Claim OwnershipA Year of Zen
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© Bonnie Myotai Treace
Description
Daily (well, almost!) writing prompts, exercises, inspiration and commentary by Zen teacher Bonnie Myotai Treace. Author of A Year of Zen (pub October 2020), as well as many other books and articles, Sensei offers brief daily encouragement to practice one’s life with wisdom, compassion and creativity.
46 Episodes
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A practice for the days when we are drenched, (perhaps drowning!) in the unknowable. Bonnie Myotai reflects on the heartbreak of recognizing many around us have given the okay to suffering and cruelty, and the spiritual imperative to simply practice, regardless.
A Halloween episode...with Mater Rinzai!
What is it to let the ego’s predominance recede, and practice a life in which “all is good”? With a nod to 16th C Zen master Shido Munan, we explore the humility and balance of an awakening life.
Bonnie Myotai offers a reflection on fear, the absolute self, and facing the lions around us. Reading from Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman, teaching from Daido Roshi, and a writing/contemplation inspired by a pig and a chicken.
October 24th’s episode considers loneliness and spiritual practice. A bit of teaching from Pema Chodron, a memory of a hard night in NYC, and a writing/contemplation exercise.
The evening rooster calls out as Bonnie Myotai gives an autumn writing/contemplation prompt.
Bonnie Myotai takes us back to the cemetery to write our epitaph, and explore what message our life may leave .
Bonnie Myotai invites a contemplation of the “drying, wrinkling, falling” autumn of our lives. She remembers the first night she heard the Evening Gatha, and Maezumi Roshi teaching her about “the little knife” at its heart.
In Episode 38 Bonnie Myotai offers a reflection on how the shift happens from always looking to be loved to looking for how we can be loving. A bit of Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Broken-hearted,” getting an “I’m Wrong” tee shirt, and how not to turn spiritual practice into a plate of cold liver. You read that right...!
Episode 37 finds us contemplating both ocean and waves, absolute and relative. Bonnie Myotai offers a poem of Thich Nhat Hanh’s and a writing prompt.
In Episode 36, Bonnie Myotai asks that we consider how we practice when something unexpected, perhaps frightening, suddenly shows up.
A quick Saturday writing prompt, where we’re asked to remember how to cheer up a child, or anyone... including ourselves.
In episode 34 Bonnie Myotai introduces an old Zen koan that we face again and again in our lives. How do we realize that we are not apart from others? How do we “stop the fight” taking place “over there”?
Zen teaches that understanding impermanence is the deepest work. In today’s episode, join Bonnie Myotai for a reflection, a little e.e. cummings, and an autumn writing and/or contemplation prompt.
In Episode 32 of A Year of Zen, Bonnie Myotai reflects on the Zen hermit Kamo No Chomei's poem about autumn, tears, bareness, the limits of words. The wearing of masks, the challenges of compassion, and a writing prompt.
Episode 31 outlines how to work with the new book “A Year of Zen”...and create a sacred, solid year of practice. Bonnie Myotai reflects on when rules, methods, prompts are helpful, and when it’s time to let them go.
Bonnie Myotai offers a reflection on the autumn equinox, and the 6 principles of "Higen" (generosity, moral reflection, perseverance, diligence, meditation, wisdom), and gives writing /contemplation prompt on perseverance.
In Episode 29, Bonnie Myotai remembers Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and the importance of giving ourselves time to grieve.
Bonnie Myotai asks that we explore the ways we distance ourselves from what is real, and how to show up for one another. A zen koan called “The Voice of the Raindrops,” and a writing/contemplation exercise on sorrow.
Episode 27, September 16, has us exploring “shinrin yoku” or forest bathing, appreciating green life, especially as climate catastrophes increase. Kilmer’s poem “Trees” and a writing/contemplation.
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