Koans – Page 2 – Mountain Cloud Zen Center

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

Dharma Talk: “Opening the Floodgates” with Shana Smith

Shana delves into Case 9 of the Hekiganroku and Case 15c of the Miscellaneous Koans as pointers to navigating the polycrisis. Recorded on February 5th, 2026 Please consider supporting Mountain

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Dharma Talk: “Opening the Floodgates” with Shana Smith

Shana delves into Case 9 of the Hekiganroku and Case 15c of the Miscellaneous Koans as pointers to navigating the polycrisis. Recorded on February 5th, 2026 Please consider supporting Mountain

Dharma Talk: “Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha” with Valerie Forstman

This talk begins with the question of how to embody the freedom and ease of Zen’s empty hands while being fully attuned to the cries of the world – including

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Dharma Talk: “Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha” with Valerie Forstman

This talk begins with the question of how to embody the freedom and ease of Zen’s empty hands while being fully attuned to the cries of the world – including

Dharma Talk: “The ‘Such-as-this’ Sutra” with Valerie Forstman

Opening with a reading of Mountain Cloud’s Land Acknowledgment, this talk is framed by a tribute to Joanna Macy through poetry that helped to inspire her deep and abiding support

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Dharma Talk: “The ‘Such-as-this’ Sutra” with Valerie Forstman

Opening with a reading of Mountain Cloud’s Land Acknowledgment, this talk is framed by a tribute to Joanna Macy through poetry that helped to inspire her deep and abiding support

Dharma Talk: “Sitting in the Midst of Tragedy” with Scott Thornton

Scott takes up Case 6 of the Blue Cliff Record, Unmon’s “Every Day is a Good Day.” Recorded on January 15th, 2026 Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation

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Dharma Talk: “Sitting in the Midst of Tragedy” with Scott Thornton

Scott takes up Case 6 of the Blue Cliff Record, Unmon’s “Every Day is a Good Day.” Recorded on January 15th, 2026 Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation

Dharma Talk: “One Treasure – Endlessly Functioning” with Valerie Forstman

In the wake of the Rohatsu sesshin at Mountain Cloud and our deep dive into Hakuin’s Song of Zazen, Valerie begins this talk with a painting by Hakuin, an image

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Dharma Talk: “One Treasure – Endlessly Functioning” with Valerie Forstman

In the wake of the Rohatsu sesshin at Mountain Cloud and our deep dive into Hakuin’s Song of Zazen, Valerie begins this talk with a painting by Hakuin, an image

Dharma Talk – Illumined; Illumining: The Full Moon of Our Lives

On the occasion of the last full moon of this calendar year, Valerie turns to case 100 in the Blue Cliff Record or Hekiganroku. Speaking directly to our life and

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Dharma Talk – Illumined; Illumining: The Full Moon of Our Lives

On the occasion of the last full moon of this calendar year, Valerie turns to case 100 in the Blue Cliff Record or Hekiganroku. Speaking directly to our life and

Dharma Talk: “The Boundless Way” with Maria Habito

Maria turns to Mumonkan Case 7, Joshu’s “Wash your Bowl”, his advice to a newcomer who earnestly asked him for instruction about the way. How does this simple instruction reflect

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