Dharma Talks

Debra Seido Martin is Zen West's Guiding Teacher. She was transmitted in 2009 by Kyogen Carlson, late Abbott of Dharma Rain Zen Center. Seido is an organic farmer and psychotherapist devoted to the wild and giving space of practice and grace of the land. She carries forward her teacher’s directive to “ordain into your life.”

Back to Zen School

As our calendar turns from freeform Koan Summer to the study of the Genjokoan, Seido encourages us to carry koan mind into the discipline of Ango. The koan mind pierces through familiar narratives and storylines. During Ango, when we refresh our commitment to zazen and to pondering Dogen’s ancient text, we care for what we love.

Sep 10

Oxherding Picture 5: Training. Trusting. Patient.

In this very moment, how am I being asked to grow? To be wholehearted in Zen practice means to give up any expectation of reward. To be...

Apr 10, 2025

Oxherding Picture 4: The Ox is Right Here

Taming the mercurial ox means taking up a discipline that anchors rather than controls. Without a spiritual discipline, our life easily...

Apr 3, 2025