Ocean Mind Sangha

A talk—given on the heels of the US election—on the importance of staying grounded and clear in the face of difficulty

A talk on Thich Nhat Hanh's The Miracle of Mindfulness. “When I love you, I maintain my freedom, I respect my freedom”

On the significance of ango, or "peaceful dwelling," and the role of the shuso or chief disciple in Zen Buddhism. Zuisei touches on themes of empowerment, self worth, and trust in ourselves and our practice

A talk on the eight ways of cultivatingloving-kindness

A talk on the practice of metta or loving-kindness—includes a guided meditation

A talk on the power of taking refuge and giving generously—one of the virtues of practicing in community and being one another’s support.

Why do we do what we do? Is there another way to answer this question than with the word “because”…?

Traditional teachings on zazen (silent meditation) and the jhanas, and an inspiring, gentle reminder to return to your cushion

The Second Bodhisattva Vow, aka the Buddhist go-to guide to a rich and fulfilling life.

Keep your spiritual practice alive and strong—to vow is a powerful daily practice, and it is essential for lay Zen practitioners.

On the first bodhisattva vow—sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save them or what it means to love, even when it is difficult to do so

On the fourth bodhisattva vow—the buddha way is unattainable, I vow to attain it, and its relationship to the three doors of karma

The third bodhisattva vow—the dharmas are boundless, I vow to master them —speaks of the importance of letting everything in our lives teach us.

Sloth and torpor is a subtle turning away of our vows, but we can always return and re-engage with what is most important to us.

Restlessness and worry roil the mind like the wind roils water, robbing it of its calm. The antidote? Mindfulness.

A live, spontaneous engagement of the dharma between teacher and students

When we’re at peace within ourselves, unshakeable determination flourishes.

Simplicity is a quality of being—a type of generosity (the Eight Grave Precept). A powerful tool, simplicity is a way for us to wake up to reality as it is.

Using gratitude and mindfulness of breathing to work with conflict.

Seeing the perfection in others (the Sixth Grave Precept) as an entry point into the ethical teachings of the Buddha.

When we see clearly, we reveal the sacredness of the world we inhabit, and we see what is needed. A practical, sustainable, and awe-inspired Buddhist approach to climate change.

How does emptiness become love embodied? Taking a close look at the Heart Sutra

Listen to the Ango Opening Ceremony at Ocean Mind Sangha. An open heart welcomes the painful and often unexpected, with curiosity and love. Luckily, there are many practices available to guide us on this path.

Receiving the precepts (jukai) is a significant aspect of Zen training where a student, surrounded and supported by their teacher and sangha, commits to a life guided by the ethical teachings of Buddhism. The ceremony of jukai itself includes the taking of refuge in the Three Treasures, the Three Pure Precepts, and the Ten Grave Precepts. Listen to and join in as Zuisei guides, and the Ocean Mind...

In our practice the refuge of home is limitless and all encompassing. We are never outside of it. So when it feels as if we are shut out, why is this, and what can we do to return?