Opening Dharma Access: Listening to BIPOC Teachers & Practitioners
By: Rev. Liên Shutt & Rev. Dana Takagi
Language: en-us
Categories: Religion, Spirituality, Buddhism
Welcome to "Opening Dharma Access," a podcast where we hear stories from BIPOC teachers & practitioners about their Dharma experiences and practice, and how those inform the ways they are sharing & practicing the Dharma today. Season 3 description: Hosted by Rev. Liên & Rev. Dana TakagiThis season, we will have a new focus: Uplifting and Forwarding Asian American/Asian Diasporic Buddhist Experiences in the West.With our guests and audience, we will explore the specificities of Asian American/Asian Diasporic experiences. We take as given that there are generational differences (hence the historical moment matters!) and we hope to also delve into As...
Episodes
Life Aching for Itself: Zazen & Working with Difficult Emotions
Oct 21, 2025"Practice" part of convo between Siddhesh Mukerji & Rev. Liên.
GUEST:
SIDDHESH MUKERJI (he/him) is a Zen practitioner and a scholar of engaged Buddhism and Buddhist social work. He was born in India, grew up in the United States, and currently lives in Ireland.
He writes and does research out of the Department of Applied Social Studies at the University College Cork - Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh. Connect with Siddhesh HERE
HOST:
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/the...
Duration: 00:16:32Buddhism as Engaged & Political with Siddhesh Mukerji
Oct 07, 2025Tune in to this soulful conversation between Siddhesh Mukerji and Rev. Liên on the intersections of Engaged Buddhism & Buddhist Social Work.
GUEST:
SIDDHESH MUKERJI (he/him) is a Zen practitioner and a scholar of engaged Buddhism and Buddhist social work. He was born in India, grew up in the United States, and currently lives in Ireland.
Siddhesh writes and does research on social work and engaged Buddhism.
HOST:
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the mov...
Duration: 00:28:50Morning Chant, guided meditation, and Offering of Merit (Ékoku) w/ Judy Yushin Nakatomi
Sep 16, 2025Judy Nakatomi shares meditative offerings: Morning Chant from the Plum Village Tradition, guided meditation, and an Offering of Merit from the Shin Tradition in Japanese (Ékoku). The recording of bird sounds was made by Judy at Plum Village.
Listen to her full interview with Rev. Liên to hear about Judy's experience with biculturality and the complexity and beauty of practicing Buddhism across traditions.
GUEST:
JUDY YUSHIN NAKATOMI (she/we) is a mother, partner, auntie, writer and community cultivator, nurturing BIPOC sangha. past work/life as t...
Duration: 00:11:57Belonging to Zen, Belonging to Shin: Two Traditions, One Engaged Heart w/ Judy Yushin Nakatomi
Sep 02, 2025Judy Yushin Nakatomi talks about her practice in the Zen and Shin traditions. She also discusses how she is practicing with her Bodhisattva vows through engaging with the current internment of minority people, while practicing awareness of her own family's history with war wounds. Judy and Rev Liên share with each other some of the nuances of having or not having access to ancestral languages and culture, and how they navigate being Asian American Buddhist practitioners in the United States.
People/Organizations mentioned in the episode:
Dr. Satsuki Ina
Dr...
Duration: 00:41:49How Thinking Drives Our Beliefs & Actions: with Rev. Liên
Aug 19, 2025Buddhist teachings on how we have been conditioned to interpret raw data; which then drives us to behave. -- An excerpt from Rev. Liên's book, Home is Here, to accompany Professor Michael Omi's in-depth interview on racial formation this month.
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the ne...
Duration: 00:09:14The Struggle to Construct Racial Meaning with Michael Omi
Aug 05, 2025Professor Michael Omi joins Rev. Dana to help us contextualize the current climate of racial formation, namely the propagation of a far-right ideology of an oppressed white race, in a much longer history of constant changing in definitions of and associations with racial identities. In Buddhist terms, we can see the theory that Michael co-developed contains an essential Buddhist perspective, namely that of Mental Formations. Stay tuned later this month for a practice offering from Rev. Liên!
Michael Omi (he/him/his) is Professor Emeritus of Ethnic Studies at the University o...
Duration: 00:39:10I Vow to Save All Beings: Insisting on My Own Humanity with Rev. Dana Takagi
Jul 15, 2025This practice offering is from co-host Rev. Dana Takagi, in connection with Professor and Historian Alice Yang's interview, "Our Heritage of Othering and Resistance" which dropped July 1st.
Dana speaks to the need to address specific kinds of suffering as Buddhist teachers and practitioners, as not all suffering is the same. She reflects on the vow to save all beings, and how this stems from a grounded embodiment of our own humanity to understand the humanity of others who need our support the most in these times.
Your host
Duration: 00:13:58
Our Heritage of Othering and Resistance with Historian Alice Yang
Jul 01, 2025Professor Alice Yang helps us put the systematic othering we are seeing in the U.S. today into historical context. She discusses the oppression and disappearance of people, and points out how protest movements are often erased from the history Asian American and other immigrant groups in the United States, when the truth is that we can embrace and continue a deep heritage of resistance. Alice emphasizes the urgency of knowing our history to expand what we think is possible in the present, and why it is important to resist the othering of any community member whether they are...
Duration: 00:36:26"10 Vows" with Rebecca Nie
Jun 17, 2025We hope you enjoy this dharma talk from Rebecca Nie, "10 Vows".
GUEST BIO:
ZEN MASTER REBECCA DAWN NIE is the founder of MV Sanctuary and Vice President of the Maitreya Association for Buddhist College Chaplains. As Stanford’s Chaplain-Affiliate, she oversees the Buddhist religious and spiritual life for students, faculty, and staff. Her offerings ranges from Continental Zen to Buddhist Yoga, offering healing wisdom for contemporary life through dharma teaching, translation, and new media art.
Learn more about Rebecca at
http://mvseon.com/
Hig...
Duration: 00:40:11Big Heart Resilience with Rebecca Nie
Jun 03, 2025Rebecca Nie talks about the common misconception that China is an ethnic monolith, and how she identifies with her Huaren heritage. Although her spiritual path was discouraged in her early life, she discusses being connected to a centuries old heritage of a resilient Dharma that allows us to dream without limitations even through turbulent times.
Rebecca also mentions a book-in-progress which will be a translation of Chan Zen Master poems responding to turbulent historical moments, pointing out how there is much more to Zen poetry than peaceful monks in serene mountains.
...
Duration: 00:38:24Heart Sutra Fragment 3: Introduction & Reading by Mushim Ikeda
May 20, 2025Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. Mushim was selected by Lion's Roar Buddhist media magazine as one of twenty-six "Great Buddhist Teachers" in the January 2022 issue.
Connect with Mushim at:
Website: www.mushimikeda.com
...
