Legacy MC Podcast
Mountain Cloud Zen Center
Welcome to the MCZC Podcast. Here, we’ll be sharing our weekly Teisho’s exploring classical Zen Koans, offered by Mountain Cloud teachers, and some guest teachers. Additionally, we’ll be releasing a conversation series, titled Path(less), which will explore the “pathless path” of practice and life.Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud Zen Center through donation and membership, both of which allow us to offer these and other programs. Visit mountaincloud.org for our daily meditation schedule, weekly talks, upcoming retreats, and more.Reach out to grant@mountaincloud.org with any comments/suggestions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 1, 2025 • 36min
Dharma Talk: “Falling into the Heart of the World” with Valerie Forstman
In this first teisho since returning from the North American Sanbo Zan sesshin led by Yamada Ryoun Roshi, Valerie takes up Case 4 in the Shoyoroku or Book of Serenity,
Jun 24, 2025 • 58min
Dharma Talk: “The Practice of Insight Dialogue” with Nicola Redfern
Insight Dialogue (ID) is a relational meditation practice for developing awareness, compassion and wisdom. It is designed to help us awaken together and integrate our understanding of Dharma teachings in
8 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 45min
Dharma Talk: “Homecoming: Not a single step taken” with Valerie Forstman
Valerie shares transformative experiences from a Zen retreat in Germany, emphasizing the power of community in meditation. The discussion explores the One Way koan, revealing themes of boundlessness and interconnectedness in our lives. Through reflections on emptiness and the Heart Sutra, listeners are invited to feel a deep connection with their surroundings. The talk culminates in the celebration of freedom found in the present moment, rich with gratitude and a sense of responsibility toward nature.
Jun 12, 2025 • 48min
Dharma Talk: “Why I Love the Three Poisons” with David Loy
In this talk, David explores the depth and application of this teaching to our modern lives. He notes, “We often do not appreciate that the three poisons is a profound
Jun 3, 2025 • 38min
Dharma Talk: “How to Disappear” with Katie Arnold
Katie Arnold tells a story from her upcoming book How to Disappear about an arduous and illuminating long distance run in the high country. Katie Arnold is the author of
May 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
Dharma Talk: “The Eightfold Path and Tribal Spirituality” with Karen Waconda-Lewis
This talk was offered by Karen Waconda-Lewis at Mountain Cloud Zen Center on May 22nd, 2025. Karen discusses how the Noble Eightfold Path connects with Tribal spirituality. Please consider supporting
May 20, 2025 • 58min
Dharma Talk: “Zen is Basking in Love and Loving Back” with Ruben Habito
Ruben Habito, a Zen teacher and former Jesuit priest, engages listeners with insights into the core principles of Zen, emphasizing love and mindfulness. He reflects on his transformative journey into Zen, highlighting key experiences and the significance of the koan 'Mu.' The discussion explores the interconnectedness of selflessness and service, while contrasting authentic love with attachment-based love. Habito also shares the transformative power of love in Zen practice, emphasizing its role in personal growth and emotional well-being.
May 9, 2025 • 44min
Dharma Talk: “The Refuge of No Refuge” with David Loy
In this talk, David explores the idea of refuge. To take refuge is to run away to a hiding place…Is that what we should do? Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud
May 9, 2025 • 32min
Dharma Talk: “The single stone ten thousand feet down in the sea of Ise” with Maria Reis Habito
Zen is a practice to deeply explore and fully live our true Self. Might the Koan about the stone deep down in the sea of Ise be a helpful pointer
Apr 25, 2025 • 40min
Dharma Talk: Don’t Know, Can’t Know, Who Knows? with Shana Smith
In this talk, Shana takes us right into “don’t know mind” as a portal to discovering our true nature and the freedom inherent in simply being alive. By tasting this
