DiscoverZencare PodcastPracticing with the Dissenters | Koshin Paley Ellison
Practicing with the Dissenters | Koshin Paley Ellison

Practicing with the Dissenters | Koshin Paley Ellison

Update: 2025-11-18
Share

Description

“A good teacher will take the mask off your face.”


In this recent drama talk, Koshin Sensei reflects on the first two chapters of the Lotus Sutra.


There is a crowd gathering to hear the Buddha teach, millions of beings of all kinds. One of the Buddha's disciples is repeatedly imploring the Buddha to speak and the Buddha finally agrees.


Just as he is about to address the crowd, five thousand monks stand up, bow, and leave.


Koshin reflects on why these monks left and what we can learn from mutinous groups among and within us. How are we practicing with the dissenters?


Are we really listening, carefully pondering or are we convinced we already know? The practice humbles our arrogance and sangha is often a 'messy middle' where everything is not so clear but all are welcome.


Together we can learn and practice and start again. 



MUSIC

Heart Sutra by Kanho Yakushiji – Buddhist priest and musician of the Rinzai sect and Imaji temple in Imabari, Japan. In 2003, he formed “KISSAQUO”, a songwriting duo based in Kyoto.


NYZC PUBLICATIONS

CONNECT WITH US

Instagram

Facebook

Donate

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Practicing with the Dissenters | Koshin Paley Ellison

Practicing with the Dissenters | Koshin Paley Ellison

New York Zen Center