We are always at war with what is. We are creating suffering for others and in this way we are creating suffering for ourselves. Harada Roshi We are constantly dividing the world, each other,

This life, all is well. Can we really say this? Is it alright to say that life is good? Harada Roshi In this dharma talk from summer sesshin, Koshin Sensei reflects on his first sesshin sitting

The heart believes in tomorrows cherry blossoms. The storm comes at night and blows them away. Everything is subject to change. We all experience loss. Can this inevitability spark in us an urg

Everything is encouraging you to awaken to your life. In the midst of our lives, we need to experience moments of respite. Twice a year, the New York Zen Center holds a silent retreat, or sesshin.

Dont just stand there, one foot in and one foot out. Throw yourself in. The great matter of life and death is an ever present reality. Whether we are ready to face this reality or not, there is n

Inattention is harmful. Attention is a refuge. Have you noticed how often we can lose contact with whats around us? Even with the ones we love the most? Koshin Sensei invites us to consider this

There is so much energy around being sure Thinking I know, we become so narrow. Do you ever think I am right and you are wrong? I, you, all of us, can get caught up in deeply entrenched id

How does what you say and do really benefit living beings? We live in a world filled with beauty and terror. Whether we are experiencing euphoric glee, wrenching pain, or something in between, c

Our commitment to distractions and our commitment to not committing actually takes a lot of effort. The newest telescopes can see stars being born hundreds of millions of lightyears away. Innume

Those without virtue are to be pitied. As Dogen Zenji reminds us, giving, kind speech, beneficial actions, and cooperation are the Four Attractions of the Bodhisattva. How often throughou