Teachings
You can find all of our weekly Dharma talks for free right here on this page, as well as on our YouTube channel and podcast. Live talks take place every Thursday from 5:30–7:00pm MT, both in-person and on Zoom (sit.mountaincloud.org — password: mountain22). Members receive access to some special archival materials.
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Dharmatalk: One Infinite Gratitude
April 2, 20201 min read
"... Zen practice offers stillness and silence ..." "…dissolving the great Gordian knot of self ..." Description: Gratitude for Buddha, Dharma and Sangha unites all the divergent streams of Buddhism. This talk touches on Transcendental Meditation and The Beatles, Emerson and Thoreau, and Swami Vivekananda. Zen practice offers stillness and silence and the potential for truly discovering the core fact of our existence, here and now. Post & Featured image: Beautiful Sunrise Ship morning background by...
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Dharmatalk: Case 98, Book of Equanimity: Tozan’s “Intimate with It” (Part 2 of 2)
March 26, 20201 min read
"Zen is a template for letting go ..." Description: This talk revisits the three bodies of Buddha and maps them onto the various approaches to Zen practice, including mindfulness. The Dharma-body is the subject of every koan; each one communicates the true fact of existence. Tôzan’s answer to the monk’s question in Case 98 does just this. Post & Featured image: Silhouette of bird flying and broken chains at sunset sky background by choat, purchased...
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Dharmatalk: Case 98, Book of Equanimity: Tozan’s “Intimate with It” (Part 1 of 2)
March 19, 20201 min read
"... the single, infinite, empty fact that is always, powerfully, right here, now ..." I am always most intimate with it. ~Tôzan Description: This talk begins by addressing the difference between concentration leading to emptiness practice, and mindfulness meditation. In Case 98, a monk asks Tôzan about the three bodies of Buddha. Tôzan’s beautiful, nonconceptual response expresses the single, infinite, empty fact that is always, powerfully, right here, now. Post & Featured image: Rapid mountain...
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Dharmatalk: Case 97, Book of Equanimity: Emperor Doko’s Helmet Hood
March 12, 20201 min read
"Any sense experience is boundless and empty." Description: This inspiring talk explores the beautiful simplicity of Case 97. Emperor Dôkô says, “I have attained the treasure of the Central Plain.” His teacher, Master Kôke, asks the emperor to show it to him. What is this boundless treasure that cannot be quantified? It is always right here, right now. Post & Featured image: Yellow Sun Set in The Middle of The Ocean by osalenko, purchased from depositphotos,...
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Dharmatalk: Case 96, Book of Equanimity: Kyuho Does Not Acknowledge (Part 2 of 2)
March 5, 20201 min read
The fact of being is an utter mystery. Description: The focal point of this multifaceted talk is the seven-line verse by Master Sekisô in Case 96. Practice gives us a framework for seeking. What is to be found? In order to give us a taste of what Sekisô is conveying about the great mystery of existence and the varying depths of the awakening experience, each line of the verse is explored. Post & Featured image:...
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Henry Shukman and Sam Harris Interview / Waking Up Podcast
March 2, 20201 min read
Henry was recently interviewed by Sam Harris on the Waking Up podcast. Waking Up is available with a subscription. If you'd like to listen, we have a special offer that allows us to listen for free to Henry and Sam's conversation. Waking Up also offers a 30-day free trial if you'd like to explore more of the Sam Harris' offerings. To take advantage of the special offer... Visit https://www.wakingup.com Click on 'Sign Up' in the upper...
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Dharmatalk: Case 96, Book of Equanimity: Kyuho Does Not Acknowledge (Part 1)
February 27, 20201 min read
Each thing is itself a miracle. Description: What is a koan? Why are they used in Zen training? In the story of each koan, we are the main character with an opportunity to become clearly aware of our core nature. In Case 96, following the death of Master Sekisô, Kyûhô questions the head monk to discover whether or not he should become the next abbot of the temple. Kyûhô is unimpressed, demonstrating that the heart...
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