Nature as a Teacher of the Dharma We get to spend our annual retreat in such a beautiful place—one that has quickly become one of my favorites. We listen to Dharma talks and attend workshops, we have time to meditate, and we enjoy the beautiful altars. But we can also learn so much by simply…
The I 15 Sutra
Discover a profound Buddhist sutra fragment found on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, where the Buddha’s timeless teachings on mindfulness and compassion were originally spoken at the busy junction of Interstate 15 and Interstate 80. This unique text invites modern drivers to embrace the Eightfold Path amid their daily travels, turning moments of traffic stress into spiritual practice and inner peace.”
Not knowing is the most intimate.
Not Knowing – I would like to start today’s Dharma talk with one of the most famous of the Zen Koans – Attention! Master Dizang asks Fayan,“Where have you come from?”Fayan replies, “I pilgrimage aimlessly,”“What is the purpose of your pilgrimage?” asks Dizang.“I don’t know,” replies Fayan.“Not knowing is the most intimate,” remarked Dizang.At…
Sangha As Practice
I want to start today’s talk with one of my favorite teachings of the Buddha found in the Upaddha Sutra in the Pali Canon. This story involves Ananda, the Buddha’s cousin and attendant, who has been with him for many years. As they rest during their journey, I can envision him glancing over the assembly…
On Humility: The Path of Studentship
DHARMA TALK by CHRISTOPHER KAKUYO Today, I want to share a few thoughts on humility. Some years ago, I came across a profound teaching by Nubuo Haneda in his book Dharma Breeze. In the first chapter, he recounts the origins of the Shin Buddhist tradition when Shinran meets his teacher, Honen. Here is the passage….
Kintsugi: The Beauty of Imperfection
For Today’s dharma talk, I want to share some ideas and feelings about the beauty of imperfection. To do this, I want to use a metaphor from Japanese material arts, Kintsugi. Metaphor helps us learn by adding a deeper, more emotive dimension. Metaphor tends to be the language of the heart. For me, kintsugi is…
Namu Amida Butsu: The Call Home
“Come as you are,” is a call many of us have longed to hear; it embodies one of the many meanings of Namu Amida Butsu. It invites us to come just as we are—there’s no need to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or afraid. This phrase represents a welcoming home for us in our current state, both…
Broken and Whole at the Same Time.
“Come as you are” is a heartfelt invitation that many of us have longed to hear. This message is captured in the various meanings of Namu Amida Butsu. For me, Namu Amida Butsu represents a call from the core of reality, encouraging us to return home and embrace ourselves just as we are—free from embarrassment,…
On Ritual
Today, I want to discuss rituals in relation to Buddhism and Buddhist practice, Before we begin, I want to share a few words and have you shout out the first thing that comes to your mind. Faith Belief Prayer Ritual Evil Sin Most of us have left the traditions of our fathers and mothers and…
Smokey the Bear Sutra
Here is the sutra written by Gary Snyder from Dec 1st Dharma Talk. A link to the Dharma talk is at the bottom. The Sutra Once in the Jurassic about 150 million years ago, the Great Sun Buddha in this corner of the Infinite Void gave a discourse to all the assembled elements and energies:…
Everyday Nembutsu 