Rochester Zen Center Teisho (Zen Talks)

A talk about letting the mind settle and finding inner stillness through zazen. It explores habitual reactivity, distraction versus open waiting, and a hands-off approach to practice. Metaphors like a snow globe, feather, and fan illustrate patience over force. Themes include working with sound, accepting life’s noise, learning from mistakes, and cultivating kindness amid daily activity.

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.

February 2026 Sesshin, Day 2 Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.  Automated Transcript The post Guo Gu “Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening” #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

A talk on Chan practice that explores uprooting emotional afflictions and cultivating true potential. Discussions cover treating thoughts without good or bad labels and an expose-embrace-transform framework for habitual patterns. Stories and analogies illustrate accepting distractions, standing with anxiety, and the ever-present possibility of awakening. Emphasis on perseverance, sangha support, and the intensified power of extended sittings.

A commentary on the relationship between Zen practice, on and off the cushion, and anchoring in the tanden. Teisho by Sensei Jissai Prince-Cherry.  Automated Transcript The post Zen Practice and Hara appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

Coming to the Path Talk by Barry Keesan.  Automated Transcript The post Coming to the Path Talk by Barry Keesan appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

What is the true spirit of the Four Bodhisattvic Vows? How can we make them the foundation of our life, even in the face of hardship? Source: Opening the Hand of Thought by Kosho Uchiyama (Wisdom Publications, 2005). Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Wanted: Bodhisattvas. Apply Within. appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

January 2026 Sesshin, Day 6 Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Hekiganroku #24 , “Irongrindstones Tetsuma” appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

January 2026 Sesshin, Day 5 Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart. (ed. by Roko Sherry Chayat). Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Maurine Stuart: “Subtle Sound” #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.

January 2026 Sesshin, Day 4 Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart (ed. by Roko Sherry Chayat). Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal.  Automated Transcript The post Maurine Stuart: “Subtle Sound” #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.