In this section, you’ll find teachings and reflections on the Dharma—the path of Buddhist practice as transmitted by Zen masters. The posts include commentaries on classical texts, explanations of core Zen Buddhist concepts, and practical applications of the Dharma in daily life. Whether you’re new to Zen or have an established practice, this section offers resources to deepen your understanding and experience of the spiritual path.
The Gakudō Yōjinshū, or Ten Foundations of Zen, is a work written by Eihei Dōgen, a 13th-century Japanese Zen master and founder of the Sōtō Zen school in Japan. This text is primarily addressed to monks and Zen practitioners and offers guidance on how to live a life of proper Zen practice. Foundations of Dōgen’s…
The Eight Awakenings of the Great Beings Before his death, the Buddha gave his disciples one final teaching so they could continue on the path of full awareness eternally: the Eight Awakenings of the Great Beings. The great beings are the Buddhas, the awakened ones, those who follow the path of full awareness. Practicing these…
The Ten Stages of Ox Herding: A Zen Teaching The Ten Stages of Ox Herding is a well-known Zen teaching, and perhaps one of the first stories we encounter when beginning the study of Zen. In a conventional academic career, we acquire knowledge, complete courses, and earn degrees. However, in the Zen tradition, the use…
What does Bodhicitta or Bodaishin mean? Bodaishin (Japanese) or Bodhicitta (Sanskrit) is a fundamental concept in Zen Buddhism and the entire Mahayana tradition. Bodhicitta means an aspiration to awakening, often translated as the “spirit of awakening” or the “mind of awakening.” Bodhicitta or Bodaishin is an altruistic aspiration or mental attitude that seeks awakening not…
The Way of the Bodhisattva The Way of the Bodhisattva is an important concept in Zen Buddhism, arising from the Mahayana tradition. A bodhisattva is someone who aspires to enlightenment in order to help all living beings free themselves from suffering. There are several aspects to be developed in order to follow this path. The…
Origin of the Lotus Sutra The Lotus Sutra is a fundamental text in Mahayana Buddhism and is considered one of the most important scriptures in this tradition. It comprises several chapters and presents the Buddha’s teachings on topics such as Enlightenment, emptiness, and the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings. A key concept highlighted in the…
The Heart Sutra The Heart Sutra, Hannya Shingyo as we call it in the Zen school, is chanted in Zen dojos and temples at the end of the morning meditation. The first time, it may feel uncomfortable to chant a Sutra. Many of us have lost the habit of singing with others—perhaps we only did…
The Bodhisattva Precepts There is a story that clearly illustrates the meaning of the bodhisattva precepts. An old master once traveled to central India, where a student approached him and said: “My parents, even though they follow the Way of the Three Treasures, have been very ill, and things aren’t going well for them. Our…
The Diamond Sutra is an ancient Mahayana Buddhist text that is considered one of the most important and influential scriptures within Mahayana Buddhism. This sutra, called Vajracchedikā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra in Sanskrit, stands out for its deep exploration of the nature of reality, emptiness, and ultimate truth. The Diamond Sutra and the Prajñāpāramitā The Sutra opens…