Duration: 00:11:22Grow Up in the Dharma with Mushim Patricia Ikeda
May 06, 2025Secular & Buddhist teacher Mushim Patricia Ikeda in convo with Rev. Liên on how mature practice can help us deal with the current conditions of our world.
GUEST
Mushim Patricia Ikeda is an internationally-known secular mindfulness and Buddhist teacher working primarily with justice activists and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) meditation practitioners and with people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. A core teacher at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, California, she is an author whose writing has been published in Lion's Roar, Tricycle, Buddhadharma and various anthologies. Mushim w...
Duration: 00:54:53June Tanoue Reads "Dwell Nowhere and Browse That"
Apr 15, 2025June Kaililani Tanoue, Kumu Hula, reads her blog post, "Dwell Nowhere and Browse That." Listen as she reflects on a conversation with her husband Roshi Robert Joshin Althouse. Together they are cofounders of Zen Life & Meditation Center of Chicago. You can find the written piece on the Halau i Ka Pono website.
About June
June Ryushin Tanoue, B.S., MPH is co-founder of Zen Life & Meditation Center. Practicing Zen since 1993, she received Transmission in 2014 as a fully empowered Zen Teacher/ Zen Buddhist Priest and Inka as a Roshi in 2022.
...
Hula As Resistance w/ June Tanoue
Apr 01, 2025June Kaililani Tanoue, Kumu Hula, talks about how to practice observing our thoughts rather than holding onto them, whether times are easy or tough. Hear about how June started Halau I Ka Pono as an offshoot of the Zen Life & Meditation Center after she moved to Chicago, and how Hula is the dance of being a pillar in one's community.
About June
June Ryushin Tanoue, B.S., MPH is co-founder of Zen Life & Meditation Center. Practicing Zen since 1993, she received Transmission in 2014 as a fully empowered Zen Teacher/ Zen Buddhist P...
Duration: 00:35:44Season 4 Premiere: Engaged Asian American/Asian Diaspora Buddhism for Our Times
Mar 18, 2025In the season 4 premiere, Rev. Liên Shutt and Rev. Dana Takagi discuss the need to continue to forward Asian American and Asian Diaspora Buddhist voices in these tumultuous times.
Thank you to everyone who has listened so far, and continue to tune in!
It's not too late to take our listener survey! Respond by March 21st and get access to an exclusive meditation recording by Rev. Liên: "Tenderhearted Buddhas for these Times".
Duration: 00:28:55Season 3 Compilation - A Beautiful Web of Asian Heritage Buddhists
Mar 04, 2025On season 3, we co-created and witnessed an amazing example of how the Net of Indra weaves and connects. We heard from 13 Buddhist practitioners and teachers of Asian American or Asian Diaspora heritage, and in their own words, spoke to what the AA/AD Buddhist experience is for them.
Season 3 is officially a wrap! Thank you to everyone who listened with us, and we hope you join us for more Asian American/Asian Diaspora forwarding conversations and offerings in season 4.
Full list of guests, and their featured episodes, in order:
Co-hosts Rev. Liên Shu...
Duration: 00:13:10Breath, Perfect Harmony, and a History More Beautiful and More Terrible w/ Rev. Dana Takagi
Feb 25, 2025Rev Dana follows up on her dharma talk from the last episode dropped on February 18th. She adds to her perspective on the current historical conditions of our time in the United States, talks about breath practice, and offers a chant she's used often for the dying, from Thich Nhat Hanh.
Check out the 2011 book Dana discusses in this episode:
More Beautiful and More Terrible: The Embrace and Transcendence of of Racial Inequality in the United States by Professor Imani Perry Ph.D, JD
Duration: 00:12:37Widening Our View and The Challenge of Seeing Perfection w/ Rev. Dana Takagi
Feb 18, 2025Hello, listeners of Opening Dharma Access, for February, we're doing things a little bit different by offering you some meditations and Dharma talks on current conditions as 2025 brings to the United States a whole bunch of difficult circumstances: the L.A. fires; the current administration.
This dharma talk is from co-host Rev. Dana Takagi. Dana speaks on what wisdom could look like in times like these, and how to expand our vision as well as awareness about our current national systems work, and the history of how they were built over time, as they are being dismantled.
... Duration: 00:30:46Meditation on Safety with Rev. Liên Shutt
Feb 11, 2025Meditation to find stability in the midst of current threats in our world: nationally, world-wide, and with climate justice. -- Given at EBMC BIPOC Sangha
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the nexus of spirituality and social justice, offering a special warm welcome to Asian Americans, all BIPOC, L...
Duration: 00:20:25Talk: Healing in Time & Space with Rev. Liên Shutt
Feb 04, 2025Hello, listeners of Opening Dharma Access, for February, we're doing things a little bit different by offering you some meditations and Dharma talks on current conditions as 2025 brings to the United States a whole bunch of difficult circumstances: the L.A. fires; the inauguration.
NOTE: This talk was given at a BIPOC group, addressing specific fears & issues of people of color in extremely challenging U.S. political and social justice contexts.
May it be for the benefit of all beings.
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in th...
Meditating on Trees with Ram Appalaraju
Jan 21, 2025RAM APPALARAJU was brought up as a Hindu and has been on a spiritual path since 90's, first studying Vedanta and pursuing Buddhism since 2012. After years of practice he chose to pursue a path of service and became a chaplain focused on Ecology as well as supporting marginalized people in prisons and homeless shelters. He is now on the faculty at Sati Center for Buddhist Studies' Eco Chaplaincy program. He also serves as a board member and an advisor at several nonprofits focused on climate education and offers various services to marginalized communities.
Connect with R...
Inauguration Healing Space with Rev. Liên Shutt
Jan 20, 2025As today marks a disturbing time for many of us, I offered a Healing Space today at the same time as the swearing in. It was informal and my aim was to offering 3 aspects of healing: Acknowledging what is with tools we've learned from Buddhism and practice. Second, to attend to the impacts of hurt and harm in ourselves & with each other. Third, committing to enacting qualities and ways we can stay connected and thrive in the net of life which includes us all.
Host:
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a...
Eco-Dharma Care with Ram Appalaraju
Jan 07, 2025What does "caring" really mean? Listen in on this fascinating conversation on Nature, Dharma & Caring for self and the Earth between Ram Appalaraju and Host Rev. Liên Shutt.
RAM APPALARAJU was brought up as a Hindu and has been on a spiritual path since the 90's, first studying Vedanta and pursuing Buddhism since 2012. After years of practice he chose to pursue a path of service and became a chaplain focused on Ecology as well as supporting marginalized people in prisons and homeless shelters. He is now one on the faculty of Sati Center for Bu...
"Learning From the 60s" - Lisa Nakamura Reads Audre Lorde
Dec 17, 2024When considering what to offer for her ODA practice, Lisa considered chanting or reading from a more traditional Buddhist text such as the Heart Sutra. She found, instead, that reading the words of Audre Lorde resonated more deeply in her body at this time. And co-host Dana Takagi offers some context on Lorde from Lisa before she reads.
