic Buddhism, beginning with an exploration of the word Buddhism and the story of Siddhartha Gautama and how he became “Buddha” - awakened. Is there something that is not subject to suffering and mortality? This is where Siddhartha’s search for freedom began Post & Featured image: Double exposure, the Buddha and the mountains by mari-bori, purchased...
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Sangha Meeting: May 16 2020 Minutes
May 21, 202010 min read
January 25 Sangha Meeting Minutes - Approved Henry’s Report - January 25 - May 16 (see below) Financials This past March, Damon reported to our board of directors that MCZC would have a $53,000 net loss due to the cancellation of our many retreats and events for 2020. The very good news is that this predicted loss has shrunk to less than $20,000. This improvement is largely due to significant increases in general donations and memberships, income from...
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Dharmatalk: Zen and the New Story
May 19, 20201 min read
"The place of stillness is where we find the “sprouts of the new story" ..." "Zen is loving the earth …" Description: In this powerful talk, touching on quantum mechanics and the work of Charles Eisenstein, Ruben Roshi reflects on how the stillness and belonging that we find in Zen practice can allow us to find our interconnectedness, and through that, to unearth a deep compassion in our hearts. The place of stillness is where we find the...
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Mountain Cloud Survey: Please Participate
May 17, 20202 min read
Since its beginning, Mountain Cloud Zen Center has thrived on the helping hands of its sangha. This year, we will be engaging your support in new and exciting ways-- both as we grow into new activities and offerings, and as we meet the unique challenges arising from Coronavirus. Indeed these past few weeks-- and the rapid development of a brand new virtual zendo -- has shown us just how resilient, creative, adaptive, and connected Sangha is! Please give...
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Henry Interviewed By Eric Zimmer on The One You Feed Podcast
May 16, 20202 min read
Paths of Spiritual Awakening: Henry was interviewed by Eric Zimmer on the podcast, The One You Feed. Listen to this April 28 Conversation. In This Interview, Henry Shukman and Eric Zimmer discuss Paths of Spiritual Awakening and… Henry's new book, One Blade of Grass: Finding the Old Road of the Heart, a Zen Memoir How to work with the 3 poisons that we all have: Greed, Ill Will, Delusion Opening up to pain (rather than turning away from it) so that...
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Dharmatalk: Case 100, Book of Equanimity: Roya’s “Mountains and Rivers”
May 12, 20201 min read
"Meditation is bound to fail if it is being done to fix a problem." ~ Barry Magid Description: In Case 100, a monk asks Master Kaku a question and the master’s response itself is showing the monk the world that is revealed when concepts about who we think we are drop away and the essential state is revealed. It excludes nothing; it is about everything we experience. “How are mountains, rivers and the great earth produced at...
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Don’t-Know Mind
May 9, 20201 min read
But when you allow each thought to be met with “Is it true?” life will show itself to you. Eventually, you find yourself ending every thought with a question mark, not with a period. You’re able to rest in the never-ending enlightenment of the don’t-know mind. ~ Byron Katie A mind at Home with Itself Photo and creation by Rosa Bellino
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Dharmatalk: Shimmering Particles
May 5, 20201 min read
"The ‘story of me’ fell away utterly and completely." ~ Francis Bennett Description: This encouraging talk begins with excerpts from the book I Am That I Am by Francis Bennett. Zen practice allows us to join a level of experience where we are never separate from anything. This experience that can arise from deep absorption is beautifully conveyed in this talk, pointing to the value of concentration practice. There are references to Case 99, Unmon’s “Bowl and...
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