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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Reflection
March 16, 20191 min read
When the Light Reflects on Itself – The world is created – A Wonderful reflection Of Itself into form – A form-less marriage Of Light and shadows. The Light Never changes True to Itself – Its projections Ever changing, flickering On the still canvass That embraces everything That Lights everything Lost in the dream You walk Not knowing Your intimate face Till… One day You turn towards the Light And Smile A smile of recognition That...
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Dharmatalk: Case 79 (Preface), Book of Equanimity: Chôsa Takes a Step
March 14, 20191 min read
"Oh no, love, you’re not alone." ~ David Bowie Description: This is the second teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. This talk begins with the story of Master Ganto and his great shout at the end of his life. (Warning: if you are listening with earbuds, keep the volume low—there is a very loud group shout!) This talk focuses on the introduction to Case 79, written by Master Bansho and on the teachings of Master Chôsa,...
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Dharmatalk: Case 1, The Gateless Gate: Joshu’s Dog (Mu)
March 7, 20191 min read
Can you see the golden flash of Mu? Description: This is the first teisho of the Summer 2018 sesshin. Traditionally, during a sesshin, the first talk is about the first koan, Mu. Jôshû invites us to receive Mu—it is showing itself right here, right now. How do we fall into this receptive mode? One thing that can help is to investigate our notion of time and allow it to expand. Time can be glimpsed as endless...
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Dharmatalk (Guest): Ruben Habito: Zen Tribute to Mary Oliver (Part 2 of 2)
February 28, 20191 min read
"... all my life I was a bride married to amazement ..." ~Mary Oliver Description: This is the second part of a talk given by Ruben Habito, founding teacher of Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, TX. It is an appreciation of the poet, Mary Oliver, who died on January 17, 2019. Ruben Roshi elaborates on her invitation to pay attention and how this allows our life to unfold in joy and ease and in natural...
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Dharmatalk (Guest): Ruben Habito: Zen Tribute to Mary Oliver (Part 1 of 2)
February 21, 20191 min read
"My work is loving the world." ~Mary Oliver Description: This talk was given by Ruben Habito, founding teacher of Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, TX. It is an appreciation of the poet, Mary Oliver, who died on January 17, 2019. Her words have a deep resonance with the world that we experience when practicing Zen. Ruben Roshi beautifully relates them to the three fruits of Zen—pay attention, be astonished and love the world. NOTE: The...
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Dharmatalk: Case 79, Book of Equanimity: Chôsa Takes a Step (Part 2)
February 14, 20191 min read
"... To awaken is not enough; we have to get down from the pole to be acting as servants of the Dharma, out of love and service for all beings ..." Description: What would it be to have no story? The great masters lived detached from all stories, and the koans share the freedom this gave them. This talk continues the discussion of Case 79 from last week, and introduces the poetic verse that accompanies the...
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Dharmatalk: Case 79, Book of Equanimity: Chôsa Takes a Step (Part 1)
February 7, 20191 min read
"... A sweetly sorrowful joy is a hallmark of our practice deepening ..." Description: This talk begins with a bit of the history of the evolution of meditation practice in the West. This unfolds into an exploration of Case 79, where Master Chôsa comments on Master E. Master E has not fully broken through and manifested his body throughout the ten directions -- in other words, discovered his true identity as one, empty, infinite reality,...
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Sangha Meeting Minutes: January 26, 2019
February 1, 201914 min read
Thank you to all who attended our January 26 sangha meeting. Attendees are listed at the end of this report. We have three sangha meetings per year. Minutes are published on our website and will continue to be posted on our bulletin board. Brief Meditation: Led by Henry Approval October sangha meeting minutes: Moved and approved by attending members. Ratification of 2019 Board and Recognition of out-going board members Two outgoing board members, Kathryn and...
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