Zen Talks from Windhorse Zen Community

In this first teisho from the Autumn 7-Day Sesshin of 2025, Roshi Sunya Kjolhede begins her look at Layman P'ang, as he and his family offer an inspiring example of Zen practice. Their stories remind us not to imitate the old masters, but to seek what they sought and express wisdom and compassion in our own lives. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi & Lawson-roshi, and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org

This teisho draws on Joanna Macy's work on active hope, emphasizing that hope is not wishful thinking or optimism but a willingness to face the world's suffering and take meaningful action. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi & Lawson-roshi, and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org

Roshi Sunya Kjolhede introduces the Jataka Tales and tells the story about the time the Buddha was born as a little grey parrot. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi & Lawson-roshi, and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org

In this teisho from a few weeks ago, Sunya-roshi talks about how in a world of war and vast suffering, flowers still miraculously leap out of the ground, new blossoms burst forth from bare branches, birds again sing their exuberant spring songs. Our dharma practice together can help us to open to all of it: the searing pain of the senseless death and destruction, the glory and wonder of this annual Rebirth—and the healing power of the Timeless Spring within our own heart-mind. If you're interested in learning more about Sunya-roshi and Lawson-roshi, and Windhorse's dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), just visit windhorse.org.

Roshi Sunya Kjolhede tells a story of prince from Persia who must rouse his courage and face a terrifying lion to become king. In much the same way, we muster our courage in practice to face whatever comes our way. To donate or learn more about Sunya-roshi & Lawson-roshi, and Windhorse's Dharma work in Western North Carolina (and beyond), please go to windhorsezen.org