Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchThe tale of the thief who robs Shichiri Kojun who was busy reciting sutras. Don’t fight the darkness—light a candle. May 22, 1983
Season 2 Episode 51
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, discusses judging others, the interdependence of the universe. Indra’s net — the mirror mind, and how every one of us reflects everything else. How we shouldn't fight th…
Published on 1 year, 7 months ago
Human beings are stuck in an in-between state—not unconscious and we’re not completely conscious. May 15, 1983
Season 1 Episode 50
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains that we are in an in-between state. We’re not unconscious and we’re not completely conscious. We are objectively self-conscious—conscious of things out there, a…
Published on 1 year, 7 months ago
When we meditate and watch our breath, we are playing an iron flute with no holes. Apr 24, 1983
Season 1 Episode 49
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, recounts the tale of Kakua, the first Japanese man to study Zen in China. After returning to Japan the emperor asked him what he learned. He took out a flute, played a s…
Published on 1 year, 7 months ago
Without speaking and without silence, how can you express the Truth? Apr 10, 1983
Season 1 Episode 48
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, recounts the monk who asks Fuketsu “Without speaking and without silence, how can you express the Truth?” His answer: "I always remember springtime in southern China. Th…
Published on 1 year, 7 months ago
Being truly alive should be an adventure into the unknown. Apr 3, 1983
Season 1 Episode 47
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, describes how humankind repeats the same old pattern. We do not want our dream disturbed.We live in the known, afraid of the unknown. Being truly alive should be an adve…
Published on 1 year, 8 months ago
We identify with everything but ourselves. Possessions, emotions, thoughts. But not our true selves. What is true silence? Mar 12, 1983
Season 1 Episode 46
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, recounts the tale of the student who visits a teacher, whose only answer to his questions is to sweep fallen leaves. Also, how we identify with everything but ourselves.…
Published on 1 year, 8 months ago
Chuang Tzu and appreciating the useless in the world. Mar 6, 1983
Season 1 Episode 45
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains how existence renders actual . Non-existence renders useful. It is not the walls, but the seemingly non-actual space within the house, that renders it useful. C…
Published on 1 year, 8 months ago
The intellect cannot penetrate consciousness. When you drop thoughts, consciousness is present. When you drop the pseudo self, the True Self is present. July 12, 1981
Season 1 Episode 44
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee, explains that when we are born we emerge from a mysterious life source, and when we die we return to that source. And now, in mediation, we have the opportunity to know …
Published on 1 year, 8 months ago
What is the meaning of movement and rest, in Zen and Christian practice? Dec 13, 1981
Season 1 Episode 43
Zen Roshi (and ordained Christian minister), Lola McDowell Lee, discusses the Christian notion of sin. In Aramaic sin means to miss, and does not have guilt or shame associated with it like we do. St…
Published on 1 year, 8 months ago
As you breathe into the tanden (Hara), your focus deepens and mysteries will reveal themselves. You don’t have to solve them—they reveal themselves to you. Apr 14, 1981
Season 1 Episode 42
Zen Roshi, Lola McDowell Lee discusses oneness and self-restraint. Eventually there is serenity and a child-like innocence. And the innocent Self sees everything… and the whole world is divine. Breat…
Published on 1 year, 9 months ago