Yorktown Zen

This week we are wrapping up our reading in recent weeks from Zuimonki, Dogen’s casual conversation teachings recorded by his friend Ejo. Roshi tells us that if anyone is interested to have a sort of ‘pocket’ portable carry-able set of teachings, Zuimonki is great for this purpose. Roshi feels that…

This week, Roshi continued our exploration of Dogen’s Zuimonki. He reminded us that, unlike the more formal Shobogenzo, the Zuimonki consists largely of informal talks and conversations recorded by Dogen’s disciple, Ejo. Interestingly, Ejo first met Dogen as a fellow monk before eventually becoming his student and successor. This week…

This week, Roshi briefly reflected on the recent passing of the renowned Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman. Roshi first met Thurman approximately forty years ago at the First American Buddhist Conference. Although their paths crossed only occasionally over the decades that followed, Roshi held him in great respect and appreciation. Reflecting…

This week, Roshi continued our exploration of Dogen’s Zuimonki. He reminded us that this text is much less formal than the Shobogenzo. Much of the Zuimonki was recorded by Ejo, who began as a colleague of Dogen and later became his student. Our discussion focused on the beginning of Book…

This week, the sangha celebrated Roshi’s birthday by singing “Happy Birthday” and presenting him with a card, sweets, and several small gifts. Roshi graciously acknowledged these expressions of appreciation and reflected on their deeper meaning. He reminded us that while we may direct our gratitude toward him, he is simply…

Tesshin Roshi opened his talk by inviting us to consider the term “Garage-ism.” He suggested that American culture has been shaped in part by the post–World War II suburban garage. Not every culture has such a space, but in the United States the garage became a place where creativity and…