Podcast Episodes

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 11 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 11 months, 2 weeks 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 11 months, 3 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 11 months, 4 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 1 year 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 1 year 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 1 year ago

Words can’t teach how to practice. Like swimming, we must do it. Jul 22, 1984

Season 2 Episode 80

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, discusses how words can’t teach how to practice or how to wake up. Just like the wheelwright can’t teach how to make a wheel. Too much force and it weakens. Too little a…

Published on 1 year ago

Lola recounts the surprising tale of the Sufi mystic who is captured and taken to the slave market by his captors. July 15, 1984

Season 2 Episode 79

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how if we are ruled from without, we are slaves. If we are ruled from within, we are still enslaved.

Short review of recent sesshin.

Lola shares the amusing tale …

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago

The Paramitas - 1. Giving 2. Observing precepts 3. Patience 4. Diligence 5. Meditation. 6. Wisdom.  July 8, 1984

Season 2 Episode 78

Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, suggests you look at your life as a story. Is there anything you would change? Though this life is not perfect, you’re probably reasonably comfortable living on this sho…

Published on 1 year, 1 month ago