Please enjoy, Lisa Nakamura reading an excerpt from "Learning from the 60s", a talk given by Audre Lorde as part of the February 1982 celebration of Malcolm X Weekend at Harvard University.
LISA NAKAMURA (she/her) is th...
Platforms for Zazen: The Cushion to the Computer w/ Lisa Nakamura
Dec 03, 2024LISA NAKAMURA (she/her) is the Gwendolyn Calvert Baker Collegiate Professor of American Culture and Digital Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is also a core faculty member of the Asian American Studies Program, the Film, Television and Media department, and the English department at Michigan.
Lisa is the author of four books on racism, sexism, and the Internet and her book “The Inattention Economy: Women of Color and the Internet” is forthcoming in Fall 2025 from University of Minnesota Press. She has published research on Asian stereotypes in massively multiplayer online games, the connections betwe...
"The Practice of Staying" with Yenkuei Chuang
Nov 19, 2024YENKUEI CHUANG was born a Taiwanese girl before she became an American woman. As a licensed psychologist, somatics and mindfulness teacher, she is passionate about helping people heal and find freedom, belonging, and power in the richness of their intersectional identities. Yenkuei loves to eat, cook, dance, do nothing and everything.
IG handle: yenkueichuang
Publications:
Erased No More (Lion's Roar), On Decolonizing My Mind (Blog), Yesterday I Died (Mindfulness), Dukkha of Racism (Arrow Magazine), Development of Bicultural Competence (Stanford Ph.D. dissertation), Politics of Biculturalism (Contemporary Psychology), and...
Insight Dialogue & Further Relationality with Yenkuei Chuang
Nov 05, 2024Yenkeui Chuang & Rev. Liên dialogue on some "edges" of "Diasporic Asian Americans," overseas Asian practices, and then Insight Dialogue. Yenkeui shares fascinating details of the interconnections from all the different traditions she's practiced in. Come listen!
YENKUEI CHUANG was born a Taiwanese girl before she became an American woman. As a licensed psychologist, somatics and mindfulness teacher, she is passionate about helping people heal and find freedom, belonging, and power in the richness of their intersectional identities. Yenkuei loves to eat, cook, dance, do nothing and everything.
IG handle: yenkueichuang
Part 2 with Dr. Paula Arai "There is no Buddhism without Women" (& forthcoming book!)
Oct 15, 2024In a continuation of the previous episode conversation with Dr. Paula Arai, Paula shares an in-depth overview of her current "embodied" research on the often unacknowledged contributions to Buddhism that are at the foundation of its continuation throughout history, in part because of the perceived simplicity of these acts of generosity and practice.
PAULA ARAI (she/her) (Ph.D., Buddhist Studies, Harvard University) holds the Eshinni & Kakushinni Chair of Women and Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Steeped in ethnographic research, she takes an embodied approach to her work and finds poetic...
"There is no Buddhism without Women" with Dr. Paula Arai (Part 1)
Oct 01, 2024Dr. Paula Arai talks with Dana about being brought up by her Japanese mother, and how she realized the way that she embodied Buddhism in her body and mind not through intellectual study or what Westerners view as formal practice, but through the simple actions and embodied guidance of her mother.
PAULA ARAI (she/her) (Ph.D., Buddhist Studies, Harvard University) holds the Eshinni & Kakushinni Chair of Women and Buddhist Studies at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. Steeped in ethnographic research, she takes an embodied approach to her work and finds poetic immersive storytelling a...
Connection is Vital: A Re-Visit with Bo Hee Moon (+Finished version of poem!)
Sep 17, 2024Rev. Liên Shutt and Bo Hee Moon continue their conversation on Asian American diasporic identity, and Bo Hee reads the finished version of her poem "Meeting with my Asian Sangha Tonight."
Read the poem here!
Guest:
BO HEE MOON was adopted at three-months-old from South Korea. Her poems have appeared in AGNI, Poetry, swamp pink, and others. Omma, Sea of Joy and Other Astrological Signs, published by Tinderbox Editions, is her debut collection of poems. She previously published under a different name.
Read Bo Hee's
O...
"Meeting with my Asian Sangha Tonight" with Poet Bo Hee Moon
Sep 03, 2024Listen in to hear how Bo Hee Moon was inspired by practice in the 3-month course "Lotus Rising from Mud: A Path for Anti-Asian American Restoration.
Guest:
BO HEE MOON was adopted at three-months-old from South Korea. Her poems have appeared in AGNI, Poetry, swamp pink, and others. Omma, Sea of Joy and Other Astrological Signs, published by Tinderbox Editions, is her debut collection of poems. She previously published under a different name.
Connect with Bo at:
BoHeeMoon.com
Afterlives: An AGNI Portfolio of Asian Adoptee...
Meeting the Mentor with Ryan Lee Wong
Aug 20, 2024Guest
Ryan Lee Wong is author of the novel Which Side Are You On, a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel. He lived for two years at Ancestral Heart Temple and is the Administrative Director of Brooklyn Zen Center.
Some of Ryan's publications include:
Zen Practice As Community Building with Ryan Lee Wong
Aug 06, 2024Guest
Ryan Lee Wong is author of the novel Which Side Are You On, a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel. He lived for two years at Ancestral Heart Temple and is the Administrative Director of Brooklyn Zen Center.
Some of Ryan's publications include:
"Compassionate Touch Meditation" with Sharon Suh
Jul 16, 2024Enjoy this short guided meditation from Sharon Suh, called, "Compassionate Touch Meditation."
Guest:
SHARON SUH is professor of Buddhism at Seattle University and author of Being Buddhist in a Christian World: Gender and Community (2004); Silver Screen Buddha: Buddhism in Asian and Western Film (2015); and Occupy This Body: A Buddhist Memoir (2019). She focuses on racialized trauma experienced by people of color and emphasizes the importance of embodiment. She's also President of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women. Her upcoming book, Emergent Dharma: An Anthology of Asian American Feminist Buddhist Women <...
"Silence is Not the Way" with Professor Sharon Suh
Jul 02, 2024A layered and engaging discussion with Prof. Sharon Suh on what "Asian American Buddhism can be defined as; including the refusal to be silenced.
Guest:
SHARON SUH is professor of Buddhism at Seattle University and author of Being Buddhist in a Christian World: Gender and Community (2004); Silver Screen Buddha: Buddhism in Asian and Western Film (2015); and Occupy This Body: A Buddhist Memoir (2019). She focuses on racialized trauma experienced by people of color and emphasizes the importance of embodiment. She's also President of Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women. Her upcoming...
What Happens When We Don't Get What We Want? with JP deGuzman
Jun 18, 2024Enjoy this short dharma talk from Reverend Jean Paul Contreras deGuzman.
GUEST
REV. DR. JP DEGUZMAN (he/him) is minister’s assistant at the 103-year-old San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and received tokudo ordination at Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan in 2023. He teaches history and Ethnic Studies at Windward School and UCLA where he earned the University Distinguished Teaching Award.
