Podcast Episodes

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 8 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 8 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 8 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 9 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 9 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 9 months, 2 weeks ago

The story of the centipede, convinced by a fox to start thinking. Sep 16, 1984

Season 2 Episode 84

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, interprets passages of Chuang Tzu, the great Taoist master.

The greatest man is nobody. The man of Tao does not cultivate his manner. Nor does he try not to.

Our mind move…

Published on 9 months, 3 weeks ago

Don’t run to—and don’t run away. Aug 7, 1988

Season 2 Episode 83

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how nature wants balance. If conditions swing one way, they eventually swing the other way.

Human nature is the same. If you strive in one direction about someth…

Published on 10 months ago

“In what state of mind should I seek Truth?” Doko asks. Sep 9, 1984

Season 2 Episode 82

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how when you first meditate, thoughts of your day may fill your mind. But eventually, you will experience a silence.

God isn’t going to talk to you in words. He …

Published on 10 months, 1 week ago

Without a word, without a thought, who are you? Aug 19, 1984

Season 2 Episode 81

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, tells the story of when Master Hyakujo offered a test to his monks. The winner will be the abbot of the new monastery. He sets out a water jug and says, “Without using i…

Published on 10 months, 1 week ago