The Taigen Leighton Audio Archive

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Showing 749 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
North Shore Zen Center Dongshan Series 3 This talk primarily focuses on Dongshan's Five Modes, derived from Huayan Buddhism and based on the Avatamsaka Sutra, emphasizing the intersection and integration of ultimate and phenomenal realities. The speaker examines...	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 15 2025 North Shore Zen Center
North Shore Zen Center Dongshan Series 3 The main thesis of the talk explores the concept of the "Five Modes" or "Five Degrees" in Zen Buddhism, particularly within the context of Dongshan's teachings. This framework, which emphasizes the interaction between universal...	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 15 2025 North Shore Zen Center
North Shore Zen Center Dongshan Series 2 This talk delves into the essence of Soto Zen by focusing on the phrase from the "Jewel Mirror Samadhi": "You are not it, but in truth, it is you." This line encapsulates the core teaching of suchness in Zen, as it highlights the...	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 08 2025 North Shore Zen Center
North Shore Zen Center Dongshan Series 1 -	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 01 2025 North Shore Zen Center
Dongshan and the Five Positions The talk explores Dongshan's "Five Positions" or "Five Degrees," a significant concept in Soto Zen, and its roots in Huayan Buddhism. The discussion delves into the interaction between the universal and the particular, using... *Faith, Dogen, Soto Zen*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Mar 16 2025 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Dongshan’s Jewel Mirror Samadhi The talk focuses on "The Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi," a pivotal text in Soto Zen attributed to Dongshan Liangjie, exploring themes such as the Dharma of suchness, the use of language, teacher-student dynamics, and the five... *Time, Practice, Soto Zen*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Feb 09 2025 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Reflecting on 50 Years of Zazen -	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jan 19 2025 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Remembering Abbot Hozan Alan Senauke The talk commemorates Abbot Hozan Alan Senauke of the Berkeley Zen Center, emphasizing his historical impact on Zen Buddhism, social activism, and music. Personal anecdotes recall Alan's activism starting from the Vietnam War... *Time*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 23 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Dogen’s Painting of a Rice Cake This talk explores Dogen's essay, "A Painting of a Rice Cake," highlighting how Dogen challenges conventional perspectives by arguing that only a painted rice cake can satisfy hunger. It delves into Zen philosophy by emphasizing... *Dogen, Buddha, Practice*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Nov 24 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Huayan and Dogen, Temporality The talk centers on the interrelation of Huayan Buddhism, as developed from the Avatamsaka Sutra, and Soto Zen, particularly through the teachings of Dogen. The focus is on the concept of time and temporality, exploring Huayan's... *Time, Dogen, Soto Zen*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Nov 10 2024 Milwaukee Zen Center
Election Retreat: Patience Paramita The talk discusses integrating the Bodhisattva's values of patience and enthusiasm into political activism and daily life, particularly in the context of an election. It emphasizes the importance of these values in sustaining... *Patience, Practice, Time*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 30 2024 5 of 5
Election Retreat: Precepts Paramita The talk explores the integration of Bodhisattva values into politics, emphasizing ethical conduct, inclusivity, compassion, and the ongoing responsibility to uphold these principles in society. It draws parallels between... *Bodhisattva, Practice, Politics*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 24 2024 4 of 5
Election Retreat: Bodhisattva Politics, Maitreya The talk explores "Bodhisattva politics," emphasizing the integration of spiritual practice and political engagement through the lens of the Bodhisattva Maitreya. It highlights how bodhisattva ideals align with democratic values... *Time, Work, Bodhisattva*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 23 2024 3 of 5
Election Retreat: Bodhisattva Politics, Samantabhadra The talk explores the concept of "Bodhisattva Politics," focusing on the figure of Samantabhadra as an embodiment of dedication, inclusivity, and interconnectedness in both spiritual and political realms. The discussion... *Bodhisattva, Vow, Buddhism*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 22 2024 2 of 5