His publications include:
Lions Roar: "The Pure Land is in the West"
Everyday Buddhist: "The Dharma of a Turkey Sandwich"
Wheel of Dh...
O'kagesama-de (All thanks are due to you...) with Reverend Jean Paul Contreras deGuzman
Jun 04, 2024Rev. Dr. Jean-Paul Contreras deGuzman talks about how he came to Jodo Shinshu Pureland Buddhist practice coming from a Catholic family and after moving forward from a traditional path as an academic. He and Dana Takagi have an enlivened discussion about the importance and power of cultural gatherings like Mochi-tsuki for sangha and the wider community, and the role of pop culture references in Rev JP's talks in the San Fernando Valley.
REV. DR. JP DEGUZMAN (he/him) is minister’s assistant at the 103-year-old San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and re...
Meditating on the Dharma Joy and Disquiet of Asian American and Identity
May 28, 2024Dana provides us with some reflections and meditations on this season of ODA so far, inspired by some of the discussion around Asian joy in the last episode with Mihiri Tillakaratne and Noel Alumit. She talks about Asian American versus Asian Diaspora being claimed by some of our conversation partners on the podcast. Dana also talks about a colleague Gary Okihiro, who passed away on May 20th, and his deep impact on expanding the field of Asian American studies to go beyond solely the history of oppressed minorities.
Co-Host: Reverend Dana Takagi
...
Bodhi Leaves: The Asian American Buddhist Monthly Co-Associate Editors Mihiri Tillakaratne and Noel Alumit
May 21, 2024In this rich and joyful conversation, Rev. Liên and Rev. Dana talk with Mihiri Tillakaratne and Noel Alumit, the co-founders and co-associate editors of Bodhi Leaves: The Asian American Buddhist Monthly at Lion's Roar. Bodhi Leaves is the first published series of its kind, highlighting and focusing on the experiences and perspectives of Asian American Buddhist practitioners. We learn about Mihiri and Noel's views on their own identities and spiritual backgrounds, as well as about how Bodhi Leaves got started and visions for its future.
MIHIRI TILLAKARATNE (she/her) is an associate e...
Rev. Liên's 2024 May We Gather Dharma Message: Stewarding the Net of Indra
May 14, 2024This is the audio of a recording of Rev. Liên's dharma message at May We Gather 2024: A National Buddhist Pilgrimage for Asian American Buddhists, in Antioch, California. You can also watch the video here.
Find out more about May We Gather. Listen to Rev's interview with the co-organizers, Funie Hsu, Chenxing Han and Duncan Ryūken Williams. Also check out the full event summary, either in audio or video form.
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to wel...
Summary of May We Gather 2024: A National Buddhist Pilgrimage for Asian American Ancestors
May 07, 2024This is the audio of a video of a summary of the events at May We Gather 2024: A National Buddhist Pilgrimage for Asian American Ancestors, Co-Coordinated by Funie Hsu, Chenxing Han, & Duncan Ryūken Williams.
Here is a list of the voices, chants, & Dharma Messages you'll hear: (Time-stamps are from the actual YouTube VIDEO Summary):
· 0:26- 0:56 O-Daiko drum roll led by Dr. Paula Arai (Institute of Buddhist Studies) and Kansho Bell ringing led by Rev. Harry Bridge (Buddhist Church of Oakland)
·...
Duration: 00:12:16Reflections with the 2024 May We Gather Co-Organizers: Funie Hsu, Chenxing Han and Duncan Ryūken Williams
May 01, 2024Funie Hsu, Chenxing Han, and Duncan Ryūken Williams are the co-organizers of May We Gather, a collaborative project of commemorative healing, by and for Asian American Buddhists and their spiritual friends. What began in 2022 as a response to the uptick in violence and hate towards Asian Americans, has continued into 2024, as a second iteration of May We Gather, this time in the form of ritual memorial, and also as a precious and much needed space for gathering and community. In this interview, the three co-organizers share their reflections on the 2024 event.
Watch the entire live stream r...
Grief Practices with Rev. Dana Takagi
Apr 16, 2024Rev. Dana shares some of the ways she practices with grief.
Mentioned in the episode:
World Central Kitchen (website)
Dai Hi Shin Dharani (Sutra of Great Compassion) (text)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjSzOHqYBK4 (video)
(read this blog post by Dana: https://danatakagizenlife.squarespace.com/blog)
Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo (Well-Being Chant) (Access to Zen text and audio)
NEW Co-Host: Reverend Dana Takagi
Dana (she/her) is a retired professor of Sociology and also a z...
Season 3 Premiere! The Disquiet & Forwarding Asian American & Asian Diasporic Buddhist Experiences with Rev. Liên Shutt & Rev. Dana Takagi
Apr 02, 2024NEW Co-Host: Reverend Dana Takagi
Dana (she/her) is a retired professor of Sociology and also a zen priest. She spent 33 years teaching sociology and Asian Am history at UC Santa Cruz, she is a past president of the Association for Asian American Studies. Zen practice since 1998.
Check out more of Dana's work:
2022: Sutra and Bible: an Interview with Duncan Ryūken Williams
2020: Most Intimate, Ordinary Way, Recollections of Katherine Thanas (co-eds. with Eugene Bush; 2nd printing 2022)
Mentioned in the episode, her 1993 book on...
Resting Where You Are Meditation with Rev. Liên Shutt
Mar 19, 2024Rest in this meditation with Rev. Liên, Creator, Producer, & Co-host of ODA, as we transition Seasons. Offered at her weekly Access to Zen Meditation Group. Join us!
REV. LIÊN SHUTT (she/they) is a recognized leader in the movement that breaks through the wall of American white-centered convert Buddhism to welcome people of all backgrounds into a contemporary, engaged Buddhism. As an ordained Zen priest, licensed social worker, and longtime educator/teacher of Buddhism, Shutt represents new leadership at the nexus of spirituality and social justice, offering a special warm welcome to...
Expanding The Dharma: ODA Season 2 Wrap-Up with All 4 Hosts
Mar 05, 2024Listen to this really amazing discussion between the 4 hosts on themes and highlights from all our interviews in Season 2. Listening will "make" you want to go listen to all of our wonderful guest teachers again! Or, check out the ones you've missed!
9 bows of love and appreciation for all the Hosts of Season 2!
1. LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism at Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal and co-founder of Prajna Fire. In addition to Opening Dharma Access, Lama Yeshe co-hosts Pr...
The Middle Seat, guided meditation with Solwazi Johnson
Feb 20, 2024A 30 minute guided meditation led by Solwazi Johnson at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. It was part of a larger talk he gave called "The Middle Seat." This recording is from DharmaSeed.org. Listen to our latest conversation with Solwazi "What's Values Got to Do With It?" to hear more.
