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 91, Book of Equanimity: Nansen & the Peonies (Part 2): 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 6 of 6)
November 27, 20191 min read
"Accept what comes from silence." ~ Wendell Berry Description: This is the final talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. It begins with a few comments on this series of talks and continues on with the discussion of Case 91. The student in this koan, Minister Rikukô, is excited to present a powerful quotation to Master Nansen. Nansen’s beautiful, powerful response is further explored. Post & Featured image: rocks and hills in water by Richie Graham/scopio, purchased from scopio,...
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Mindful Encouragement
November 23, 20191 min read
...peace comes in the pause, the quiet between breaths... Sometimes life gets messy. In seeking relief from suffering through the practice of mindfulness we may find ourselves wading through a morass of literature, inspirational websites, commercial enterprises, guided meditations and scholarly articles. It’s not supposed to make things harder. Discernment may seem like our best guide. When that fails us, it is okay to seek guidance from others we trust. Ultimately, we are assured that...
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Henry Shukman: Radio-Cafe Interview
November 21, 20191 min read
Listen to Henry's Interview on the Radio-Cafe with Mary Charlotte Domandi. Henry and Mary Charlotte have an engaging conversation about Henry's new book, One Blade of Grass. Image: Dewdrop in the morning sun by kie-ker, Pixabay.com
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Dharmatalk: Case 91, Book of Equanimity: Nansen & the Peonies (Part 1): 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 5 of 6)
November 21, 20191 min read
"... there is nothing to venerate and nothing is more alive ..." Description: This is the fifth talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. What the Buddha realized can be touched in any moment, in any place—it is alive right now. In Case 91, Nansen points at the beautiful peonies and says, “… people of today see these flowers as in a dream.” When we see the truth of Nansen’s reality, there is nothing to venerate and...
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Dharmatalk: Case 90, Book of Equanimity: Kyozan Speaks Out: 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 4 of 6)
November 14, 20191 min read
"All these processes are dreams." ~Yamada Koun Roshi. Description: This is the fourth talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. It begins with four levels of practice wisdom, Buddha’s teaching on the five aggregates and what constitutes true kensho. It unfolds into an examination of Case 90 where Master Kyôzan visits Maitreya, the future Buddha, in a dream. Post & Featured image: Faces empty in abstract composition by rolffimages, purchased from depositphotos, for use only on our website/social...
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Dharmatalk: Case 89, Book of Equanimity: Tozan’s Place of No Grass: 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 3 of 6)
November 7, 20191 min read
"The real journey begins when you sit down." Description: This is the third talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. Case 89 takes place in a monastery at the end of a three-month summer practice period. Master Tôzan instructs the monks to “go directly to the place of no grass over ten thousand miles.” Where is this place of no grass? Are the answers we seek to be found somewhere else? What does Tôzan mean by...
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Buddha at the Gas Pump Interview with Henry Shukman
October 31, 20191 min read
On October 12, Rick Archer of Buddha at the Gas Pump interviewed Henry. Watch this in-depth interview and discussion.
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Dharmatalk: Case 1, The Gateless Gate: Joshu’s Dog (Mu): 2018 Rohatsu Sesshin (Part 2 of 6)
October 31, 20191 min read
"… Present moment awareness is deeply fulfilling." Description: This is the second talk of the 2018 Rohatsu sesshin. The benefits of restriction, i.e., not moving, concentrating on our practice, etc., are discussed. This leads into Case 1 of the Gateless Gate and the koan “Mu.” Using the commentary written by Mumon as a touchstone, this talk explores gradual cultivation, sudden enlightenment and how to sit with Mu. Post & Featured image: Red and blue hummingbird by...
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