Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED DAILY
Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya's diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Winter Is Coming

    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 questions we rarely ask, encouraging a fresh perspective on the season’s quiet beauty and challenges. Drawing on the rich symbolism of winter in Zen Buddhism, he unwraps layers of Dogen’s poetry to reveal its timeless wisdom. Genzan encourages the audience to adopt a daily zazen practice and highlights the role of volunteering in deepening our connection to others.

    46 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Heart of Change: Final Insights on Awakened Action Part B: Awakened Action (Part 9 of 9)

    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 the importance of using intergenerational connections, civil disobedience, and environmental activism in creating a just and compassionate society, emphasizing how these actions shape a collective future. Personal stories from participants are shared, illustrating how these values have been applied in their own lives, with reflective comments from the faculty. The program concludes with a call for gratitude, generosity, honesty, and authenticity, encouraging participants to carry these principles into their communities. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    1 hr

  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Heart of Change: Final Insights on Awakened Action Part A: Awakened Action (Part 8 of 9)

    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 environmental activism in creating a just and compassionate society, emphasizing how these actions shape a collective future. Personal stories from participants are shared, illustrating how these values have been applied in their own lives, with reflective comments from the faculty. The program concludes with a call for gratitude, generosity, honesty, and authenticity, encouraging participants to carry these principles into their communities. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    43 min

  4. 2 DAYS AGO

    Grandmother’s Heart: Compassion, Wisdom, and the Moral Imperative: Awakened Action (Part 7 of 9)

    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 deep compassion and equanimity, balanced in the face of both joy and suffering. The conversation continues with Roshi Joan, who explores the wisdom and resolve of grandmother’s heart, clarifying that it is not about doting or endearment, but about deep, unconditional presence. The discussion moves to anger, its root causes, and the importance of transcending surface-level anger to understand the deeper, often painful realities behind it. The session also addresses the moral imperative to speak out about social justice issues, particularly the ongoing genocide in Palestine, highlighting the contrast between the Buddhist community’s typical apolitical stance and the responsibility to engage with the world. Themes of storytelling emerge, with reflections on the vital role of grandparents as storytellers, passing down wisdom and values to future generations. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    1h 7m

  5. 3 DAYS AGO

    Embracing Struggles and Finding Refuge: Awakened Action (Part 6 of 9)

    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 the pursuit of beauty, joy, and abundance, as well as the importance of preserving natural wonders for future generations. Rebecca shares a vibrant and inspiring narrative about activism, imagination, and the profound subversiveness of joy. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    49 min

  6. 3 DAYS AGO

    Sacred Conversations: Grief, Connection, and Action: Awakened Action (Part 5 of 9)

    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 the line between public and private truths, Terry explores the challenges of grieving authentically and honoring sacred family moments. Through anecdotes of lived experience, she highlights the importance of listening beyond words, embracing vulnerability, and finding common ground to face both personal and collective change. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    38 min

  7. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Politics and Practice of Storytelling: Awakened Action (Part 4 of 9)

    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 challenging limiting narratives and promoting stories of bravery, kindness, and trust. This session also touches on the concept of abundance, the need for environmental education, and the role of elders in society. Lastly, Rebecca addresses the deep divide between genders in our culture and the need for new stories around identity and expression. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    1h 26m

  8. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Power of Narratives in Transformative Action: Awakened Action (Part 3 of 9)

    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, legendary, and archetypal perspectives on the Buddha’s life, this session highlights themes of interdependence, care, and awakened action. Roshi and Terry draw from a rich lineage of engaged Buddhism, as well as personal stories of vulnerability and collective resilience, emphasizing the transformative power of stories as a bridge between the personal, political, and spiritual. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya's diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.

Information

  • Creator
    Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
  • Years Active
    2006 - 2024
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2006-2018, Upaya Zen Center. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Upaya Zen Center's Dharma Podcast

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