Dharma Talks

The fourth Grave Precept, “Do not speak dishonestly—communicate truthfully,” is endlessly subtle. Often, we get drawn into small untruths and social niceties as a way of fitting into a group. Conversely, we sometimes insist on aggressively “speaking my truth” regardless of its effect on others. Can we be truthful, even with ourselves? Can we cultivate deep listening and loving speech in service of our interconnectedness?

Zazen and wisdom are in dynamic relationship. The attention we give to something, the attitude with which we approach it, changes what we see, and thus how we act. In zazen, sit wide awake and curious, noticing habits of body, speech and mind. Enter the precepts, these endlessly mysterious koans that promise an energized way to meet an often painful, confused and overwhelming world. This way is open-hearted and creative, spontaneous and responsive.

Even if you are devoted to zazen, it is good to take a break from sitting. Every so often, forget you practice Zen. Just go about your life and see what happens. It is a great learning opportunity. We notice what happens in our life naturally, how we’ve been changed by the practice, and what we experience when we don’t sit. Putting down the forms also allows us to see our big ideas about Zen, and put those down, too.

Seido reflects on Rohatsu sesshin by exploring the ocean as a metaphor for suchness or thusness. We are part of the ocean—whether riding the surface waves when we are tossed around by life or walking on the ocean floor when we rest in samadhi. Dogen’s insight is that we are already people of suchness. What we seek is what we already are. We are the ocean.

Dharma talks from Rohatsu session 2025, with "Innmo" by Dogen as the central text. December 2, 2025 December 3, 2025 December 4, 2025 December 5, 2025