Spring Practice Period Talk #1 – Giving

In the first Dharma Talk of our Spring Practice Period, Joshin and Eisho share reflections on the practice of Giving (布施/fuse) as described in Dogen’s “Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance” (Talk 1 of 4) to learn more or sign up for the Practice Period,…

Loving Kindness Meditation in a Time of War and Aggression

I listened quietly to a European news agency report from the streets on the war in the Ukraine. So many stories about how the ordinary and uncomplicated routines of taking children to school and going to work were violently disrupted. How the simple everyday…

Dharma Reflection – The Four Noble Truths

In this talk, Hōgen offers her reflections on the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and how they lay out a path leading to the end of all “bummers”.

Dharma Talk – Right View by Kendo Murray

In this talk, Kendo shares her reflections on the importance of Right or Complete View in our practice. Kendo is a senior student and current resident at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community.

Dharma Talk – Aging and Awakening: A Buddhist Perspective on Growing Older by David Chernikoff

In this talk, guest speaker David Chernikoff shares his reflections on the reality of aging, and invites us to view it as a process that is rich with opportunities for practice. David’s new book, “Life, Part Two” can be found at: https://www.shambhala.com/life-part-two.html

Dharma Talk – The Gift of Tears

After listening to painful reports from the war in Ukraine, Joshin offers some reflections on the place of weeping in our practice.

Sharon Salzberg interviews Joshin

For episode 128 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with Sensei Joshin Byrnes for the Real Change Series. Joshin is a Zen priest, teacher, activist, and the founder of the Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community in Vermont. Joshin maintains a core practice of…

What Your Support Makes Possible  

Daily Meditation Schedule — At the heart of our practice is meditation. We are committed to having it be accessible to all in person and online. We offer meditation every morning and six evenings a week, as well as meditation retreats throughout the year. StreetGreens —…

Peacemaker Quilts at BLMZC

Sewing the World Together We’re very excited to kick off our new Peacemaker Quilts project here at Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community. Sangha members in Vermont and around the world will be sewing together blocks that will be brought together into twin-size quilts to…

The Song of Every Being

From a distance the world looks blue and green, and the snow capped mountains white. From a distance the ocean meets the stream, and the eagle takes to flight. From a distance, there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. It’s the voice…