Election Retreat: Bodhisattva Politics, Avalokiteshvara The main thesis of this talk focuses on "Bodhisattva politics," examining the integration of spiritual values into political activism through the lens of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. It emphasizes the... *Bodhisattva, Compassion, Practice*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 21 2024 1 of 5
Wrap-up of Dogen’s Expressing the Dream Within the Dream Seminar The seminar focuses on examining Dogen's essay "Muchu Setsumo" from Shobo Genzo, discussing the concept of expressing a dream within a dream, emphasizing the integration of the phenomenal and ultimate realities. Dogen subverts... *Dogen, Buddha, Practice*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 13 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Taigen Leighton Final Dharma Talk (as guiding teacher) The talk reflects on the speaker's journey as a guiding teacher at Ancient Dragon Zen Gate, emphasizing the diversity and inclusiveness of the sangha's members from various spiritual backgrounds such as Tibetan Buddhism, Rinzai,... *Practice, Sangha, Time*	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 26 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Hongzhi and the Mysterious Pivot The talk explores Hongzhi's concept of the "mysterious pivot," emphasizing silent illumination and the interdependence of calmness and insight. It discusses the Zen practice of Zazen as a means to cultivate serenity and... *Practice, Practice Period, Time*	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 19 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Zen Ongoing Balancing The talk explores the Zen practice of balancing inner reflection and outer response, drawing on Hongzhi's teachings and the Soto lineage to emphasize the constant communion with the source and the back-and-forth dynamic between... *Practice, Precepts, Balance*	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 13 2024 Ancient Dragon Zen Gate
Guidepost for Silent Illumination -	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 05 2024
Parinirvana Serial: TL-00781 - *Lotus Sutra, Buddha Nature, Nirvana*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Feb 19 2024 Hybrid
Practicing with Anger Serial: TL-00780 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk explores the practice of managing anger, focusing on the five skandhas, particularly sensations—the second skandha—which involves analyzing negative reactions such as anger. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing,... *Abhidharma, Heart Sutra, Consciousness, Skillful Means, Anger, Practice, Patience...*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Feb 04 2024 Hybrid
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Message and Gaza Serial: TL-00779 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The Dharma talk discusses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s anti-war stance and his alignment with Bodhisattva principles, emphasizing nonviolence and love, epitomized by Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. The context extends to current... War, Non-violence, Protest, War, Vow, Practice	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jan 14 2024 Zoom
Dharmakaya Practice and Spiritual Bypass Serial: TL-00778 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk delves into dharmakaya practice, emphasizing its foundational role in Soto Zen as a method to perceive the wholeness of the universe and align with it. Concerns about spiritual bypass—using spiritual understanding... Dogen, Koun Ejô, Samadhi, Soto Zen	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jan 07 2024 Hybrid
Rohatsu Day 5 - Radiance as Creative Energy Serial: TL-00820 ADZG Rohatsu - Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk discusses the concept of radiance as a form of creative energy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all Buddhas' awakening, as reflected in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This is explored through the "Komyozo... Koun Ejô, Komyozo Zammai, Sesshin, Practice, Time, Buddha	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 10 2023 Hybrid
Rohatsu Day 3 - Buddha Awakening Serial: TL-00819 ADZG Rohatsu - Friday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk focuses on the theme of awakening, commemorating the day of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment, and explores how this realization pertains to addressing suffering in the world. It delves into the teachings of the First... Enlightenment, Buddha, Koun Ejô, Four Noble Truths, Suffering, Buddha, Balance...	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 08 2023 Hybrid
The Flower Ornament Background of our Soto Treasury of Radiance Samadhi Serial: TL-00818 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk explores the integration of Zen philosophy, specifically through the lens of Soto Zen practices and the "Samadhi of the Treasury of Radiance." It stresses the importance of the Flower Ornament Sutra, which underpins the... *Koun Ejô, Komyozo Zammai, Flower Adornment Sutra, Samadhi, Buddha, Practice, Samadhi...*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 03 2023 Hybrid
