Awakening Streams: The One River Zen Podcast

Sensei Michael Brunner, One River Zen
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUDDHISM
  • DAILY SERIES
Awakening Streams: The One River Zen Podcast

"Welcome to 'Awakening Streams,' the One River Zen Podcast, nestled in the serene beauty of Ottawa, IL, near the iconic Starved Rock State Park and just an hour's drive from Chicago. Here, we invite you to embark on a journey of mindfulness, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Join us as we share insightful talks delivered at the One River Zen, where the tranquil ambiance of our region serves as the perfect backdrop for meditation, contemplation, and the exploration of timeless Zen and Dharma wisdom. In each episode, our Guiding Teacher Sensei Michael Brunner delves into the heart of Zen philosophy, meditation, and the enduring teachings of the Dharma. We explore the art of living in the present moment, finding inner peace, and deepening our connection. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Zen, 'Awakening Streams' offers a source of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and learn how to cultivate a sense of stillness, clarity, and compassion in your daily life.

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  1. Practice as if Your Life Depends on It | Shōyorōku Case 32 | Kyōzan's State of Mind

    EPISODE 1

    Practice as if Your Life Depends on It | Shōyorōku Case 32 | Kyōzan's State of Mind

    In this episode, recorded during the closing of a September 2024 sesshin at One River Zen, Sensei Michael reflects on the bittersweet nature of ending deep practice. While sesshin may come to a close, the insights gained remain available—it's just a matter of shifting our gaze. Sensei explores Shōyōroku Case 32, "Kyōzan’s State of Mind," as a guide for stepping beyond the seductive stories we create about ourselves. He emphasizes Kyōzan's instruction to observe directly, without clinging to our constructed identities. Through the lens of both Zen and Carl Jung’s Red Book, Sensei Michael encourages listeners to let go of fixed ideas about who they should be. He draws on Jung’s metaphor of growing like a tree—naturally, without a gaining idea—pointing to the importance of embracing life as it is in each moment. The talk is a call to leave behind self-imposed narratives and embrace the true, boundless nature of being. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: while insights can’t be unseen, their impact can fade if we don’t continue practicing diligently. The journey of awakening requires ongoing effort, as the weeds of delusion are always ready to grow back.

    13 min
  2. Embracing the Present: Letting Go of Stories and Finding Compassion

    EPISODE 2

    Embracing the Present: Letting Go of Stories and Finding Compassion

    "Embracing the Present: Letting Go of Stories and Finding Compassion" In this episode of Awakening Streams, Sensei Michael Brunner delves into the power of present-moment awareness and the practice of dropping our stories and judgments. Drawing from Shoyoroku Case 14, "Attendant Kaku Serves Tea," Sensei explores the profound wisdom that emerges when we release preconceived ideas and open ourselves to the emptiness of each moment. This emptiness, far from being a void, is the fertile ground from which compassion and clarity naturally arise. Tune in for an engaging and relatable talk that highlights the importance of living fully, with awareness, in each moment.

    13 min
  3. Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully

    EPISODE 3

    Wandering in the Mountains: Living Fully

    In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner explores the wisdom of Hekiganroku, Case 36: Chōsha Wandering in the Mountains. Through this kōan, Sensei dives into the importance of living fully in the present moment, without attachment to expectations or fixed ideas. He draws a distinction between positive samadhi—the act of engaging with life as it arises—and absolute samadhi, which refers to the dissolution of the self in death. Using stories from Zen tradition and reflections on everyday life, Sensei reminds us that life is fleeting, much like the autumn leaves dancing on the wind. By embracing each moment and stepping into life with compassion and openness, we can experience the fullness of positive samadhi and avoid being trapped by the limits of our judgments and intellect.

    21 min
  4. Knock Down the Flagpole: Letting Go of Expectations and Awakening to Life

    EPISODE 4

    Knock Down the Flagpole: Letting Go of Expectations and Awakening to Life

    In this episode, Sensei Michael Brunner reflects on Case 22 from the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate), Kashyapa’s Knock Down the Flagpole. Through the story of Ananda and Mahakashyapa, Sensei explores the essence of awakening and the importance of letting go of our fixed ideas and expectations. Enlightenment isn’t a ceremonial vestment we wear, but an ongoing practice of stepping into the unknown, releasing our attachment to who we think we are, and fully embracing the present moment. As the retreat comes to a close, Sensei reminds us that the work doesn’t end here. We are challenged to carry the lessons of sesshin into our everyday lives by knocking down our inner flagpoles—letting go of ego, ideologies, and attachments—and showing up for life with curiosity, openness, and compassion.

