Zen Center of Los Angeles Podcast

"Here there is aim, but no target. So we just sit in the midst of this contradiction."  In this Dharma talk, delivered during our Sunday program, Sensei Dharma-Joy illuminates the agenda-less goal of zazen practice. Whether we are counting the breaths, doing shikantaza, or working with koans, he says, our task is not to contemplate, solve a problem, or meditate on any thing because this...

Today we're inaugurating a new podcast series we're calling LA Zen : a series of conversations with Buddhist practitioners investigating the question(s) of how to live in these times (of poly-crisis) and in this place (of Los Angeles) without falling into despair on one side, or let's say self-satisfaction on the other. Our first guest is Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran. When Earth-Mirro...

From the Blue Cliff Record, Case 18: "The Seamless Tomb" This talk by Dharma Teacher Jitsujo Gauthier took place on March 22, 2026 at ZCLA where she led those present in a conversation that included the following themes: being centered vs. being grounded, the work of a death doula, and what it might mean to be bathed in "the Buddha's light" right in the present moment.   R...

From the Wumen Kuan, the Gateless Gate koan collection, Case 16: "The Sound of the Bell and Five Paneled Robe." Sensei Mukei offered this talk during our Beginner's Mind meditation intensive (sesshin). Using a favorite koan as a starting off point, Mukei describes Shakyamuni's own journey as that of a beginner's mind, always questioning, open to new information, and determ...

This dharma talk given at ZCLA, explores the Buddhist teaching of the four kinds of horses, mirroring four types of learners. Sensei Senshin begins by exploring Case 65 from the Blue Cliff Record, a koan entitled, "A Non-Buddhist Questions the Buddha."  Support the show These talks are offered freely. If you feel moved to make a donation to the Zen Center, just click here . ZEN CENTER OF...

Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld Bodhi Day Talk - Rohatsu Sesshin 2025 Recorded 12/8/25 at ZCLA Support the show These talks are offered freely. If you feel moved to make a donation to the Zen Center, just click here . ZEN CENTER OF LOS ANGELES www.zcla.org

Sensei Darla Myoho Fjeld Case 39 of the Mumonkan: "You Have Misspoken" Recorded 2/7/25 at ZCLA Support the show These talks are offered freely. If you feel moved to make a donation to the Zen Center, just click here . ZEN CENTER OF LOS ANGELES www.zcla.org

Sensei Katherine Senshin Griffith Mountains and Waters Sutra Recorded 7/23/25 at ZCLA Support the show These talks are offered freely. If you feel moved to make a donation to the Zen Center, just click here . ZEN CENTER OF LOS ANGELES www.zcla.org

Dharma Holder Earth Mirror Book of Equanimity Case 49 Tozan Offers To The Essence Recorded 7/25/25 at ZCLA Support the show These talks are offered freely. If you feel moved to make a donation to the Zen Center, just click here . ZEN CENTER OF LOS ANGELES www.zcla.org