These talks offer some welcome refreshers on meditation basics and inspire us to stay curious about our practice, on and off the cushions.
The five talks we shared:
- Meditation Postures
- Chozen Bays Roshi explained in this talk, all the key elements that we should pay attention to when settling into a seated meditation position. We are reminded how unobstructed breathing can only be achieved with an upright spine and relaxed back which in turn, rely on the supports of the three-point foundation formed by our seat-bone and two knees. Chozen showed us different ways to sit with the help of various equipment, urging us to explore on our own and to find the most effective posture that fits the uniqueness of our bodies.
- The Wind in the Warehouse &
- The Wind in the Warehouse – Guided Meditation
- In these two videos, Chozen offered a visualization practice method to help us respond to those errant thoughts that clutter up our minds. She briefly described this meditation method in the first recording, while in the second one, she invited us to give the practice a try by following her guided instruction.
- Loving Eyes Mindfulness Practice
- In her “Loving Eyes” teaching, Chozen suggested that we all have the capacity to choose how we look at the world, not only in a conceptual sense way but in a very practical way. Follow her guidance to learn to see yourself and others with the eyes of connection and loving kindness.
- One Bite at a Time
- Taking our meals only one bite at a time can be more challenging than it sounds. In this recording, Chozen acknowledged that challenge and suggested that even when we are not able to stick to the “rules” of this eating meditation method, we can still continue to practice mindfulness during mealtime.
From the Teacher: From Sitting Postures to Mindful Eating
Dharma Video 1: Meditation Postures
Meditation Postures — by Chozen Bays Roshi *
Dharma Video 2: The Wind in the Warehouse
The Wind in the Warehouse — by Chozen Bays Roshi
Dharma Video 3: The Wind in the Warehouse – Guided Meditation
[Guided Meditation] Wind in the Warehouse — by Chozen Bays Roshi
Dharma Video 4: Loving Eyes Mindfulness Practice
Loving Eyes Mindfulness Practice — by Chozen Bays Roshi
Dharma Video 5: One Bite at a Time
One Bite at a Time — by Chozen Bays Roshi
* Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi has studied and practiced Zen Buddhism since 1973. She received Jukai (lay precepts) in 1975 and Tokudo, Priest’s Ordination, in 1979 from Taizan Maezumi, Roshi. From 1978 to 1983 she lived at Zen Center of Los Angeles, studying with Maezumi, Roshi and directing the Zen Center’s non-profit Medical Clinic. She finished formal koan study in 1983 and she was given Dharma transmission (authorization to teach) that same year. Following the death of Maezumi, Roshi in 1995 she has continued her training with Shodo Harada, Roshi, a Rinzai Zen teacher and the abbot of Sogen-ji monastery in Japan.
Since 1985 Chozen, Roshi has been the teacher for Zen Community of Oregon. In 2002 she helped found Great Vow Zen Monastery and is the co-abbot. In 2011 she also helped found Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland, Oregon. She has written books on mindfulness and mindful eating, and written articles published in Buddhadharma and Shambhala Sun.
Chozen Roshi is also a pediatrician and world-renowned child abuse consultant, mother and wife, ceramic artist, and lover of marimba.
