Compassion: The Beginning of Vision

Michael McCord looks at the link between compassion and the ability to see; that when we not only buy into the fact that we are all connected but actively engage in the connectedness that is all around us, we better align our view of what is actually happening - and from there can more skillfully engage or not engage the unfolding events in our lives.

Joy & the First Noble Truth

This talk will serve as the beginning of an intermittent series on the foundational teachings of Buddhist Dharma, framed for Young Urban Zen.

With this first talk, we will bring up such questions as, "What is this 'suffering' and why does Buddhism emphasize it so often?" "How is joy, too, part of the path?" and "What practices sustain us?"

The Two Truths part Deux

As a sequel to last year’s talk on Emptiness and and the Two Truths we’ll go into more detail about the tangled relationship between the Relative and the Absolute as well as its impact on day-to-day life. In particular, we’ll examine the proposition, held in common by Buddhists and some ancient Greeks, that, because of this relationship, suffering is an integral part of the human experience and inextricably bound to that which makes us human.

I, Me, Mine: A Helpful Guide to the Intricacies of Self-Construction

Anshi Zachary Smith gives a talk titled “I, Me, Mine: A Helpful Guide to the Intricacies of Self-Construction.”

The Buddha identified attachment to the notion of a separate self as, perhaps, the main problem with human existence and famously established the doctrine of “No-Self” as the key to living comfortably and skillfully with the Human Condition. Over a thousand years later Dogen insisted that the key to liberation is a particular kind of self-study. Nonetheless, the question remains, what is this “self” and how can we study it in a way that doesn’t reify it more firmly than ever?

Eating Food, Finding Freedom

Mei Elliot gives a talk called "Eating Food, Finding Freedom." This will be part one of a two part series on the theme of mindful eating.

Zen practice is radically inclusive; all elements of daily life are a part of practice. This includes our relationship to food: how we eat, what we eat, when and why we eat. Despite engaging in eating throughout the day, it often remains opaque and uninvestigated in our daily life. In a country wracked with obesity, malnutrition, and an endless hunger for more, what does it look like to eat wisely? As food is so closely linked to craving, to emotions, and to well-being, if we are to fully wake up, we must include our relationship to food. Tonight we will be studying the eight types of hunger as discussed by Jan Chozen Bays, author of Mindful Eating.

Two weeks from today, we will continue this two part series with another class on mindful eating to take place on June 1st, 2021.

The Four Bodhisattva Vows

Miguel Rojas will be giving a talk titled, "The Four Vows." He will be speaking about the four bodhisattva vows, listed below, and will be discussing how to practice with them for inner reflection.

Beings are numberless, I vow to save them.
Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to end them.
Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to enter them.
Buddha's Way is unsurpassable, I vow to become it.

Miguel Rojas is a Dharma practitioner and Zen Buddhist priest. He’s been practicing for about 15 years and can almost remember the ceremonies. He started with Zen Center of Los Angeles and now practices with SFZC and with Dragon’s Leap temple. He likes cookies.

Smashing Pumpkins

In our increasingly divisive society, how can we see past the external signifiers of "other" and open our heart-mind to all beings. The Buddha's teachings of emptiness and compassion empower us to stand with justice and be with just this.

What ARE You Anyway?

Anshi Zachary Smith leads us on a talk around the question, “What ARE you anyway?”

There are many Koans that ask this question including, most notably, Chao Chou’s Four Gates. We discuss the Koan and the question itself as a way of getting at something fundamental about the human condition and experience.

Simplicity

Kodo Conlin leads us on a talk around simplicity.

"From beginningless time... and extending forever... it is all simply thus... If you let body and mind drop off, whilst keeping your mind open and empty of any deliberate thought, you will find a state of the utmost normalcy..." — Master Keizan

The Gift of Safety: Finding Fearlessness in a Time of Violence

Mei Elliott gives a talk called "The Gift of Safety: Finding Fearlessness in a Time of Violence." In light of the recent violence and ongoing harassment against Asian Americans, how can the Dharma support us in working with our internal "safety system" which is often wrought with fear and anxiety, particularly during times like these. How can we be free in the midst of fear and how can we train our brain to recognize safety? In addition to creating internal safety, what does the Dharma have to say about creating safety for others? One of the greatest gifts a practitioner can offer others is the gift of fearlessness; how can we train to become a refuge for all beings? This talk weaves together dharma teachings, as well as practical, tangible responses we can all take to reduce hate crimes in our communities.

Everything Changes So Why Plan?

Eli Brown-Stevenson leads us on a talk titled “Everything Changes So Why Plan?”

After reflecting on a year that certainly drives home the fundamental point of Buddhism, everything changes, Eli shared and commented on one of Suzuki Roshi's lectures "Nothing Special" expressing the importance of practicing without the expectation of obtaining something.