Gratefulness and Generosity Serial: TL-00817 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk delves into the significance of gratefulness and generosity within the context of Buddhism and Thanksgiving. The personal reflections emphasize the historical and cultural aspects associated with the holiday,... Gratitude, Paramitas, Precepts, Three Treasures, American, Sesshin	Taigen Dan Leighton	Nov 26 2023 Hybrid
Memorials and Teachers Serial: TL-00816 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk addresses the themes of suffering, compassion, and peace amid global conflicts, particularly focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian situation. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the suffering of all individuals... War, Suffering, War, Time	Taigen Dan Leighton	Nov 06 2023 Hybrid
Sangha and Energy Serial: TL-00815 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk explores the concept of Sangha and the practice of Virya Paramita, emphasizing energy, enthusiasm, and vitality in Zen practice. It discusses the mutual support within a Sangha, the role of patience (Shanti Paramita)... Paramitas, War, Practice, Sangha, Generosity	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 30 2023 Hybrid
Excerpts from Dogen’s Extensive Record Serial: TL-00814 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The Dharma talk focuses on excerpts from Dogen's extensive record, particularly contrasting its style and content with Shobogenzo. The emphasis is on Dogen's teachings during his transition from Kyoto to the north of Japan, where... Dogen, Extensive Record, Practice, Time, Dogen	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 22 2023 Hybrid
Online Seminar: Dogen’s Extensive Record, Eihei Koroku Serial: TL-00813 ADZG Saturday Seminar,Online Seminar The seminar provides an in-depth exploration of Dogen's "Eihei Koroku," examining its structure and thematic differences compared to "Shobo Genzo." The discussion highlights Dogen's teachings through his Dharma Hall discourses,... Dogen, Extensive Record, Dharmakaya, Buddha Nature, Dogen, Buddha, Lotus Sutra...	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 21 2023 Zoom
Dogen’s Extensive Record - Radiance, Intimacy, and respecting Causality Serial: TL-00812 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk discusses Dogen’s extensive record, focusing on themes of radiance, intimacy, and respecting causality within Soto Zen practice. It explores how Dogen’s teachings address the interconnectedness of all beings and the... Dogen, Extensive Record, Buddha, Time, Practice	Taigen Dan Leighton	Oct 01 2023 Hybrid
Song of the Grass Hut = Practice Space Serial: TL-00811 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk explores "The Song of the Grass Hut," emphasizing its significance as a meditation and practice instruction within Zen tradition. The discussion covers themes of simplicity, the non-duality of a practice space, and the... Sekito Kisen, Soanka, Practice, Time, Buddha	Taigen Dan Leighton	Sep 24 2023 Hybrid
Introduction to the Harmony of Difference and Sameness Serial: TL-00810 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk provides an introduction to "The Harmony of Difference and Sameness," a foundational chant in the Soto Zen tradition. It discusses the dual concepts of difference and sameness, reflecting on how these parallel the... Sekito Kisen, Sandokai, Emptiness, Practice, Time	Taigen Dan Leighton	Sep 11 2023 Hybrid
Objectless Meditation and Serene Illumination Serial: TL-00809 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk This talk delves into the practice of Zazen, highlighting Dogen’s distinction between zazen and traditional learning meditation. It emphasizes "objectless meditation," where focus is not fixed on an object but is rather an open... Dogen, Zazen, Samadhi, Meditation, Practice, Zazen	Taigen Leighton	Sep 04 2023 Hybrid
Sangha Serial: TL-00808 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk explores the concept of "Sangha" in Buddhism, emphasizing its role as one of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The discussion highlights Sangha as both a specific community and a broader principle of... Three Treasures, Sangha, Branching Streams, Sangha, Practice, Community	Taigen Dan Leighton	Aug 21 2023 Hybrid
Core Soto Zen Serial: TL-00807 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk delves into traditional Soto Zen teachings, focusing on the practice of "just sitting" or Zazen, emphasizing Dogen's teachings as outlined in the "Self-Fulfillment Samadhi" and "Fukan Zazengi." It highlights the... Dogen, Bendowa, Zazen, Buddha, Practice, Zazen	Taigen Dan Leighton	Aug 14 2023 Hybrid
Hiroshima Day and Dogen’s Repentance Practice Serial: TL-00806 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk discusses the intersection of nuclear history and Zen practices, particularly focusing on Hiroshima Day and the practice of repentance as articulated by Dogen, a foundational figure in Soto Zen. The historical impact and... War, Zazen, Eihei Koso Hotsuganmon, Practice, Japan, Buddha	Taigen Dan Leighton	Aug 06 2023 Hybrid