GUEST
Solwazi Johnson (he/him) teaches mindfulness meditation classes and leads mindfulness meditation retreats and workshops throughout the U.S. and the world. He has practiced mindfulness meditation for over 25 years, focusing on Vipassana since 2003. In addition, he has studied and practiced...
"What's Values Got to Do With It?" asks Solwazi Johnson
Feb 02, 2024Solwazi Johnson has a laughter-filled conversation with Dalila Bothwell about his many life experiences before finding the Dharma, and how he believes the Dharma is for every person interested in freedom.
GUEST
Solwazi Johnson (he/him) teaches mindfulness meditation classes and leads mindfulness meditation retreats and workshops throughout the U.S. and the world. He has practiced mindfulness meditation for over 25 years, focusing on Vipassana since 2003. In addition, he has studied and practiced meditation in many places, including Thailand, Burma, India, and South Africa. He is a graduate of Spirit Rock's...
An Opportunity for Practice Has Arrived
Jan 16, 2024A Dharma Talk by Grace Song. Perfect for the beginning of 2024!
GUEST:
Grace Song is an ordained Won Buddhist Kyomunim, meditation teacher, and advocate of interfaith dialogue. She serves as the Chair of the Won Buddhist Studies Department at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. She has traveled to many countries to present and lead workshops and retreats on interfaith dialogue, social justice, mindfulness in education, and spiritual practice in daily life. She is committed to embodying the truth of interconnection and invests her time putting into practice her belief...
Dharma Stories for Visibility with Grace Song
Jan 02, 2024An engaging conversation with Grace about creating space for self, community, & collective inclusion for 21st Century Dharma.
GUEST:
Grace Song is an ordained Won Buddhist Kyomunim, meditation teacher, and advocate of interfaith dialogue. She serves as the Chair of the Won Buddhist Studies Department at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. She has traveled to many countries to present and lead workshops and retreats on interfaith dialogue, social justice, mindfulness in education, and spiritual practice in daily life. She is committed to embodying the truth of interconnection and invests her t...
Praises to the 21 Taras with Pema Khandro Rinpoche
Dec 20, 2023Praise to Tārā with Twenty-One Verses of Homage (Skr. Namastāraikaviṃśatistotraguṇahitasahita) is a liturgy that consists of twenty-seven verses of praise and reverence dedicated to the deity Tārā. The first twenty-one verses are at once a series of homages to the twenty-one forms of Tārā and a poetic description of her physical features, postures, and qualities.
- 84000 Reading Room
Chanted by Pema Khandro Rinpoche and Buddhist Studies Institute dharma friends, using the English translation and melody arranged by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition.
The English tex...
Speaking for the Silenced with Pema Khandro Rinpoche
Dec 05, 2023PEMA KHANDRO RINPOCHE is an internationally renowned teacher and scholar of Buddhist philosophy. She is the founder of Ngakpa International and its three projects, The Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain and the Yogic Medicine Institute.
In her work as a Buddhist teacher, she is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions and was enthroned to carry on the lineage of her predecessor, the first Pema Khandro, an early twentieth century yogini from Eastern Tibet.
Khandro-la has led a vibrant world-wide community since 1999. Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, she...
Guided Meditation with Rebecca Li
Nov 21, 2023GUEST:
Dr. Rebecca Li, a Dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. Her books include Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times and the upcoming book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method. She lives in New Jersey with her husband.
Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method, clarifies the practice of "Silent Illumination," (shikantaza in the Japanese tradition) and outlines the potential "traps and snares" that are encountered on t...
Illumination of Chan with Rebecca Li
Nov 07, 2023An open, spacious conversation with Dr. Rebecca Li on her practice & teachings on Chan Buddhism and her newly released book, Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method
GUEST:
Dr. Rebecca Li, a Dharma heir in the lineage of Chan Master Sheng Yen, is the founder and guiding teacher of Chan Dharma Community. Her books include Allow Joy into Our Hearts: Chan Practice in Uncertain Times and the upcoming book Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method. She lives in New Jersey with her husband.
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Four Elements Meditation with René Rivera
Oct 17, 2023GUEST:
René Rivera (he/him) is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race, gender, and other perceived binaries, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered, trauma-informed meditation, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive people, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective, working to heal sexual and gender based violence.
Fin...
Resourcing our Practice in Nature with René Rivera
Oct 03, 2023GUEST:
René Rivera (he/him) is a meditation teacher and restorative justice facilitator working and learning in all the spaces in-between race, gender, and other perceived binaries, as a queer Latinx trans man. René teaches heart-centered, trauma-informed meditation, as a core teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center. He has co-led the first residential meditation retreats for transgender, nonbinary and gender expansive people, and offers classes and retreats for many Buddhist centers and groups. René is a restorative justice facilitator for the Ahimsa Collective, working to heal sexual and gender based violence.
Fin...
Mother Earth Relaxation Meditation with Joe Reilly
Sep 19, 2023A meditation with guidance by words and song!
JOE REILLY (he, him) is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and ordained Dharma Teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Joe was raised Catholic and currently studies and practices progressive Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and engaged Buddhism. Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Waawiyatanong/Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as...
Dharma Songs for Connection with Joe Reilly
Sep 05, 2023GUEST:
JOE REILLY (he, him) is a singer, songwriter, social worker, and ordained Dharma Teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. Joe was raised Catholic and currently studies and practices progressive Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and engaged Buddhism. Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Waawiyatanong/Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
Connect...
Lovingkindness Meditation with Anushka Fernandopulle
Aug 15, 2023A short, but lovingly offered, meditation from Anushka Fernandopulle. Originally offered on Dharma Seed.
Anushka Fernandopulle (she/they) is on the Spirit Rock Teacher's Council and has trained for over 30 years in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in the U.S., India, and Sri Lanka. Anushka lives in San Francisco and teaches retreats and workshops around the world. They also works as a leadership coach and management consultant, influenced by a BA in anthropology and religion from Harvard and an MBA from Yale. Her teaching is informed by nature, creative arts, political engagement and modern urban...
The Nature of Practice & Teaching with Anushka Fernandopulle
Aug 01, 2023GUEST
Anushka Fernandopulle (she/they) is on the Spirit Rock Teacher's Council and has trained for over 30 years in the Theravada Buddhist tradition in the U.S., India, and Sri Lanka. Anushka lives in San Francisco and teaches retreats and workshops around the world. They also works as a leadership coach and management consultant, influenced by a BA in anthropology and religion from Harvard and an MBA from Yale. Her teaching is informed by nature, creative arts, political engagement and modern urban life.
Connect with Anushka at:
https...
Duration: 00:34:12The Voiceless Voice with Rev. Mark Unno
Jul 18, 2023A multidimensional practice of hearing Dharma, chanting, and silent meditation in the Shin Buddhist tradition, offered by Rev. Mark Unno.
Rev. Mark Unno is Professor of Buddhist Studies & Department Head of Religious Studies at the University of Oregon, specializing in Pure Land, Zen, and Shingon Buddhism. He is the 14th generation minister of Shin Buddhism in his family. He is also the President of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies.
