Upaya Zen Center

This is the 2nd part of the lecture featuring Molly Crockett and Luc Steels, we dive deep into complex systems of science, interdependence, and knowing. The speakers discuss the shift from in-person […]

This is the 1st part of the lecture featuring Molly Crockett and Luc Steels, we dive deep into complex systems of science, interdependence, and knowing. The speakers discuss the shift from in-person […]

The opening of this Varela Symposium focuses on welcoming participants both onsite and online, highlighting access to a vast repository of wisdom through virtual means. The symposium, originally named Zen […]

Wendy Johnson, dedicated Zen Buddhist practitioner and gardener, weaves together threads of her life from her early Zen training years to her work establishing organic farms. For Wendy, there is […]

In this Gathering Dharma session, Rev. Joan Halifax sets the stage with a poignant reading from the Dhammapada on the theme of overcoming hatred through non-hatred, discusses the universal suffering […]

This talk given by Chenxing Han emphasized the interconnectedness of global and personal suffering and the transformative power of community, compassion, and active engagement. She discussed the challenges and polarizations facing society […]

Roshi Joan begins by reflecting on the inception of socially engaged Buddhist training during the pandemic, highlighting the growing need for community and service amidst global crises. Roshi then introduces […]

Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the profound suffering caused by wars and genocides around the world, advocating for deep dialogue, recognition of humanity, and the importance of addressing the structures that […]

Norman Fischer discusses the profound costs of war and the importance of recognizing humanity and sanity for the sake of all and future generations. He reflects on the both difficulty […]

In the opening talk for the Varela Symposium, Professor John Dunne explores the relationship between wisdom and intelligence, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). He differentiates between intelligence […]

For many religions and cultures, forgiveness is “the right thing to do.” But outside of moral judgements, why forgive? Frank Ostaseski, approaching forgiveness as a possibility, not an ethical imperative, […]

In this closing talk for the Spring practice period sesshin, the teachers reflect on the essence of continuous practice beyond the confines of the retreat environment, emphasizing the importance of […]

In this intimate and reflective Dharma talk, Sensei Alcio emphasizes the joyful and pure essence of Zen practice, countering any misconceptions that Zen involves a somber or stern attitude. Alcio […]

In this Dharma talk, Sensei Monshin reflects on the second day of a Spring Practice Period Sesshin, acknowledging the variety of experiences participants might have, from elation to frustration. Monshin […]

Roshi Norman reminds us the method prescribed for touching peace is Zazen. He emphasizes resting deeply to let the true essence emerge naturally without force. Norman speaks to the power […]

In this talk Sensei Alcio Braz draws from Vasubandu’s teachings, exploring the notion that recognizing and acknowledging the non-self aspects of our experiences—such as sensations, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness—can […]

In this talk, Sensei Shinzan explores the teachings of Yogachara, a school of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the union and practice that leads to understanding the self and transcending it towards […]

The program opexning warmly welcomes participants to Upaya’s spring practice period. Roshi Joan emphasizes the importance of this practice period, dedicated to exploring the teachings of Vasubandu, a fourth and […]

Sensei Monshin assures us that we are not so different from the Buddhas and ancestors that inspire us. ”The Buddha way has been kept alive in so many cultures, conditions, […]

Fresh off a two-week pilgrimage to Japan, Roshi Joan and Upaya’s priests share reflections on their experience. For Roshi Joan, this pilgrimage was about connecting to the historical roots of […]