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: 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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Mindfulness: You are Not Alone, Jack Kornfield
February 23, 20201 min read
In a recent article titled You Are Not Alone, Jack Kornfield reminds us that we are intricately connected to all things through the air we breathe, the food we eat and the experiences we share. Many mystics, physicists, philosophers and even mathematicians have reached similar conclusions. We are infinitely more than our mind or our body. Kornfield says, “And now, as you read these words, feel yourself as part of the stream of humanity walking...
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Falling Snow
February 23, 20201 min read
All last night and This morning still, Snow falling in the deepest mountains; Ah, to see the autumn leaves Scattering in my home. ~ Dogen
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Dharmatalk:Already One: 2019 Spring Sesshin (Part 4 of 4)
February 20, 20201 min read
"…and the deepest level of communication is not communication, it’s communion." ~ Thomas Merton Description: This is the final talk of the Spring 2019 sesshin. It is a “key points” summary of the previous talks, beginning with a discussion of various zones of human healing and wisdom. Bodhidharma described two gates to the Zen path—entry by principle and entry by practice. This is the springboard to discuss many aspects of practice and the experience of awakening,...
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Daily Activities
February 16, 20201 min read
Transmitting to the east the way the ancestors brought from the west, My daily activities illuminated by the moon and shadowed by the clouds, Because I revere the ancient way of the patriarchs, The secular dust of worldly customs does not reach Where I remain secluded in my grass-thatched hut, On a snowy evening deep in the mountain recesses. ~ Dogen Zenji
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Dharmatalk: Case 95, Book of Equanimity: Rinzai Draws a Line (Part 2): 2019 Spring Sesshin (Part 3 of 4)
February 13, 20201 min read
Where have you come from? ~ Rinzai. Description: This is the third talk of the Spring 2019 sesshin. It begins with further reflections on the process of settling into a multi-day retreat and explores the topic of doubt. This unfolds into the story of Rinzai and how he fully expressed the Dharma without any trace of self-driven purpose, as demonstrated by his seemingly perplexing behavior. In Case 95, Rinzai and the temple steward are having...
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