Best The Zen Studies Society Podcasts (2025)

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309 - Dana, the Paramita of Generosity: Buddhist Teachings on Giving (2 of 4) 32:18

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1d ago32:18

32:18

I discuss the oldest source of Buddhist teachings on Dana as a bodhisattva perfection – the Jataka tales, or stories about Shakyamuni Buddha’s remarkable actions during previous lifetimes. Such stories inspired people to follow the bodhisattva path in both Theravadin and Mahayana Buddhism, so I spend some discussing the Theravadin paramis, and part…

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Post Office scandal; Gaza crisis; Hildegard of Bingen 36:26

5d ago36:26

36:26

When the first part of the report into the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry was published earlier this month, it revealed the devastating impact of that scandal on the lives of those wrongly accused of fraud. William Crawley hears from a former sub-postmaster, Tom Hedges, who says his personal faith and the support of his church was a source of stren…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 8 – God Giving – Judy Fleischman 27:41

6d ago27:41

27:41

Judy Fleischman gives the eighth talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “God Giving.” This series of talks is given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings on…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 7 – God Giving – Michael Guilfond 20:25

6d ago20:25

20:25

Michael Guilfond gives the seventh talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “God Giving.” This series of talks is given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings …

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On Being a Priest – Kannon Do Zen Center- 7/19/2025 21:58

11d ago21:58

21:58

Norman give a dharma talkon “Being a Priest” to Kannon Do Zen Center July 19, 2025. https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/On-Being-a-Priest-Kannondo-7_19_25.mp3By Everyday Zen Foundation

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Syria; Gaza Christians; 'Monkey Trial' 43:32

12d ago43:32

43:32

Syria is facing perhaps its gravest crisis since the fall of the Assad regime last December. It began with sectarian clashes between Druze and Bedouins in the southern province of Sweida. Hundreds of people are reported to have been killed since sectarian clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes erupted in the province on Sunday. The Druze…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 6 – No Trace – Steve Gross 22:55

13d ago22:55

22:55

Steve Gross gives the sixth talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “No Trace.” This series of talks is given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online wi…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 5 – Control – Alan Block 19:20

13d ago19:20

19:20

Alan Block gives the fifth talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “Control.” This series of talks is given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online with…

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308 – Q&A: Sharing the Dharma with Children, Mindfulness, and a Posture Mistake 35:02

15d ago35:02

35:02

In this episode I answer listener questions: How do you address the dharma and practice with young kids? If I'm trying to be mindful on work breaks, should I just go cold turkey and not look at my phone at all or maybe try a more moderate approach like eating my meal and then looking at my phone? Is it even possible to be mindful while looking at s…

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Ronald Heine / The Life and Thought of Origen of Alexandria 38:42

16d ago38:42

38:42

Ronald E. Heine is Professor Emeritus of Bible and Theology at Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon. He is the author of several books on early Christian authors and subjects and translator of many of Origen’s exegetical and homiletical works. PODCAST LINKS: - Origen Cascade Companion (book): https://wipfandstock.com/9781498288958/orige…

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En Mei Jukku Kannongyo – All Day Sitting – July 2025 56:39

18d ago56:39

56:39

Norman gives his dharma talk to the Everyday Zen July 2025 All Day Sitting on the chant “En Mei Jukku Kannongyo. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/En-Mei-Jukku-Kannongyo-All-Day…

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Tuam Excavation; 50 years of Women Rabbis in the UK; Faith in Sport 43:43

19d ago43:43

43:43

As the Church of England prepares parishes to be a ‘church in a time of conflict’, we hear from the Bishop to the Armed Forces, the Rt Rev Hugh Nelson, as the Church’s governing body – General Synod – meet in York. We consider the conflicts within the Church that will be debated at Synod - and discuss how members are set to scrutinise the Redress s…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 4 – Beyond Experience – John Murray 23:56

20d ago23:56

23:56

John Murray gives the fourth talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “Beyond Experience.” This series is part of five class talks given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue of…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 3 – Experience Not Philosophy – Christopher Dumbleton 19:03

20d ago19:03

19:03

Christopher Dumbleton gives the third talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “Experience Not Philosophy.” This series is part of five class talks given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We c…

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307 - Dana, the Paramita of Generosity: Buddhist Teachings on Giving (1 of 3) 41:38

23d ago41:38

41:38

Dana, generosity or giving, is the first Mahayana Buddhist paramita. Generosity is where the journey to self-transcendence begins. In this first episode on Dana, I give an overview of the Buddha’s teachings on the virtue of giving. These teachings are from before Dana was defined as one of the paramis or paramitas – that is, perfections cultivated …

