Rochester Zen Center Teisho (Zen Talks) Taking the Risk of Letting Go
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Mar 8, 2026 A talk about the courage required to let go of control and deepen practice. It explores failure, risk-taking, and why sitting can be a radical, non-goal activity. The talk highlights single-minded perseverance, relaxing into all emotions, and the bravery of showing an authentic self. Impermanence, confronting suffering, and wholehearted commitment to practice are also discussed.
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Michael Jordan's Failures Framed As Practice
- Sensei Dhara Kowal recounts Michael Jordan's admitted failures to show persistence matters more than perfection.
- She cites Jordan saying he missed over 9,000 shots and failed repeatedly, then linked that to perseverance in practice.
Treat Zazen As Essential Daily Priority
- Do prioritize daily zazen and treat it as essential like eating and sleeping.
- Sensei Dhara Kowal recommends making regular time and intention to sit, resisting distractions like videos or to-do lists.
Courage Is Acting Despite Fear
- Courage in practice is acting despite fear, not the absence of fear.
- She uses the cowardly lion story to show courage already exists and is revealed by acting even when afraid.