Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchLao 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 em…
2 years, 8 months 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…
2 years, 8 months 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
2 years, 9 months 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 …
2 years, 9 months 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,…
2 years, 9 months 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.…
2 years, 9 months 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 spiritua…
2 years, 9 months 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 s…
2 years, 9 months 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 throu…
2 years, 9 months ago
Lola asks: What gives the eye its sight, the ear its hearing? Mar 22, 1987
Season 1 Episode 18
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, asks: Where is your consciousness? Our True Self is both Being and Becoming. Like a candle flame — unmoving, yet moving…
2 years, 9 months ago