

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

Jan 22, 2025 • 22min
Dharma Talk: “The Path to Discernment” with Carolyn Seburn
Carolyn discusses Mumonkan case 11: Jôshû Examines the Hermits as an invitation to examine and trust our own discernment.

Jan 15, 2025 • 31min
January 9th Dharma Talk from Valerie Forstman

Jan 8, 2025 • 39min
2025’s First Dharma Talk with Valerie Forstman
Welcome in the new year with this Teisho offered by Mountain Cloud’s Guiding Teacher, Valerie Forstman. To see what Mountain Cloud has planned for the upcoming year, visit www.mountaincloud.org/newyear/

Dec 19, 2024 • 32min
“Darkness and Light Reveal Our True Nature” with Maria Reis Habito
During the season of Rohatsu, Solstice, Christmas and Hanukkha, Maria takes up the psalm of Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” This psalm becomes a

Nov 26, 2024 • 40min
Breakthroughs Part 2 with Henry Shukman
At this time when many of us may be feeling daunted and uncertain, we gather in the zendo to tap into our shared deeper nature that meditation can open up,

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 19min
Poetry, Practice, and the Wild Ethics of Love: A Conversation with David Hinton
David Hinton, a prolific author and translator, dives into the interplay of poetry, love, and ecology. He elaborates on the Taoist concept of an 'empty mind' and its connection to self-realization and nature. Hinton critiques how technological advancements affect human consciousness and urges a rekindled kinship with the Earth. He also connects ancient Chinese poetry and Chan meditation, highlighting poetry's power to deepen our bond with nature. The conversation beautifully intertwines art, love, and our ethical responsibilities to the environment.

Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Valerie Forstman: Zen’s Subverting Impulse: Overturning the One
This week’s talk was offered by Mountain Cloud’s Guiding Teacher, Valerie Forstman. It was recorded on October 31st at the Zendo in Sante Fe. Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with

Oct 29, 2024 • 34min
Kali Basman: Cultivating Wonder
Kali dives into the multifaceted journey of practice, highlighting the importance of recognizing our shadow sides. She emphasizes how avoiding difficult emotions can amplify our suffering. Through kind awareness, we hold ourselves accountable without blame, fostering a space for healing. The discussion blends personal stories and transformative ideas about vulnerability, resilience, and growth. By embracing uncertainty with curiosity, we can uncover wonder even in life's turbulent moments.

May 16, 2023 • 56min
Spring Retreat Talk 4, Gathering the Heart Mind with Valerie Forstman
Dwelling no-where, mind comes forth~ from the Diamond Sutra Heart mind directs us to the fundamental point of who and what we are. In Chinese there is one term for

May 9, 2023 • 41min
Spring Retreat Talk 3, The Boat is on the River with Valerie Forstman
Valerie explores the clarity and simplicity of Master Hogen who came to be known as the dharma eye of deep clarity. Focusing on Case 51 from Book of Equanimity, Valerie