Click to access the abbreviated Juseige Chant (Song of Praise) that Rev. Mark shares with us in this episode.
Listen...
Going Deep with Rev. Mark Unno
Jul 04, 2023REV. MARK UNNO is Professor of Buddhist Studies & Department Head of Religious Studies at the University of Oregon, specializing in Pure Land, Zen, and Shingon Buddhism. He is the 14th generation minister of Shin Buddhism in his family. He is also the President of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies.
Read articles by Rev. Mark Unno at Lion's Roar Magazine online
Visit his website for more resources
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HOST LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Ti...
Don't Hold On To Anger with Cristina Moon
Jun 20, 2023A reading of a piece from the CMOON Substack Newsletter, by the author, Cristina Moon.
As a strategist, author, and Chozen-ji priest, Cristina Moon works with individuals and organizations to develop the sensitivity and spiritual strength needed to lead in today’s challenging world.
Cristina ordained as a Zen priest in December 2020 at Daihonzan ChInozen-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple in Hawaii in the Tenryu-ji line. Cristina publishes a Substack newsletter called CMOON, with published work appearing in Tricycle, Lion's Roar, and Buddhadharma magazines. Cristina's memoir is coming out in June 2024 with Shambhala Publications.
Fin...
Duration: 00:10:20I Belong Everywhere with Cristina Moon
Jun 06, 2023About Our Guest for this Episode
As a strategist, author, and Chozen-ji priest, Cristina Moon works with individuals and organizations to develop the sensitivity and spiritual strength needed to lead in today’s challenging world.
Cristina ordained as a Zen priest in December 2020 at Daihonzan ChInozen-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple in Hawaii in the Tenryu-ji line. Cristina publishes a Substack newsletter called CMOON, with published work appearing in Tricycle, Lion's Roar, and Buddhadharma magazines. Cristina's memoir is coming out in June 2024 with Shambhala Publications.
Find out more about Cristina at:
Healing Meditation - Breathing, Relaxing & Wishing on a Star with Dr. Ava Avalos
May 16, 2023A 20 minute guided meditation and visualization on the sacred body with Dr. Ava Avalos, a Dharma teacher in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, living in Botswana. No experience necessary. The meditation is held while lying down. Get ready to let-go, breath and consider our embodied possibilities.
2 Links to connect with Dr. Avalos:
1. Facebook: Studies in Zen Buddhism Botswana.
2. The next Africa based retreat Tshedisa Sangha Botswana is holding: :
Sacred Body - Wonderful Body - Coming Home to Ourselves with Ava Avalos, MD
When Action is Graced with Compassion: A Conversation with Dr. Ava Avalos
May 02, 2023Sister Peace interview of Dr. Ava Avalos from the Order of Interbeing (OI) branch of the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition.
BIO:
Dr. Ava Avalos was ordained as a Dharma teacher in 2018, after over 20 years of study and Zen practice. She facilitates the Tshedisa Sangha in Botswana - the first African Sangha established in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh on the continent.
Originally from San Diego, California, for the last 22 years she has worked as HIV/TB specialist physician and AIDS activist in Africa. In addition to clinical care, she focuses medical research on opt...
Duration: 00:33:27Rest Meditation with Dalila Bothwell
Apr 18, 2023Dalila Bothwell (she/her) is a Dharma practitioner in the Insight Meditation/Theravada Buddhist tradition and a graduate of Spirit Rock's Community Dharma Leader Program. She served as Deputy Director of New York Insight Meditation Center for nearly a decade where she learned the priceless value of sangha and the role relationships play in embodying the teachings and in creating kinder human beings. With a formal education in food and nutrition, her practice meets at the intersection of physical and emotional wellbeing while being Black and queer and her love of recovery, nature, community, and justice. A native of th...
Duration: 00:15:57Frank Dharma with Dalila Bothwell
Apr 04, 2023Get to know ODA's Season 2 other new co-host, Dalila Bothwell, as she shares with Rev. Liên frank talk about what it takes to teach and stay true to their experience as queer, Black, and other social locations in predominantly white convert-Buddhist settings.
Dalila Bothwell (she/her) is a Dharma practitioner in the Insight Meditation/Theravada Buddhist tradition and a graduate of Spirit Rock's Community Dharma Leader Program. She served as Deputy Director of New York Insight Meditation Center for nearly a decade where she learned the priceless value of sangha and the role relationships play in em...
Calm, Ease with Sister Peace
Mar 21, 2023Enjoy this lovely practice, as Sister Peace walks us gently through a guided meditation to learn to pay attention to the quality of our breath so that we become anchored in the feelings of calm and ease.
This guided practice is also available on the Plum Village App and on YouTube.
SISTER PEACE spent five years in government work before realizing that something was missing. Feeling spiritually bereft, she began practicing at the Washington Mindfulness Community where she encountered the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Compelled by his teachings, s...
Unmasked When We Are Together with Sister Peace
Mar 07, 2023SISTER PEACE spent five years in government work before realizing that something was missing. Feeling spiritually bereft, she began practicing at the Washington Mindfulness Community where she encountered the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
Compelled by his teachings, she relocated in 2006 to the Plum Village Monastery in France to deepen her mindfulness practice and where she was ordained a Buddhist nun in 2008, and received the Dharma Lamp Transmission in 2017.
She has dedicated her life to bringing the practice of mindfulness to people around the world –from educators and teenagers to artists and...
Body / Breath Meditation by Noliwe Alexander
Feb 21, 2023Noliwe Alexander has been a student of Vipassana meditation for over 20 years.
This is a meditation from a POC Retreat at Spirit Rock 2020
You can reach her at Deep Time Liberation and Peace at Any Pace
Practicing to Touch Our Edges with Noliwe Alexander
Feb 07, 2023Noliwe Alexander has been a student of Vipassana meditation for over 20 years. Throughout this time of deep devotion to the Dharma, Noliwe has become a dedicated practitioner, meditation teacher of various retreats and sitting groups, day-longs and class series programs. She dedicates much her BuddhaDharma practice and teachings to the BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, At Risk and Elder communities. She is a graduate of Spirit Rock's CDL4 program, EBMC's Commit 2 Dharma program in 2010 and is a graduate of Spirit Rock Teacher Training from 2017-2020. Noliwe is the co-founder of Peace At Any Pace, Inc. a non-profit organization that offers a Journey...
Duration: 00:55:30Loving Our Skin: Farewell & Meditation with Kaira Jewel Lingo
Jan 17, 2023In the meditation, Kaira Jewel Lingo refers to the Garrison BIPOC meditation sangha which meets every Thursday at noon, run by her and Marisela Gomez.
Order my book, We Were Made for These Times: Ten Lessons on Moving through Change, Loss and Disruption
Order from Indie Bound or Bookshop
To stay in touch and learn about my upcoming mindfulness teaching and events, please sign up for my e-newsletter here.
