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?

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 talks about the 10th Grave Precept that returns the precept study back to the three treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The...

Seido touches on a number of current happenings in the zendo and how they relate to precept practice including the recent installation of...

Seido talks about the way the bodhisattva precepts are firmly rooted in The Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths include recognition...

Senior Zen West students Seiryu and Jukan talk about the Three Pure Precepts – to cease from harm, do good and do good for others. They...

Senior students Josu and Seiryu unfold the precepts on “not misusing sexuality” and “not becoming intoxicated.” The affirmative vow for...

Seido talks about the 9th grave precept on not indulging anger, but instead to cultivate equanimity. She covers various karmic blocks we...

In this precept class, Senkei and Seido explore the meaning of the 10th Grave Precept – Do Not Defame the Three Treasures of Buddha,...

This is one of the most important precepts that ask us to look into the nature of birth and death. It is the first of the ten grave...

This dharma talk comes out of a day long retreat called “Zazenkai” turning attention to the precepts by resting the mind in zazen. Seido...

Senior students Josu and Seiryu explore the precepts against praising self, blaming others and dwelling on past mistakes. Talk includes...

Seido talks about the precept “Do Not Speak Dishonestly – Communicate Truthfully.” Talks on precepts include four lenses – the absolute...

In this first class of 2022, Seido talks about the centrality of the precepts in practice, the bodhisattva vow, and a number of ways we...