Best Shikantaza Podcasts (2025)

1
304 - Supporting the Zen Practice of People with Physical Challenges (2 of 2) 42:59

15h 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 …

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

8d 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…

1
302 – Q&A: Standing Up for What’s Right, and Zazen Versus Dissociation and Trance 35:17

16d 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…

1
301 – Teisho: You Have to See Your Nature 28:14

1M ago28:14

28:14

This episode is a Teisho, an encouragement talk that’s meant to be listened to while you are sitting quietly. Zen teachers give Teisho during sesshin, and this amounts to a more formal kind of Dharma talk, almost like a meditation. It’s not meant to be educational. I’m curious as to how it will come off if you listen to it while walking or driving …

1
300 - One Reality, Many Descriptions Part 6: Trikaya, the Three Bodies of Buddha 34:06

1M ago34:06

34:06

The teaching of the Trikaya, or Three Bodies of Buddha, is challenging. It may seem to be metaphysical speculation or surprisingly theistic for Buddhism. However, it offers a unique and valuable framing for the mystery of awakening, the palpable presence of the Ineffable despite its ungraspable nature, and the relationship of all phenomena to the I…

1
Receive Don't Reject - 4/13/25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

https://youtu.be/CdrSo2bN3xABy Sokuzan

1
299 – Q&A: Revisiting Veganism and Moral Choices, and Questions about Shikantaza 32:39

2M ago32:39

32:39

In this extemporaneous question-and-answer episode I address a listener's comment on my answer in a recent Q&A episode about the relationship between Buddhism and eating a plant-based diet. Then I respond to two different questions about the practice of shikantaza, or just sitting.By Domyo Burk

1
Reshaping Suffering 4/9/25 with Sokuzan - Sokukoji.org 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

https://youtu.be/ibC8IsolivEBy Sokuzan

1
Believing Your Feelings - 4/6/25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 59:33

2M ago59:33

59:33

https://youtu.be/oUt7spVixrQBy Sokuzan

1
Illusion of Control 2 - 4/2/2025 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 49:53

2M ago49:53

49:53

https://youtu.be/gHiQneR3sGYBy Sokuzan

1
298 – Framing Your Dharma Practice in a Helpful Way 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

Chances are, whether you're aware of it or not, you have a certain way of framing your Dharma practice. That is, you function using a conceptual framework that defines your relationship to your practice, the intent of that practice, and what is supposedly being transformed by that practice. When you're centered in the moment, you can practice witho…

1
Don't Receive - 3-30-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

https://youtu.be/hLNtsF6MB74By Sokuzan

1
Is Something Threatened_ - 3_26_25 with Sokuzan - sokukoJi.org 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

https://youtu.be/wOiOjWoBSj4By Sokuzan

1
These Three Links - 3-23-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:02:02

2M ago1:02:02

1:02:02

https://youtu.be/LhNhVubI2HMBy Sokuzan

1
When Standards Obstruct - 03-19-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

https://youtu.be/lzrSxx3z9sYBy Sokuzan

1
When Opinion Replaces Perception - 03-12-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 58:29

3M ago58:29

58:29

https://youtu.be/5fxO4Wzr2-Y?si=8BNUMz1qm2OFC33WBy Sokuzan

1
A Basic Buddhist Teaching - 03/16/25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 59:46

3M ago59:46

59:46

https://youtu.be/Dswmg-f38-I?si=iwaWv-cE-oZVN2pZBy Sokuzan

1
297 – Investigating the Wandering Mind 36:41

3M ago36:41

36:41

Almost everyone who practices meditation or mindfulness encounters the phenomenon of the wandering mind – when, despite your conscious intention, your mind is filled with thoughts that have nothing to do with your current experience. You can employ various techniques to let go of the thoughts and “bring the mind back” to your meditative object or t…

1
Observe or Obey - 03-09-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:04:59

3M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

https://youtu.be/qe9mU9AuFm4?si=iF-wGa6xtKFMVpScBy Sokuzan

1
296 – Q&A: Paramis, Mindfulness, Karma, and Enjoyment 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

This is an extemporaneous question-and-answer episode. Do you know the difference between a parami and a paramita? Do I still like to think of mindfulness as "undivided presence?" What about when Buddhists use the idea of karma as an excuse not to take compassionate action? Why can't our practice include more activities aimed at the cultivation of …

1
The Bullying Mind - 03-05-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 53:01

3M ago53:01

53:01

https://youtu.be/DFjB6Aa3ikABy Sokuzan

1
Emotions Are Just Consciousness - 03-02-24 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:18:35

3M ago1:18:35

1:18:35

https://youtu.be/t6lfYeMyGtIBy Sokuzan

1
295 - The Power of Equanimity 30:26

3M ago30:26

30:26

Equanimity is a powerful state of being that not only reduces our stress and suffering but also enables us to respond effectively. However, in our efforts to achieve some measure of equanimity, we may end up stuck in the tentative calm of denial or in the coldness of indifference. True equanimity is clear-eyed, undefended, compassionate, and inclus…

1
The Tyranny of Believing - 02-26-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

https://youtu.be/0UOxlUkgaQIBy Sokuzan

1
Repetitive Thoughts - 02-23-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:16:00

3M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

https://youtu.be/EHLj826F2J4By Sokuzan

1
Can't Find Space - 02-1-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

https://youtu.be/8GVHcIkr0DABy Sokuzan

1
294 - Ten Fields of Zen, Field 10 - Connecting with the Ineffable, or What Is Most True 35:36

3M ago35:36

35:36

The tenth Field of Zen is Connecting with the Ineffable. Zen is not based on a belief in God in a theistic sense. However, at its core there is a strong emphasis on a much more profound, inspiring, significant, and hopeful Reality than the bleak, mundane, and discouraging one people sometimes experience in their ordinary daily lives. Call this “gre…

1
Vasubandhu's 30 Verses - 02-16-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:04:39

4M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

https://youtu.be/njmV6tacBIwBy Sokuzan

1
Observing & Receiving - 02-12-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 51:46

4M ago51:46

51:46

https://youtu.be/prRdswXVo40By Sokuzan

1
293 – Q&A: Veganism, Letting Thoughts Go, and Motivation for Action 26:32

4M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode I extemporaneously answer questions listeners have submitted by email, including: Why aren't Buddhist vegan if the first moral precept is "do not kill?" What does it really mean to "let go" of a thought? And: Isn't taking action - including compassionate action - always the result of being dissatisfied in some way?…

1
Elephants in the Room - 02-02-25 with Sokuzan - sokukoji.org 1:23:39

4M ago1:23:39

1:23:39

https://youtu.be/BKB09g5B3C8By Sokuzan

1
292 - Ten Fields of Zen, Field 9 – Bodhisattva Activity: Enacting Vows to Benefit All Beings 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

Bodhisattva Activity is enacting vows to free all beings as well as yourself. This is an acknowledgment that you are interdependent with all beings and things, and such an aspiration can give a sense of purpose and direction to your whole life. Of course, it’s impossible to fulfill this vow literally, and when you try to put it into action it is no…