Podcast Episodes

Lao Tzu on two fundamental types of meditation. May 1, 1988

Season 2 Episode 94

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, gives a detailed explanation of Lao Tzu’s notion that there are two basic types of meditation one should practice. One of emptiness only, and one of concentration.

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

More Bible parables that can help you practice Zen. Dec 12, 1984

Season 2 Episode 93

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, who is also an ordained Christian minister, continues her exploration of Christian parables and how they might apply for Zen practitioners.

Jesus spoke, in the book of Lu…

Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Bible parables that can help you practice Zen. Dec 9, 1984

Season 2 Episode 92

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, who is also an ordained Christian minister, discusses parables from the Bible and how they can help Zen practitioners.

Understanding Jesus’ parables is like puzzling with…

Published on 2 months, 4 weeks ago

Zen is not a belief system. Zen disturbs the dreaming mind. Nov 12, 1984

Season 2 Episode 91

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains that enlightenment is not a goal. “A goal is like the horizon. You can never reach it.”

The immediate is the ultimate. You have to be aware and wake up to this m…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

When you learn to accept that you are alone, truly alone, it builds a great strength. Nov 5 1984

Season 2 Episode 90

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains that when you sit properly in meditation, your world is gone. You are alone. Absolutely alone. And when you learn to accept this alone, it builds a great streng…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago

Who are you really? Your name is not you. Your photo is not you. Who are you? Oct 28, 1984

Season 2 Episode 89

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, asks how someone like Hitler could come to power. He was loud, and brash, and gave a secure feeling of strength to those who were insecure.

Lola recounts the tale of the …

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

We are looking for nothing. Which doesn’t give you much to look for, does it? Oct 21, 1984

Season 2 Episode 88

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, reads from renowned Zen teacher, Ikkyu: “If it rain, let it rain; If it rain not, let it not rain; But even should it not rain, You must travel with wet sleeves.”

What is…

Published on 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Lao Tzu: Existence renders actual. Non-existence renders useful. Oct 7, 1984

Season 2 Episode 87

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, relates the tale of the monk who questions Chuang Tzu. He begins:

Monk: "Much of what you talk about is that which is not of use to us."

Chuang-Tzu: "Most of the earth is …

Published on 4 months ago

How can Truth be expressed without speaking—and without being silent? Sep 30, 1984

Season 2 Episode 86

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, tells of the puzzled monk who visits Master Fuketsu. He asks, "How can Truth be expressed without speaking—and without being silent?"

Lao Tzu said, he who speaks does not…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago

Is Zen difficult? Also, an in-depth examination of the Mu koan. Sep 23, 1984

Season 2 Episode 85

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, recounts the story of the family where every member was enlightened. A visitor asked the father, “Is Zen difficult?” The father answered, “Yes, very.” The visitor then a…

Published on 4 months, 2 weeks ago