Dharma talks are based on the principle teachings of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and Zen Masters Dogen and Keizan, the founders of Soto Zen in Japan. We also use contemporary writings from Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett and other senior monks of our Order. In addition, we study traditional Mahayana scriptures, such as the Lotus Sutra, and Pali scriptures when appropriate. In particular we emphasize Buddhist practice—how can we understand Buddhist teachings in such a way that they enable us to harmonize them with our daily lives? How can we liberate our hearts from the causes of suffering and be at peace?
How do we live together with others in a peaceful way and benefit the world?
Recent Dharma Talks
Rev. Master Hugh Gould, Prior
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The Kindness and Compassion of Meditation (38 min.) August 18, 2024 Listen/Download
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Talk on the Scripture of Great Wisdom part 4 of 4 (40 min.) August 27, 2023 Listen/Download
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Talk on the Scripture of Great Wisdom part 3 of 4 (43 min.) August 20, 2023 Listen/Download
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Talk on the Scripture of Great Wisdom part 2 of 4 (42 min.) August 13, 2023 Listen/Download
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Talk on the Scripture of Great Wisdom part 1 of 4 (41 min.) August 6, 2023 Listen/Download
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A Talk on Working Meditation (41 min.) February 19, 2023 Listen/Download
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When You Walk through the Door there is Simply Just This, The Sixth Ancestor, Part 2 (43 min.) February 12, 2023 Listen/Download
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Please Put Your Shoes Straight, The Sixth Ancestor, Part 1 (37 min.) February 5, 2023 Listen/Download
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No, Actually I Don’t Need a Faster Horse (46 min.) January 22, 2023 Listen/Download
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Dust in the Wind (44 min.) Sunday January 8, 2023 Listen/Download
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In Meditation we really do nothing (43 min.) Sunday October 9, 2022 Listen/Download
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All are Truly One Reality (34 min.) Sunday, March 20, 2022 Listen/Download
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Climate Change through a Buddhist Lens (36 min.) Sunday, January 16, 2022 Listen/Download
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Bendowa, part 1 (33 min.) Sunday December 5, 2021 Listen/Download
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The Koan Appears Naturally, part 1 (50 min.) Sunday November 7, 2021 Listen/Download
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Beyond the Dream (36 min.) Sunday October 17, 2021 Listen/Download
Sitting Buddha: an introduction to Zen meditation by Rev. Master Daishin Morgan, Abbot of Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey in the UK.
Other Helpful Websites
The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives The OBC is an international monastic order of men and women, who, together with lay ministers of the Order and our congregations and affiliated meditation groups, are dedicated to practicing the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition of Buddhism, also called Soto Zen. It includes the large monasteries of Shasta Abbey and Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey and smaller monastic communities and congregations based in priories and small temples throughout the UK, Europe and North America.
For further information on what the Order does, temple locations, and programs that are available please see their website.
Shasta Abbey is located in Mt. Shasta, CA. and has retreats and other activities throughout the year.
Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey is located in Northumberland, UK and has retreats and other activities throughout the year.
