Dave Cuomo - History of Zen pt 1

Dave attempts to trace the history of Zen from its Indian roots up to our present day Zen center. Part 1 is an exploration of pre-Buddhist Brahmanism, and the sangha discusses what to do when you're cultural narrative no longer fits the world as you find it.

Nina Snow - Love and Attachment

We often don't talk about love in Zen, sticking to more monkly sounding terms like "compassion" or "loving kindness" but Nina is not one to shy away from the big topics. She opens her new series this week exploring the difference between love and attachment with a reading from Brad's Sex, Sin, and Zen, and opening up about her own experiences while the sangha discusses how to let go while keeping what truly matters close. Do we have to abandon our loved ones and run off to the forest to find enlightenment? Does non attachment mean we can't love our families?? (spoiler: no you don't and no it doesn't...)

Craig French - The Vine That Connects Everything

Jiko - Self, the vine that encompasses everything; past present, and future. Craig discusses the universal self; what that means, how to act when there is no ultimate purpose, and how to engage in conflict and be with yourself and others in the big universal self.

Emma Roy - Reality Is It's Own Reward

What's so great about the present moment? Emma and the sangha discuss the myth of spiritual progress, why seeking satisfaction is an inherently unsatisfying endeavor, and what the fruits of a goalless practice really are.

Emily Eslami - Buddhism and the City

Emily on distractions; the desire to run away to the mountains to find peace and quite, the nature right here in the city, and why we should all be grateful for the person on the cushion next to us who just farted

Erik Andersen - Happiness

Drawing on research from positive psychology and a reading from Huangbo, Erik Andersen talks happiness; what it is, how to get it, and why it's really not the point so don't worry about it. 

Dave Cuomo - Fundamental Self Worth

Dave and the sangha talk why self worth is inherent and why self esteem is pointless, then throw in a little Carl Rogers self actualization theory and a reading of Huangbo on "One Mind" just for good measure.