Buddha Work and the Ancestors: Teachings of Hongzhi Serial: TL-00805 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk explores the concept of "Buddha Work" and serving the ancestors through the teachings of Hongzhi and Dogen, emphasizing how Zazen and daily practices embody these principles. There is a focus on the importance of... Hongzhi, Dogen, Bendowa, Buddha, Work, Practice	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 31 2023 Hybrid
Right Livelihood for our Time Serial: TL-00804 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk focuses on the concept of "Right Livelihood," a component of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, emphasizing a vocation that is ethical, helpful, and conducive to mindfulness. The discussion expands on traditional... Noble Eightfold Path, Happiness, Time, Work, Ceremony	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 16 2023 Hybrid
Memorial Service for Katsuryu David Hill Serial: TL-00803 ADZG Sunday Morning,Memorial Service The talk is a memorial service dedicated to Katsuryu David Hill, celebrating his life and contributions, particularly to the Zen community at Ancient Dragon. It includes personal anecdotes from attendees highlighting David's... Ceremony, Memorial, Practice, Heart Sutra, Time	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 15 2023 Hybrid
Interdependence Day and the Current State of Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Serial: TL-00802 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk centers on the concept of "Interdependence Day," reflecting on themes of interconnectedness and the responsibilities that accompany liberty and the pursuit of happiness within both American and Buddhist contexts. The... War, Interdependence, Politics, War, Practice, Time	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 02 2023 Hybrid
Stories that Restore Serial: TL-00801 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk delves into the importance of stories in reconnecting people with nature, inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's insights. Several key stories from Zen Buddhism and related teachings underscore the interconnectedness with the... Book of Serenity, Interdependence, Ecology, Vow, Time, Work	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jun 26 2023 Hybrid
Taking Refuge and the Precepts Serial: TL-00800 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk explores the significance of the Jukai lay ordination ceremony, which involves receiving the Bodhisattva precepts and its connection to Zen lineage and tradition. Highlighted elements include the importance of lineage,... Precepts, Lay Ordination, Ceremony, Buddha, Precepts, Practice	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jun 18 2023 Hybrid
The Three Refuges and Refugees Serial: TL-00799 ADZG Sunday Morning,Dharma Talk The talk centers on the "Three Refuges" in Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—and their significance in the context of personal and communal refuge, extending the concept to global refugee issues. It delves into historical... Three Refuges, Buddha, Sangha, Work	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 28 2023 Hybrid
Sangha Renewal with Practice Period and Sesshin Serial: TL-00798 ADZG Monday Night,Dharma Talk The talk focuses on the renewal and transformation of the Sangha as it adapts to post-pandemic realities, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding its practice framework and community engagement. The discussion highlights... Sesshin, Vimalakirti Sutra, Practice, Practice Period, Work	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 22 2023 Hybrid
Bodhisattvas’ Four Integrative Dharmas Serial: TL-00797 ADZG Sesshin Day 3,Dharma Talk The talk, part of a three-day Sesshin, explores themes from the Vimalakirti Sutra, focusing on practicing in the world through the Bodhisattvas’ Four Integrative Dharmas: giving, kind speech, beneficial action, and cooperation.... *Vimalakirti Sutra, Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Dogen, Generosity, Practice, Time, Buddha...*	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 21 2023 Hybrid
The Buddha Work Serial: TL-00796 ADZG Sesshin Day 2,Dharma Talk This talk focuses on the concept of "Buddha work," which involves practicing patience, openness, and compassion to assist in the awakening and alleviation of suffering. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the... Sesshin, Vimalakirti Sutra, Bodhisattva Precepts, Buddha, Work, Practice	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 20 2023 Hybrid
Bodhisattva Inconceivable practice Serial: TL-00795 ADZG Sesshin Day 1,Dharma Talk The talk focuses on applying Bodhisattva teachings to support both personal practice and societal engagement, emphasizing the role of practice in everyday life rather than withdrawal from the world. This sesshin highlights the... Vimalakirti Sutra, Sesshin, Lineage, Hate, Patience	Taigen Dan Leighton	May 19 2023 Hybrid

The Taigen Leighton Audio Archive

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