Video: Basic Sitting Posture - Cross-legged

by Jokai Blackwell

This primer on basic sitting techniques will get you familiar with the more traditional cross-legged ways to sit for meditation. We hope to give you the tools to learn the healing arts of meditation and mindfulness. We practice the profound teachings that align with the Buddha’s path to awakening.

Meditation is open to all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference or identity, creed, or religion.

Video: Mindfulness of Breathing

by Franz Manfredi

A short, practical meditation method you can use either during a formal seated meditation or anywhere you may find yourself. Learn the technique of sitting, mindfully aware of your breath and body in order to reduce anxiety, stress and find peace.

Video: Basic Sitting Posture

by Franz Manfredi

This primer on basic sitting techniques will get you familiar with the many traditional ways to sit for meditation. We hope to give you the tools to learn the healing arts of meditation and mindfulness. We practice the profound teachings that align with the Buddha’s path to awakening. Meditation is open to all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference or identity, creed, or religion.

Audio: Oneness Doing with Jokai Blackwell, 4/19/2020

Case 86 - Book of Equanimity

Rinzai's Great Enlightenment

Main Case

Attention! Rinzai asked Master Obaku, "What is the ultimate meaning of Buddhism?" In response, Obaku hit him. This happened three times, so he left Obaku and went to see Master Daigu. Daigu asked, "Where do you come from?" Rinzai replied, "I came from Obaku." Daigu asked, "What did Obaku have to say?" Rinzai said, "I asked, ‘What is the ultimate meaning of Buddhism?’ three times, and three times I was struck. I don't know if I was at fault or not." Daigu exclaimed, "Obaku is so grandmotherly to be so very kind to you, but you still come and ask if you are at fault or not." At these words, Rinzai attained great enlightenment.

Audio: The Resurrection by Tim Colohan, 4/12/2020

The 4 Immeasurable Minds and the 4 Grasping Minds

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Most of the time

we live in this box.

Let go of just one,

they all disappear,

we are free.

Grab just one

and we are completely in it.

Content for the Four Immeasurable Minds came from the book: "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching" 1998 Parallax Press, by Thich Nhat Hanh, chapter 22. This book has been a favorite of Tim’s, which he has been constantly re-reading for over 10 years!

The Four Grasping Minds was a topic of many of Zen Master Seung Sahn's talks.  Tim made the drawing in an effort to commit it to memory.

The content is from the book: "Compass of Zen"  1997 Shambhala Publications Inc. by Zen Master Seung Sahn.  Another of Tim’s favorites that he re-reads on an on-going basis!

Passing of Sangha Member, Eric Armstrong

Eric Armstrong, a longtime member of our Sangha has passed away after a long battle with cancer. An active member for ten years, he was known to many for his kind and gentle presence. For many years, he edited our Dharma talks, which are still available in our archives. He is survived by his wife Janet, his son Cole, and his brother Jeff.

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Audio: Freedom From the Known by Jokai Blackwell, 4/5/20

Case 94 - Book of Equanimity

Tozan's Illness

Main Case: 

Attention! Tozan was ill. A monk asked, "Master, you're sick. Is there someone not sick?" Tozan replied, "Yes, there is." The monk asked, "Does the one who is not sick look after you?" Tozan replied, "This old monk is able to look after others!" The monk asked, "Master, how about when you look after others?" Tozan said, "Then the having of sickness is not seen."