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Dalai Lama, Welfare bill, Turkey 43:59

26d ago43:59

43:59

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor after his death, ending years of uncertainty - but China has other ideas. Hundreds of followers gathered to hear the long-awaited announcement in the Indian town of Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama lives. The leader of Tibetan Buddhism also celebrates his 90t…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 2 – Study Yourself – James Flaherty 28:52

26d ago28:52

28:52

James Flaherty gives the second talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “Study Yourself” This series is part of five class talks given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue off…

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Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series – Talk 1 – Prologue: Beginner’s Mind – Judith Gilbert 18:15

26d ago18:15

18:15

Judith Gilbert gives the first talk of the Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind 2025 Series on “Prologue: Beginner’s Mind.” This series is part of five class talks given by senior Everyday Zen teachers on the chapter of their choice from Suzuki Roshi’s book “Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot c…

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Jennifer N. Levin: On Generation Care 1:09:30

29d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*More than 10 million millennials are caring for aging parents before they've been able to fully launch their careers and consider starting their own families, and that's not including the incalculable numbers of …

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306 – Teisho: Ordinary Mind Is the Way, Never Apart from This Very Place 26:50

1M ago26:50

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This is a teisho - kind of like a cross between a Dharma Talk and guided meditation. I hope my words will point you toward how the Great Matter - that which we seek to awaken to and manifest - is never apart from this very place. Ordinary mind is the Way, and is buddha itself. But what does this really mean? Not that we can't hope for relief from t…

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Nimi Wariboko / Pentecostal Epistemology and Social Ethics 1:21:23

1M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Nimi Wariboko is the Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics at Boston University and the author of The Pentecostal Hypothesis: Christ Talks, They Decide (Cascade, 2020). PODCAST LINKS: - The Pentecostal Hypothesis (book): https://wipfandstock.com/9781725254510/the-pentecostal-hypothesis/ NEWSLETTER: Subscribe to our podcast newsletter and get…

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Church of England Stalking Case; Global Religion Study; Faith at Glastonbury 43:37

1M ago43:37

43:37

The Church of England is facing serious criticism from a stalking victim for failing to keep him safe. The victim was a male volunteer church warden, the stalker a woman lay preacher. He says he reported what was happening to the Church authorities - including Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester. Ed Stourton is joined by the BBC's Religion Editor,…

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Israel-Iran; Assisted Dying; Summer Solstice 42:45

1M ago42:45

42:45

The US has bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran, bringing the country directly into the Israel-Iran conflict. Iran's Foreign minister has described the US strikes as "outrageous" and says Iran is reserving "all options to defend its sovereignty". We get an update from our correspondent in Jerusalem and discuss if an argument can be made from re…

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305 - Dharma Foundations: Truths to Rely on No Matter What 35:13

1M ago35:13

35:13

Religions and spiritual paths are meant to give you strength and help you find meaning. Many people derive strength and meaning through faith in an all-powerful God who works in mysterious ways but ultimately has your best interests in mind. Buddhism doesn’t teach this kind of faith, but it does call attention to many truths upon which we can rely …

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En Mei Jukku Kannongyo – Samish Island Sesshin 2025 – Talk 3 – 6/17/25 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

Norman gives his third and last talk to the Samish Island 2025 Sesshin on the chant “En Mei Jukku Kannongyo. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/En-Mei-Jukku-Kannongyo-Samish-Isla…

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Opening the Hand of Thought – Talk 2 – Samish Island Sesshin 2025 – 6/16/25 57:16

2M ago57:16

57:16

Norman gives a talk on “Opening the Hand of Thought” to the Samish Island 2025 Sesshin. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-06-16-ZoketsuNorman-Openingthehandofthought-Samish…

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What Do You Call the World – Samish Island Sesshin 2025 – Talk 1 – 6/15/2025 55:47

2M ago55:47

55:47

Norman gives a talk on the Koan “What do You Call the World” to the Samish Island 2025 Sesshin. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-06-15-ZoketsuNormanFischer-Whatdoyoucallth…

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Paying Attention – Jeff Bickner – June 2025 All Day Sitting 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

Jeff Bickner gives a talk on “Paying Attention” to the Everyday Zen June 2025 All Day Sitting. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Paying-Attention-Jeff-Bickner-June-2025-All-Day-…

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UK Hindu community reaction to Air India plane crash; Zen Buddhist master; Israel-Iran strikes 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