My article in Lion's Roar: How Equanimity Powers Love
Connect with me:
at kairajewel.com
Attending: A New Year's Meditation with Rev. Liên Shutt
Jan 03, 2023Happy 2023! Enjoy this meditation to support you bring the quality of attending (my latest word for our natural access to the quality of mindfulness.
The "Meditation Training" course referred to in the meditation is "Meditation Training: Establishing a Meditation Practice in 4 Short Week." It's a popular and effect course taken by thousands at this point. Back in-person in SF and online for everyone else. It starts this Thursday, 1/5, 7:30 pm PT so for full info and registration, CLICK HERE.
For other practices and full programming, go to AccessToZen.org or email me...
Being Love with Lama Yeshe
Dec 20, 2022A guided meditation invoking creative imagination to cultivate familiarity with our innate quality of being love within a space of active repose. Led by Lama Yeshe.
LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism at Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal and co-founder of Prajna Fire.
HOST LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism at Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal and co-founder of Prajna Fire.
Reflecting on 2022 and Transitioning to 2023
Dec 06, 2022Tune in as Rev. Liên and Lama Yeshe share a lively discussion of their experiences with Opening Dharma Access during 2022. They also bid farewell to Kaira Jewel Lingo as she transtions from Opening Dharma Access to other Dharma activities.
Rev. Liên Shutt can be reached at: AccessToZen.org
Learn more about Kaira Jewel Lingo and her Dharma Offerings at kairajewel.com to learn more about her Dharma offerings.
Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön shares the Dharma through the Prajn...
Duration: 00:37:21Shodaigyo Meditation for Healing with Bishop Myokei Caine-Barrett
Nov 15, 2022Bishop Myokei Caine-Barrett chanting is part of this larger program:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0o2e4wsxdicmr1t/Shodaigyo.pdf?dl=0
For the YouTube version of this chant (with about 20 minutes of silent meditation first):
https://www.facebook.com/NBSTX/videos/201551801729358/
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Myokei Caine-Barrett currently holds the position of Bishop of the Nichiren Shu Order of North America. She is the first woman to hold this position and the first person of African-American and Japanese descent to be fully ordained in the Nichiren Shu order. She is also the chief priest...
Duration: 00:28:12You Can Polish the Mirror of Your Life with Myokei Caine-Barret, Shonin
Nov 01, 2022Listen in on this candid and wise interview with Myokei Caine-Barret, Shonin, as she shares about her own path of transformation and how we can all create a deeper experience of refuge for each other in the Dharma. She names the importance of sharing about race and increasing awareness in dharma spaces in the face of resistance. And how empowering it can be to leave space for listening, honoring people's unique experiences, and the importance of offering a warm welcome. She encourages us to learn from the radical hospitality in cultures of color, and describes how she used chanting...
Duration: 00:54:44"A Tale of Two Healers" with Thomas Davis IV
Oct 18, 2022Listen to this dharma story Thomas created and shared at East Bay Meditation Center in August 2022.
This tale deals with our developmental struggles and aversion to what the Path is asking of us, and ends with an invitation to a new perspective about how we can engage with less entanglement.
Thomas can be reached at: www.avant-dharam.com
Fusion Dharma with Thomas Davis IV
Oct 04, 2022A fascinating conversation with Thomas Davis IV and Rev. Liên about the possibilities of expanding the range for assessing BIPOC teachers' readiness to teach and the connections between the Dharma and the creative process.
Thomas Davis IV is a Contemplative Artist based in Los Angeles who explores the connections between the principles of the Dharma, Christian Mysticism, Jazz Ethics, Art and Sciences. Thomas self-identifies as a Contemplative Artist which allows for a consistent and fluid commitment to personal authenticity; and for the exploration of emerging ideas, concepts and individual expressions of Liberation.
Media: Lions Roar...
The Caturārakkhā, or Four-Fold Protective Contemplations, with Bhante Sanathavihari
Sep 20, 2022In this month's practice offering, Bhante Sanathavihari shares a chanting practice central to the novice monastic training in the Sri Lanka tradition. The Pali and English text is available here for those who want to follow along with the chant.
The Caturārakkhā, or Four-Fold Protective Contemplations, consists of:
(1) Buddhānussati Recollection on the Buddha
(2) Mettā Loving-Kindness Meditation
(3) Asubha Meditation on Impurities of the Body
(4) Maraṇsati Mindfulness of death
The contemplations in the third and fourth parts of the practice are challenging, in language, import, and emotio...
Duration: 00:12:42Meeting La Familia Where They Are At with Bhante Sanathavihari
Sep 06, 2022Los Angeles Sanathavihari Bhikkhu is a Mexican-American Theravāda monk at the Sarathchandra Buddhist Center in North Hollywood, a Sri Lankan center. He is a student of the late Dr. Bhante Punnaji, and the director of Casa De Bhavana – an outreach project to bring the Dhamma to the Spanish-speaking world. He is also the co-author of Buddhism in Ten Steps. Bhante is a U.S. Air Force veteran, has a B.A. in Religion, and is a Mindfulness researcher at Mount St. Mary University, Los Angeles, and a Graduate Student in Counseling Psychology at Mount St. Mary Univ...
Duration: 00:44:14Practicing with Outbreath: A Meditation with Rev. Dana Takagi
Aug 16, 2022A short, guided meditation on breath with Rev. Dana Takagi
Dana is a retired professor of Sociology and also a zen priest. She spent 33 years teaching sociology and Asian Am history at UC Santa Cruz, she is a past president of the Association for Asian American Studies. Zen practice since 1998.
2022: Sutra and Bible: an Interview with Duncan Ryūken Williams
2020: Most Intimate, Ordinary Way, Recollections of Katherine Thanas (co-eds. with Eugene Bush; 2nd printing 2022)
More of Dana at: https://danatakagizenlife.squarespace.com/
A Real Take on Race & Dharma in Convert Soto Zen: Conversation with Rev. Dana Takagi
Aug 02, 2022Check out this in-depth interview with Rev. Dana Takagi on being Japanese American practicing convert Soto Zen.
Dana is a retired professor of Sociology and also a zen priest. She spent 33 years teaching sociology and Asian Am history at UC Santa Cruz, she is a past president of the Association for Asian American Studies. Zen practice since 1998.
2022: Sutra and Bible: an Interview with Duncan Ryūken Williams
2020: Most Intimate, Ordinary Way, Recollections of Katherine Thanas (co-eds. with Eugene Bush; 2nd printing 2022)
More of Dana at: https://danatakagizenlife.squarespace.com/
Spacious Embodiment Meditation
Jul 19, 2022A meditation offering from Margarita Loinaz
She has trained in the Tibetan and Theravada traditions. She met her root teacher Kalu Rimpoche in 1977 and is a Dzogchen student of Lama Drimed Norbu. She is a graduate of the first Community Dharma Leader’s Program at SRMC and began teaching in l997 leading the Women of Color Sitting Group in Marin City with Marlene Jones and co-organizing the first People of Color Retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 1999. Her current teaching integrates Dzogchen practice with social justice and environmental awareness. As a physician, she served Day Laborers, the Lat...
