Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchMisfortune and our identity. And the tale of the farmer who asks God to let him choose the weather. Dec 03, 1981
Season 1 Episode 27
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how many of us create an identity around our misfortune. But it is life’s challenges that helps us find our true selves. Lola recounts the story of the farmer w…
Published on 2 years ago
Lao Tzu uses the metaphor of a vessel to show that while existence renders it (and us) actual, it is the vessel's non-existence (or emptiness) that renders it useful. Aug 23, 1981
Season 1 Episode 26
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains passages from Lao Tzu’s book, The Tao Te Ching. Elaborating on the metaphor of the knave of a wheel, or the emptiness of a vessel. And how their existence rende…
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
What is consciousness? Does a rock have consciousness? Who are we? Summer 1990 Wed Night Sesshin
Season 1 Episode 25
One of the later talks by Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee. Mid-way through a sesshin, this talk discusses what consciousness is. And how much do we know the world around us. Summer 1990 Wed Night Sesshin
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
The mind-body relationship. And breathing from the Hara. Apr 14, 1981
Season 1 Episode 25
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explores the mind-body relationship. And breathing from the Hara. Apr 14, 1981
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
Lola shares the tale of the monk and the bottomless pitcher. And how to focus with a no-thinking mind. 1990 Summer Sesshin Monday
Season 1 Episode 24
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, gives this talk at night during a week-long sesshin. We hear the crickets chirping and a dog barking. We can sense the atmosphere in which the sesshin takes place. Lola …
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
When you're fast asleep and hear a noise you wake up. What wakes up? What was awake to hear the noise? Jan 27, 1985.
Season 1 Episode 23
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explores the Hindu concepts of Prakriti and Purusha. And the nature of karma. Lola also asks, When you're fast asleep, hear a noise and wake up... what wakes up? What h…
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
First one finds quiet, explains Lola. Then one goes further and finds silence, or Shunyata. Mar 28, 1982.
Season 1 Episode 22
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains what is meant by Shunyata, or emptiness. First you find quiet. Then go further and find silence, or Shunyata. Mar 28, 1982.
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
An early talk by Lola where she explains the metaphor of a boat crossing a river to reach the other side. Apr 20, 1975.
Season 1 Episode 21
This is an early talk by Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, where she describes an iron bar without a hole. And explains the metaphor about one’s spiritual discipline as a boat crossing a river to reach t…
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
We can live in the valley—but be the peak. Lola explains how to live an awakened life. Apr 4, 1982
Season 1 Episode 20
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how, when the world seems tedious or boring—with repeating sameness—we need only remember that the flower we see today is not the same one we saw yesterday. Eac…
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago
What is the power with which you look at yourself? Lola explores the meaning of religion and non-discrimination. Feb 2, 1985
Season 1 Episode 19
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explores how to understand the intuitive knowing with which you look into yourself. Non-discrimination and seeing through the dust on the mirror. Lessons from 8th Centur…
Published on 2 years, 1 month ago