Chanting plays a key part in Japanese Soto Zen, but for the Western student, even if you can find the Japanese words set out in English characters,it can be difficult to know how to pronounce them and the correct cadence to use. In this short recording, Shundo David Haye chants three important Zen texts:the Bodhisattva Vow, the Robe Chant and the H…

In this interview, Wimbledon Zen sits down with Shundo David Haye to discuss his life in Zen. We discuss how he found the practice,teachers who have influenced him, his favourite pieces of Dogen and common mistakes that Zen students make.We also discuss how Zen can become more inclusive, opening itself up to a more diverse reflection of our communi…

Handout available at: http://podcast.wimbledonzen.co.uk/2017.07.08/handout.pdfIn this talk we look at Bussho (Buddha Nature) - widely regarded as one of the most important fascicles of Dogen's Shobogenzo but - for various reasons - often over-looked by modern students. This talk examines the history surrounding the concept of Original Enlightenment…

In this talk, Martin asks whether there is room for 'hope' in Zen. Drawing again on his background in end of life care, he asks what 'hope' actually is and looks at its relationship to faith. Is hope merely a refusal to be with things as they actually are? Does hope hinder our ability to cultivate compassion for ourselves and for others?…

The teaching of anata (no-self) is one of the most frequently misunderstood of Buddha's teachings. In this talk, Alan uses the analogy of a garden to explore what Buddhists actually mean by no-self. He also compares the different ways that schools of Buddhism, such as the Theravada, Yogacara and Madhyamaka, have traditionally advanced this teaching…

In this talk, Martin asks 'Why do we sit?'. He offers a personal reflection on our desire to want to acheive 'something' in our zazen and talks about spiritual materialism. How should we approach our natural inclination to want to know if our practice is making a difference to our lives?

In this beautiful talk Martin talks about the Buddhist practices of Bearing Witness and Not Knowing. Martin works in the field of hospice care and, using his work as a background, he discusses how we act when we are confronted with a challenging situation, especially one where we are unable to change what is happening. How do you stand shoulder to …

'Rhythms of Practice: Settling Within and Expression in the World'Taigen Dan Leighton is a Soto Zen priest and teacher, academic, and author. He is an authorized lineage holder and Zen teacher in the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki, and is the Founder and Guiding Teacher of Ancient Dragon Zen Gate Soto Zen Centre in Chicago.Taigen was ordained as a Zen…

'Rhythms of Practice: Settling Within and Expression in the World'Taigen Dan Leighton is a Soto Zen priest and teacher, academic, and author. He is an authorized lineage holder and Zen teacher in the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki, and is the Founder and Guiding Teacher of Ancient Dragon Zen Gate Soto Zen Centre in Chicago.Taigen was ordained as a Zen…

'Rhythms of Practice: Settling Within and Expression in the World'Taigen Dan Leighton is a Soto Zen priest and teacher, academic, and author. He is an authorized lineage holder and Zen teacher in the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki, and is the Founder and Guiding Teacher of Ancient Dragon Zen Gate Soto Zen Centre in Chicago.Taigen was ordained as a Zen…

'Zen & Compassion - Dogen's Kannon, the KKK and Larry Trapp'Most of us want to bring more compassion into our lives. This talk examines what Zen master Dogen Zenji says about compassion; particularly looking at the 'Kannon' chapter of his Shobogenzo.It also tells the true story of Michael Weisser and Larry Trapp to show how radical compassionate ac…

'Dazed and Confused: Trying to make sense of Dogen's philosophy if you're not as smart as Taigen Dan Leighton'In this final part, Alan offers a framework for understanding Dogen's teachings, with the Zen Master's main philosophies spelt out, and a path for further readings.Dogen Zenji (1200-1253) is one of the most important teachers in the history…

'Dazed and Confused: Trying to make sense of Dogen's philosophy if you're not as smart as Taigen Dan Leighton'Alan deals with how to demystify Dogen's writings, by looking into the Zen Master's influences and the way translators have attempted to bring his writings to life.Dogen Zenji (1200-1253) is one of the most important teachers in the history…

'Dazed and Confused: Trying to make sense of Dogen's philosophy if you're not as smart as Taigen Dan Leighton'In this first section, Alan gives an introduction to the life of Dogen, and why you might be interested in the Zen Master's teachings.Dogen Zenji (1200-1253) is one of the most important teachers in the history of Zen Buddhism.Dogen's philo…