Sesshin Encouragement

All beings and things expound the Dharma. With their spontaneity and wholehearted singing, what can we learn from birds? Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post The Dharma of Birds appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Trying to be perfect backfires and cuts us off from life. Openness and willingness is a better way. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript The post Stop Fixing Yourself appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

What is a Zen teacher? What can a Zen teacher give you? This commentary was given on the day after her Zen teacher sanctioning ceremony. It includes a succinct introduction to koans and koan practice. Teisho by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry.  Automated Transcript The post Blue Cliff Record #11: “Obaku’s ‘Mash Eaters'” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Three encouragement talks given by Roshi Philip Kapleau during a 1975 sesshin, accompanied by comments from his successor, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Presented in honor of Founder’s Day—Roshi Kapleau’s birthday. Talk by Roshi Philip Kapleau.  Automated Transcript The post Sesshin Encouragement appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Forgetting the self and awakening to the “world of ten thousand things.” Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn.  Automated Transcript The post Unselfing appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 6 Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript The post Shoyoroku #20: Dizang’s “Most Intimate” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 5 Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript The post Mumonkan #15: Tozan and Sixty Blows appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 4 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 2. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 3 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Daikaku, Part 1. Source: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Master Daikaku #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

July 2025 Sesshin, Day 2 A commentary on the teachings of Zen Masters Foyan and Daikaku. Sources: Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present by Thomas Cleary (Translator) and The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen by Thomas F. Cleary (Editor). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.  Automated Transcript The post Teachings of Zen Masters Foyan and Daikaku appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.