Treeleaf Zendo
A Soto Zen Sangha
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen We need a revolutionary movement of left wing, right wing and center together. Yes, it sounds impossible, even counter-intuitive. How can so many different people of different values change the world together? In fact, Buddhism may offer some lessons how. In a monastery, a Sangha, people of all political persuasions, backgrounds…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen In the face of so many, seemingly insurmountable problems in society, in our families, friendships and other relationships, Karma is a sword of change in this world and in our lives. Better said, “Good Karma” is our “Non-Weapon” of change – a powerful tool without violence, hate, selfishness and taking. How so? Karma has…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen The following is not about politics as such, but it is about fighting (better, “non-fighting“) for a better world, and a more just, less violent society. However, its counsel applies equally to dealing with difficult people in our families, offices, in traffic or the city streets. It is about what…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen Jan 27, 2025 I have heard some folks misunderstand the “Nothing to Attain, Nothing in Need of Doing” of Shikantaza Zazen as meaning we “just sit there,” wallowing in thoughts, stewing and tangled in emotions, drowning in the mud of the world. Nothing could be further from the Truth! In fact, this…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen Jan 22, 2025 I have heard some folks recently criticizing Soto Zen practice (including a Rinzai priest who should know better) because our emphasis on sitting Zazen with thoroughly “nothing to attain” supposedly ignores Great Awakening, Great Enlightenment. Nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, sitting radically with all…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen Jan 17, 2025 In recent weeks, I have been speaking with Dharma Friends and Sangha Members who are struggling with a variety of health, family, life and world problems. (The following are not based on specific individuals, but are composites of many folks.) There is grief at the death of a loved…
TEACHER TALKS Roshi Jundo Cohen Jan 10, 2025 As I write these words, fires, earthquakes and wars are raging, children around the world are hungry and in danger, refugees are fleeing oppression, homeless sleep in the streets, illness and death are our constant companions. It was so in the Buddha’s time, and in the days…