In this opening session of a rigorous, practice-rooted translation series on the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, we explore the structure of arising, abiding, and cessation in Yogācāra terms. Key teachings include the the distinction between discriminating and conceptualizing mind, the nature of ālaya-vijñāna, and the two kinds of cessation: characteristic and continuity.
*transcript generated by AI Well, hi everybody. Glad to have you all here. Thanks for making it. After our last discussion, which was super fun, by the way, thank you for those of you who participated in the On Zen conversation. Robyn dropped into the Discord chat the idea of working with the Lankavatara Sutra….
Explore mindfulness, self-awareness, and energetic cultivation through the lens of the Dhammapada. Topics include the balance of discipline and transcendence, the dynamics of ego, and the integration of intuition, resonance, and embodied wisdom in daily practice.
Explore a deep Zen Dharma discussion on mindfulness, form, and liberation through the lens of the Dhammapada. Discover insights on ego, self-discipline, distraction, and the interplay between Theravāda and Mahāyāna perspectives on enlightenment and nirvana.
True Zen practice is not in the words we recite—it is in the lives we live. This Dharma discussion explores the Dhammapada’s teachings on integrity, practice, and transformation. From the momentum of moral action to the role of emotions in shaping our reality, we delve into how real change requires not just discipline, but deep self-inquiry. Discover how letting go of ignorance, refining emotional clarity, and embracing radical responsibility lead to genuine spiritual awakening.
A discussion inspired by verses 1-10 of the dhammapada.
Discover Zen perspectives on the meaning of Christmas, radical responsibility, and spiritual transformation. Learn how presence, connection, and self-awareness shape a mindful life.
Through humor and sharp critique, the talk deconstructs traditional notions of the Four Noble Truths, showing how Zen flips the script, asking us not to seek answers but to embody direct experience. From navigating sensual pleasures to exploring the depths of jhanic absorption, the practice becomes not about escaping but fully embracing the moment.
By fostering insight into these mechanics of consciousness, Zen practice allows practitioners to reframe experiences, reduce suffering, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with reality.
This talk highlights the Zen path, which involves increasing one’s capacity to face discomfort and expanding one’s awareness of the suffering that exists both internally and externally. Umi discusses the two main forms of meditation: calming the mind (Samatha) and insight meditation (Vipassana), encouraging practitioners to integrate both to better understand reality and reduce suffering. We also discuss the role of intention and action in karma, using examples like interactions in nature to explore the complex relationships between our actions and their impact. The discussion concludes by reminding practitioners of the value of fearlessness and continuous self-awareness in facing life’s challenges.