The horrific plane crash in Gujarat sent shockwaves through the UK’s Hindu community — many of whom have close ties to that region of India. The day after the tragedy, Emily Buchanan visited the vast Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, North West London, to speak with Tarun Patel, a spokesperson for the temple, and Tilak Parek, a scholar of religi…

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Verses From the Center 2025 Series – Talk 8 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

Norman Fischer gives the eighth and final talk on Nagarjuna’s “Verses From the Center” (Mulamadhyamakakarika). This Everyday Zen 2025 series references Stephen Batchelor’s book “Verses From the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online wit…

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Pope Leo Inauguration; Jewish merger; Archbishop of Canterbury delays 43:06

2M ago43:06

43:06

William Crawley talks to Cardinal Vincent Nichols ahead of the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV and hears from correspondent Bethany Bell in Rome.He hears what is causing a delay in appointing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.There's news of an historic vote to merge Liberal and Reform Judaism. And as talks get underway for a ceasefire in Gaza, we he…

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New UK ‘blasphemy law’ claims, Syria’s Alawites, Beatboxing nuns 35:07

2M ago35:07

35:07

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with Edward Stourton.By BBC Radio 4

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Dogen’s Uji (The Time Being) and Zeitgeist 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

Jeff Bickner gives a talk on “Dogen’s Uji (The Time Being) and Zeitgeist.” Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Thank you! https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/edz.assets/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dogens-Uji-_The-Time-Being_-and-Zeitgeist-Jeff-Bickner.mp3…

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Loretta J. Ross: How to Start Making Real Change With Those You’d Rather Cancel 1:04:04

2M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*A Black Feminist, activist, professor, and author, Loretta J. Ross has spent five remarkable decades in activism. She’s deprogrammed white supremacists and taught convicted rapists the principles of feminism and …

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Sudan; Elvis Presley; Catholic church closures 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

With the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine top on the news agenda, it may be easy to miss ongoing war in Sudan. The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has this week highlighted the extensive use of sexual violence against women and girls - some of them very young indeed - in the Darfur region. We hear testimonies from survivors and Edward S…

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304 - Supporting the Zen Practice of People with Physical Challenges (2 of 2) 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

In this episode I make the case for accommodations for people with physical challenges, even in sesshin, and then describe a number of tried and tested ways Sanghas can do this. I finish by talking about how to negotiate with a Sangha if you are someone with physical challenges and hope to be accommodated, particularly in the practice of intensive …

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Verses From the Center 2025 Series – Talk 7 – Kathie Fischer 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Kathie Fischer gives her seventh and final talk on Nagarjuna’s “Verses From the Center” (Mulamadhyamakakarika). This Everyday Zen 2025 series references Stephen Batchelor’s book “Verses From the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online wi…

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Gaza Aid; Pope Diplomacy; Faith on TikTok 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

Humanitarian aid is now reaching Gaza, although the required levels remain a point of dispute between the Israeli Government and aid agencies. It comes in a week when human tragedies in Gaza and Washington continue to mount. Julie Etchingham examines the key questions in a seemingly intractable conflict. The Vatican has been thrust front and centre…

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303 - Supporting the Zen Practice of People with Physical Challenges (1 of 2) 27:08

2M ago27:08

27:08

People with extra physical challenges - disabilities, chronic illnesses, or advanced age - often find it impossible to participate fully in Zen practice without special accommodations. Seated meditation (zazen) can be painful, and the demands of silent meditation retreats (sesshin) can be prohibitive. However, an important part of Zen practice - es…

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Verses From the Center 2025 Series – Talk 6 – Kathie Fischer 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

Kathie Fischer gives her sixth talk of Nagarjuna’s “Verses From the Center” (Mulamadhyamakakarika). This Everyday Zen 2025 series references Stephen Batchelor’s book “Verses From the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Th…

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302 – Q&A: Standing Up for What’s Right, and Zazen Versus Dissociation and Trance 35:17

3M ago35:17

35:17

In this extemporaneous Q&A episode, I address these questions: What is the responsibility of Buddhists to stand for what is right? What is the difference between the Buddhist goal of "detaching from clinging and aversion" and the pathological states of detachment from reality called "dissociation?" How would you describe the desirable level of over…

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Verses From the Center 2025 Series – Talk 5 – Kathie Fischer 56:35

3M ago56:35

56:35

Kathie Fischer gives her fifth talk of Nagarjuna’s “Verses From the Center” (Mulamadhyamakakarika). This Everyday Zen 2025 series references Stephen Batchelor’s book “Verses From the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime. Suggested donation: $7 https://bit.ly/donate-edz-online-teachings We cannot continue offering teachings online without it. Th…