Dharma teachings refer to dialogues, speeches, and collections of texts or videos that are rooted in the Zen tradition of the Kwan Um School of Zen. These teachings guide individuals towards truth, compassion and liberation. They are not just abstract ideas, but a practical roadmap for living with wisdom, balance and purpose.

Jan Sendzimir JDPSN: Dharma Letter

, , , ,
Recently I found an old book of fiction that surprised me in how it anticipated how we live today. It described a world dominated by one idea: who you are is defined by how others see you. People spent all their time ranking themselves in comparison…

About Kong-ans by Zen Master Hyon Ja

, , , , , , , , ,
Kong-ans are conundrums — little puzzle stories. Their one and only purpose is that they are an excellent way of putting the student, and very often the teacher too, into the space of don't-know mind. The mind that stops. That is not a…
Einladung zum Zen-Tag am Samstag, 13. April 2024

Jan Sendzimir JDPSN: Facing Change Beyond Change

For forty years my “day job” was focused on helping communities adapt to change: sudden outbursts of insects, flooding, or fire would add shock to the chronic stress of drought or economic decline. Climate change has only added to the anxious…

Stamps for groceries by Zen Master Hyon Ja

, , ,
Meditation is described in multitude of ways. All different kinds of formulas and methods exist for reaching “perfection” or “waking up” to our “inner freedom”.  Some of these methods are called Zen-Korean Zen, Japanese Zen, Chinese…

Precepts Revisited by Zen Master Hyon Ja

, ,
Recently Arne Schaefer JDPSN and I officiated a precepts ceremony in Helsinki, Finland. Two wonderful people—Julia and Harri—took the five precepts. They prepared a beautiful environment, invited friends, and offered delicious food. The…

How Old Are You, Really?

Old Age These two words, old age, carry a lot of weight of meaning, assumptions, and sometimes a lot of fear. When people ask us how old we are, we usually won't say, "Why are you making me old?” In most societies, birthdays are cherished…

Jan Sendzimir JDPSN: Facing the Ghosts that We Create

DHARMA TALK INTRODUCTION PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN 23 NOVEMBER 2023   Facing the Ghosts that We Create by Jan Sendzimir JDPSN   Many of us feel quite threatened by large events that loom over us. Will AI take away…

Ten Gates, The Kong-an Teaching of Zen Master Seung Sahn

, ,
Ten Gates, by Zen Master Seung Sahn, is a concise and illuminating introduction to Zen practice, structured around ten traditional koans (kong-ans). These gates act as challenges or thresholds that enable students to deepen their understanding…

Only Don’t Know: Selected Teaching Letters of Zen Master Seung Sahn

"Only Don't Know" is one of Zen Master Seung Sahn's most central teachings — a phrase that encapsulates the essence of his approach to Zen practice. Rather than chasing intellectual understanding or clinging to fixed ideas, he encourages students…

The Compass of Zen

The Compass of Zen, written by Zen Master Seung Sahn, is a clear and practical guide to the principles and practices of Zen Buddhism. Although written with beginners in mind, the book is also rich enough for long-time practitioners and lays…