In this Wednesday night Dharma talk, Sensei Genzan brings his whole self to a mesmerizing and deeply heartfelt exploration of the Dharma. Reflecting on the nature of winter, Genzan invites us to ponder […]

This is a continuation of the final session of the Awakened Action series, where … the faculty share their final thoughts on the themes explored throughout the program. They discuss […]

In the final session of the Awakened Action series, the faculty share their final thoughts on the themes explored throughout the program. They discuss the importance of using intergenerational connections, civil disobedience, and […]

In Part 7 of the Awakened Action series, Christiana Figueres opens with a poignant reflection on the world her grandchild is entering. Grappling with this question, she recalls the teaching of “grandmother’s heart”—a heart rooted in […]

In Part 6 of the Awakened Action series, Rebecca Solnit reflects on her experiences with trees, the role of joy in activism, and the complexity of human nature. She highlights the importance of balancing struggle with […]

In Part 5 of the Awakened Action series, Terry Williams recounts the deeply personal and transformative stories of navigating family tensions, cultural expectations, and environmental crises. Through reflections on conversations with her father about vulnerability and […]

In Part 4 of the Awakened Action Series, Rebecca Solnit continues the theme of the importance of storytelling. Rebecca discusses the role stories have in shaping our perceptions and actions, with a particular emphasis on […]

In Part 3 of the Awakened Action series, Roshi Joan Halifax and Terry Williams bring their depth and sincerity to bear. They explore the profound interconnection between social and environmental responsibility, contemplative practice, and storytelling. Weaving together historical, […]

In Part 2 of the Awakened Action series, faculty members Roshi Joan, Valerie Brown, Rebecca Solnit, and Terry Williams explore the power of embracing interdependence, hope, and agency in uncertain times. They critique consumer culture’s focus on individual comfort […]

In Part 1 of the Awakened Action series, Roshi Joan Halifax expresses heartfelt gratitude for the Upaya community—residents, staff, teachers, and participants, both onsite and online—who have come together to cultivate a space for connection, learning, […]

In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk and prequel to the upcoming Awakened Action program at Upaya, Dr. Wendy Lau offers a heartfelt reflection on the intertwined relationship between practice and […]

Peacemaker John Lederach offers a realistic and hopeful reflection on the 2024 US Presidential Election. He discusses America’s uncertainty and divisions, and how to move forward with curiosity, dignity, courage, […]

Sensei Noah Kodo Roen discusses the rich meaning and history of the Gate of Sweet Nectar liturgy, and its importance to the White Plum Lineage of which Upaya is a […]

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the importance of courage, community, and compassionate engagement in turbulent times, encouraging people to transform fear into an ally and pursue joy […]

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax begins with a heartfelt reflection on the moral call to engage with the suffering of the world. She emphasizes the connection between Buddhist […]

On the sixth and final day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Senseis Shinzan, Monshin, Kathie, and Kozan reflect on the essence of Zen practice following six intense days of […]

On the fifth day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kozan uses the striking scarlet runner bean hidden in its pod as a metaphor for the profound practice of sesshin. He emphasizes […]

On the fourth day of this Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Monshin delves into the phrases “Thusness” or “Suchness” as a path to direct experience. She illuminates the interplay between […]

In this Fall Practice Period sesshin day 2 talk, Sensei Shinzan delves into the poem The Jewel Mirror Samadhi, focusing on key lines that highlight how clarity and awakening are […]

On this first full day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kathie introduces the teaching of The Jewel Mirror Samadhi and shares stories about Zen Master Dongshan, the co-founder of the Caodong School of […]