Valerie begins this talk with an exploration of Zen's invitation to 'come home' to who we truly are. What kind of path is it that can arrive fully without taking a single step? And what are we to make of this homecoming when the suffering of the world is fully included?

As a way of exploring these questions, the talk turns to a koan: Blue Cliff Record or Hekiganroku Case 69, "Nansen Draws a Circle." Three monks, dharma siblings, set out together to visit a renowned master. Along the way, they stop to share the teaching – and to offer us a glimpse of home that is always right where we are.

Recorded on March 5, 2026

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In Case 2 of The Blue Cliff Record, Master Joshu instructs us that "The Supreme Way is not difficult; it simply dislikes picking and choosing." How can this actually apply to a human life, especially in such trying times, since we seem to be faced with nothing but choices every day, from the most mundane to the most heart wrenching?

Recorded on February 26, 2026

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This talk is in reference to the Biblical "Tree of Life," from which we disconnected when we ate from the "Tree of Knowledge." How does our Zen practice help us to reconnect? Does Joshu's "Oak tree in the garden" give a hint?

Recorded on February 19, 2026

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Zen practice invites us to sit in the midst of things just as they are without being tossed about by difficulties. As the waves settle, it can happen – in one unguarded moment – that the world suddenly falls open. The long imagined scaffolding of separation falls away. And we discover: right there in the vicissitudes of our lives there is ONE who is completely free and untroubled. Dogen called it "untrammeled."

In this talk, Valerie acknowledges the ills of this world then turns to case 94 in the Book of Equanimity or Shoyoroku to explore the reality that doesn't divide and doesn't depend on circumstances. An exchange between Master Tozan (Dongshan) and a monk offers a window into Tozan's sickroom and a gateway into realizing – and taking care of – the one who does not get ill.

Recorded on February 12th, 2026

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Shana delves into Case 9 of the Hekiganroku and Case 15c of the Miscellaneous Koans as pointers to navigating the polycrisis.

Recorded on February 5th, 2026

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This talk begins with the question of how to embody the freedom and ease of Zen's empty hands while being fully attuned to the cries of the world – including the cries of our own hearts.

As a prelude to a koan, the talk turns to the great lay disciple of the Buddha, Vimalakirti, who lies ill and says, "I am sick because the whole world is sick." What wholeness has Vimalakirti seen that allows him to say this? Case 3 of the Hekiganroku or Blue Cliff Record offers a response. About to die, Master Baso (Mazu) gives a final teaching that continues to resound.

Recorded on January 29th, 2026

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Opening with a reading of Mountain Cloud's Land Acknowledgment, this talk is framed by a tribute to Joanna Macy through poetry that helped to inspire her deep and abiding support for the earth and all forms of life.

Within this frame, Valerie turns to a koan about Prajnatara, teacher of Bodhidharma and an ancestor who may well have been a woman. Case 3 of the Shoyoroku or Book of Equanimity presents Prajnatara embodying the way by "always reciting the 'Such-as-this'-sutra" and opening our eyes to what that is.

Recorded on January 22nd, 2026

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Scott takes up Case 6 of the Blue Cliff Record, Unmon's "Every Day is a Good Day."

Recorded on January 15th, 2026

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