    16 min
  5. Seeing Beyond Concepts: Embracing Life’s Boundless Mystery

    EPISODE 5

    Seeing Beyond Concepts: Embracing Life’s Boundless Mystery

    In this episode, Sensei Michael explores Shōyōroku Case 91, Nansen’s Peony, delving into the nature of reality, perception, and the illusion of separation. Through the lens of Zen teachings, Sensei discusses how our minds create boundaries by categorizing, labeling, and splitting life into “real” and “unreal,” “right” and “wrong.” Sensei illustrates how this constant fragmentation keeps us from fully experiencing our lives and blinds us to the intrinsic unity of all things. By letting go of conceptual grasping, we can encounter life directly, seeing through the dreamlike divisions and finding compassion in the boundless mystery that underlies all experiences. Join us to rediscover the richness of the present moment and the true essence of our interconnected lives.

    12 min
  6. Awakening the Master Within: Breaking Free and Leading the Way

    EPISODE 6

    Awakening the Master Within: Breaking Free and Leading the Way

    In this powerful teisho delivered during a "Zen of Recovery" retreat, Sensei Michael (Abbot of oneriverzen.org) explores the deep potential we each have to awaken the master within. Drawing on the story of Zen master Gudo and a gambler’s transformative journey from the Sansheki-shu, Case 2, "Finding a Diamond on a Muddy Road," Sensei emphasizes the importance of honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness as key virtues on the path to awakening. He challenges us to move beyond the small self, to recognize our true nature, and to understand that our awakening isn't just for ourselves but for the healing and liberation of the entire world. Through personal insight, Zen stories, and practical wisdom, Sensei calls us to step forward with courage, embrace our present circumstances, and let the bigger self lead the way. This is your moment to wake up, take responsibility, and transform suffering with compassion.

    24 min
  7. Responding to the Call: Finding Freedom in Discipline

    EPISODE 7

    Responding to the Call: Finding Freedom in Discipline

    In this episode, recorded during our Zen of Recovery Retreat, Sensei Michael Brunner explores Shōyōroku Case 16, "The Sound of the Bell and the Seven-Piece Robe." Sensei delves into how discipline and freedom intertwine in Zen practice, showing how our actions, when free of judgments and labels, become gateways to awakening. Through a story of two monks and their masters’ miracles, the talk illustrates the power of simplicity in daily life. Join us as we explore how responding to the moment with clarity and intention leads to true freedom, addressing suffering both within and beyond ourselves.

    10 min
  8. Put It Down: Embracing Compassion Beyond Judgment

    EPISODE 8

    Put It Down: Embracing Compassion Beyond Judgment

    In this episode, "Put It Down: Embracing Compassion Beyond Judgment," we delve into the teachings of Shasekishu Case 14, "Muddy Road." This classic Zen story reveals how clinging to guilt, shame, or rigid ideas of right and wrong can keep us entangled in suffering. Sensei Michael Brunner guides us through the lesson of letting go of labels and judgments, allowing compassion to arise naturally from a place of non-attachment. Through this teisho, we’re encouraged to engage with life fully, respond to the needs of the moment, and walk the path of awakening with open-hearted clarity.

    13 min
See All Season 3 (8)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

"Welcome to 'Awakening Streams,' the One River Zen Podcast, nestled in the serene beauty of Ottawa, IL, near the iconic Starved Rock State Park and just an hour's drive from Chicago. Here, we invite you to embark on a journey of mindfulness, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening. Join us as we share insightful talks delivered at the One River Zen, where the tranquil ambiance of our region serves as the perfect backdrop for meditation, contemplation, and the exploration of timeless Zen and Dharma wisdom. In each episode, our Guiding Teacher Sensei Michael Brunner delves into the heart of Zen philosophy, meditation, and the enduring teachings of the Dharma. We explore the art of living in the present moment, finding inner peace, and deepening our connection. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to Zen, 'Awakening Streams' offers a source of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and learn how to cultivate a sense of stillness, clarity, and compassion in your daily life.

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