Koans – Mountain Cloud Zen Center

Dharma Talk: “Waking into Wholeness” with Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

Many of us come to spiritual practice because of a persistent feeling that there’s something wrong—something off about us or about the world. Perhaps we struggle with loneliness or a

Dharma Talk: “Abundance in an Undivided World” with Valerie Forstman

In this talk, Valerie begins with a look into Dogen’s phrase, “mountain-still sitting,” asking how this practice of divesting ourselves – “dropping away body and mind” – is, at the

Dharma Talk: “A Message from the Oneness World” with Valerie Forstman

This talk begins with pointers to the “Oneness world” – responses to the earthquake in Mindanao, experiences following on a recent 27-day sesshin or ‘mini-ango,’ and the first line of

Dharma Talk: “In coming and going we never leave home” with Valerie Forstman

Returning to the zendo after co-leading a monthlong ‘mini-ango’ at a beautiful Zen center in the Black Forest region of Germany, Valerie reflects on travel and long sitting and Zen’s ever-present invitation to come

Dharma Talk: “Wild Thing!” with Scott Thornton

Scott explores Case 53 of the Blue Cliff Record or Hekiganroku: “Hyakujo and the Wild Ducks.” Watch or listen below: Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming

Dharma Talk: “Where the Active Wheel Revolves” with Valerie Forstman

In this talk, Valerie begins with an Earth Day reflection, acknowledging and honoring what Hakuin Zenji calls “this earth where we stand.” The talk then turns to case 8 in

Dharma Talk: “No Merit” with Scott Thornton

Watch or listen below: Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming a member, so we can continue to offer these programs freely. Donations: https://www.mountaincloud.org/donate/ Membership: https://www.mountaincloud.org/about/membership/ Reach

Teisho: “In the Wake of Sesshin: Wash your bowls” with Valerie Forstman

In this first dharma talk following the Spring Sesshin, Valerie begins with a poem that whimsically maps the trajectory of practice. The talk then turns to Case 7 in the

Teisho: “A Person of Great Strength” with Carolyn Seburn

In this Teisho, Carolyn takes up Mumonkan Case 20: A Person of Great Strength – Seeing Shôgen’s World From the Midst of Fire. Watch or listen below: Recorded on March

Teisho: “On the Way Without Ever Leaving Home” with Valerie Forstman

Valerie begins this talk with an exploration of Zen’s invitation to ‘come home’ to who we truly are. What kind of path is it that can arrive fully without taking

Dharma Talk: “No Choosing (This is it!)” with Scott Thornton

In Case 2 of The Blue Cliff Record, Master Joshu instructs us that, “The Supreme Way is not difficult; it simply dislikes picking and choosing.” How can this actually apply

Dharma Talk: “The Oak Tree of Life” with Maria Habito

This talk is in reference to the Biblical “Tree of Life,” from which we disconnected when we ate from the “Tree of Knowledge.” How does our Zen practice help us

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Dharma Talk: “The Oak Tree of Life” with Maria Habito

This talk is in reference to the Biblical “Tree of Life,” from which we disconnected when we ate from the “Tree of Knowledge.” How does our Zen practice help us

Dharma Talk: “Taking Care of the One Who is Not Ill” Valerie Forstman

Zen practice invites us to sit in the midst of things just as they are without being tossed about by difficulties. As the waves settle, it can happen – in

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