Hardcore Zen

Good Zazen vs. Bad Zazen

In this Q&A session from 2019 in Finland I talk about what it means to be a Zen teacher and then we get into the subject of "good zazen" vs. "bad zazen."

No Self in a Bar in Texas

In 2016 I spoke in a bar in Texas about the concept of "No Self" as expressed in Dogen's most famous essay Genjo Koan (The Realized Universe). Here's the recording!

The Heart Sutra and Hitler‘s Golden Elevator

Here's a talk I did in 2015 at Felsentor, a Zen monastery in Switzerland that was established by a dharma heir of Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi, my first Zen teacher's teacher. It's about the Heart Sutra but I also talk about some other stuff including Hitler's golden elevator. Enjoy!

Are We Wasting Our Time

In today's podcast I ask a group of Germans at a Zen retreat "Are we wasting our time doing this?" I also present a long quote from Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi, one of the greatest contemporary Zen teachers.

Did Dogen Believe in Reincarnation and Does It Matter If He Did?

Lots of people ask what Zen teaches about life after death. Here is my really long answer!

Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas Part Six

The explosive conclusion of my series of commentaries on Dogen's essay Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas!

Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas Part Five

What do Buddhists do when they have a "bad hair day"? Here is Zen Master Dogen's answer! Plus an explanation of the universe as it really is.

Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas Part Four

Part Four (4! Count 'em!) of my commentary on Dogen's essay Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas. In this one I say some weird stuff about astrology and astronomy.

Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas Part Three

Part Three of my translation and commentary on Dogen's essay Yui Butsu Yo Butsu, aka Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas.

Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas Part Two

Part two of my paraphrase and commentary on Dogen's essay Buddhas Alone Together With Buddhas.