Receiving & Understanding: An Interview with Margarita Loinaz
Jul 05, 2022Margarita Loinaz and Rev. Liên talks about how practice and teachings to & from BIPOCs was challenging, shifted and transformed in the SF Bay Area since they first met at the Women of Color group in 1996.
Margarita Loinaz, MD has trained in the Tibetan and Theravada traditions. She met her root teacher Kalu Rimpoche in 1977 and is a Dzogchen student of Lama Drimed Norbu. She is a graduate of the first Community Dharma Leader’s Program at SRMC and began teaching in l997 leading the Women of Color Sitting Group in Marin City with Marlene Jones and co-org...
Guided Practice: Four Immeasurables: Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity
Jun 21, 2022Stay tuned after the meditation for Comfortable with the Fluidity of East-West, Tradition-Modernity, Dungse-la’s interview with ODA co-host Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön.
DUNGSE JAMPAL NORBU is son and Dharma Heir of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche in the Mangala Shri Bhuti community. His mother is Dharma teacher Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel.
Dungse la has lived and traveled extensively in Asia, but spent much of his youth in Colorado. If you were to ask Dungse la how long he has been studying the Buddhist path, he would say, “Since I was born.”
When Dungse la was st...
Duration: 00:22:08Dungse Jampal Norbu: Comfortable with the Fluidity of East-West, Tradition-Modernity
Jun 07, 2022DUNGSE JAMPAL NORBU is son and Dharma Heir of Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche in the Mangala Shri Bhuti community. His mother is Dharma teacher Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel.
Dungse la has lived and traveled extensively in Asia, but spent much of his youth in Colorado. If you were to ask Dungse la how long he has been studying the Buddhist path, he would say, “Since I was born.”
When Dungse la was still an infant, Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche instructed Kongtrul Rinpoche to train Dungse la to uphold and continue Kongtrul Rinpoche’s lineage, particularly that o...
Duration: 00:32:30Guided Heart Meditation: Compassion Practice
May 17, 2022La Sarmiento shares a meditation.
Duration: 00:21:02You Can't Touch This: A Journey towards Self-Love with La Sarmiento
May 03, 2022
So many of us struggle to truly accept and understand ourselves, to find our own place of belonging and feeling at home in ourselves. In this intimate conversation between friends, La shares their powerful journey to fully loving and honoring themselves as a trans, immigrant, Filipinx, ukelele-playing dharma teacher and how they practice to transmit this dharma of radical self-acceptance, and resistance to oppression, to other BIPOC practitioners in the dharma world.
To connect with La: www.lasarmiento.com, Instagram: @bodhila, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodhiLa
Photo Credit: Suzanne Kulperger
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Relaxing Into the Present Meditation
Apr 19, 2022Venerable Thuần Tuệ, Abbess of Diệu Nhân Zen Monastery, shares a short meditation from a visit at Folsom Prison.
For more info go to dieunhan.net
Mind to Mind Connection with Venerable Thuần Tuệ
Apr 05, 2022Venerable Thuần Tuệ, Abbess of Diệu Nhân Zen Monastery in Rescue, CA, is interviewed by Rev. Liên Shutt. They first met when Rev. Liên practiced at Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery in Đà Lạt, Vietnam in 2006-2007.
We discussed happiness, Buddha Nature and relaxing into Tranquil Mind to connect to self, others and all beings.
Born in Vietnam, Venerable Thuần Tuệ was ordained in 1981 by Venerable Zen Master Thích Thanh Từ, Founder of the Trúc Lâm (Bamboo Forest) Zen lineage. She practiced at Bát Nhã Zen Monastery, Viên Ch...
Tonglen Meditation & Sacred Creativity with Lama Yeshe
Mar 22, 2022A guided meditation for practicing tong len, openhanded welcome, towards ourselves. Led by Lama Yeshe.
HOST LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism at Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal and co-founder of Prajna Fire.
Hear more about Lama Yeshe as ODA co-hosts Rev. Liên Shutt and Kaira Jewel Lingo interview her about her Dharma experiences as a practitioner and teacher of color here.
In addition to Opening Dharma Access, Lama Yes...
Duration: 00:36:32Getting Grounded Meditation
Mar 15, 2022Kaira Jewel Lingo offers a guided practice.
You can use this 15 minute guided meditation to help you come back to the present moment, to centre and ground yourself whenever you are feeling anxious, fearful or lost, distracted and confused.
Meet Host Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön
Mar 01, 2022LAMA KARMA YESHE CHÖDRÖN is interviewed by the other two hosts, Rev. Liên Shutt & Kaira Jewel Lingo. Find out how Tibetan Buddhism gave her a sense of belonging right from the start & how that's brought into her teachings.
LAMA YESHE is a scholar, teacher, and translator of Tibetan Buddhism at Rigpe Dorje Institute at Pullahari Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal and co-founder of Prajna Fire.
In addition to Opening Dharma Access, Lama Yeshe co-hosts Prajna Sparks, a podcast for listening to, contemplating, and meditating on the B...
Duration: 00:32:18Meet Host Kaira Jewel Lingo
Mar 01, 2022Kaira Jewel Lingo is interviewed by the other two hosts, Rev. Liên Shutt & Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön. Find out how Plum Village Zen & North American Insight practices inform how she teaches.
Find out more about Kaira Jewel at kairajewel.com
Meet ODA Creator, Producer & Host Rev. Liên Shutt
Mar 01, 2022Rev. Liên Shutt is interviewed by the other two hosts, Kaira Jewel Lingo & Lama Karma Yeshe Chödrön. Find out how opening our awareness to differences is what transforms us. Lessons from her Soto Zen & North American Insight experiences guide her to make accessible & inclusive practices for all.
Her latest offering for BIPOCs: A Lotus Rising from Mud
Connect with Rev. Liên at AccessToZen.org
ODA Trailer: Visions & Intentions for this Podcast
Mar 01, 2022The three hosts of Opening Dharma Access (ODA), Rev. Liên Shutt, Kaira Jewel Lingo & Lama Karma Yeshe Chodron, meet and share their visions, intentions & hopes for this project.
March 1st we launch the podcast with interviews of each of us so come get to know who we are. Join us on this exciting project to bring you more voices of BIPOC teachers!
Thank you to the Kataly Foundation for their support of this project & Season 1 offerings!
Questions? Email SuddenLeap.A2Z@gmail.com
Rev. L...
(Re)Centering Meditation
Feb 18, 2022Opening offering from Rev. Liên Shutt of Access to Zen. Come back for our official LAUNCH on March 1st when all three hosts' interviews will be shared!
Duration: 00:31:26