Explore every episode of the podcast Buddhist Temple of Toledo Podcast

This Teisho from the Great Heartland Sangha, given at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Toledo was given by Reverend Shokai on July 10th, 2026.  In this Teisho, Reverend Shokai discusses how we can practice revealing our true nature and allow our true self to emerge.  This Teisho centers on a poem from Hongzhi Zhengiue - Cultivating The Empty Field. 

To learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, or to make a contribution in support of this podcast, please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org

How, when we are ultimately alone, do we know ourselves? In the midst of everything, how do we find what is true? And how do we live that way? This teisho was given by the Rev. Kensei Kelly Troyer at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 9, 2026 during July sesshin. In this episode, Kensei reaches teaches from Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field, "A Plowman in the Shining Field," sharing the ungraspable--something to know for ourselves. 

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This teisho was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 8, 2026. In this episode, Rinsen reaches back to Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field to help illuminate these tumultuous times.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This talk was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 25, 2026.  In this talk Do'on continues readings from Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 18, 2026.  In this discourse Rev. Do'on discusses how Chinese Zen master Shitou's poem Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage provides us with wonderful instructions for practice during Ango.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This talk was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 7, 2026.  In this talk Rensen Roshi describes the "home" that is meant by "Every step is home."

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho from the Great Heartland Sangha, given at the Zen Buddhist Temple of Toledo was given by Do'on Roshi on February 6, 2026.  In this Teisho, Do'on Roshi discusses wisdom, concentration, and other paramitas and the fruition of joyfull effort that comes with being held by emptiness.  This Teisho lands on Case 57 from the Book of Equanimity - Gonyo's One Thing.

To learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, or to make a contribution in support of this podcast, please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org

This disciple's dharma talk was given by Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 5, 2026 as part of February sesshin. In this talk Rev. Kensei discusses practicing in the moment as being home.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Disciple's Dharma Discourse was given by Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January 9, 2026 as part of the January sesshin. In this talk Rev. Kensei discusses the importance of stillness and maintaining custody of our mind.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

**Room Echo is Present in this podcast due to the way the talk was recorded. Attempts have been made to reduce the impact on the intelligibility of the teaching.**

This Disciple's Dharma Talk was given by the Rev. Shokai at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 1, 2026.  In this talk Rev. Shokai discusses how every life event is fertile ground for practice and mindefulness.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Dharma Discourse was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on February 4, 2026.  In this talk Rev. Do'on discusses the true nature of home through the parable of the wealthy man and his poor son from the Lotus Sutra.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January 21, 2026.  In this talk Rev. Do'on expounds upon the value of purposeful, deliberate movement in Zen training through a discussion of walking and kinhin – with a brief elucidation of Blue Cliff Record Case 98, Tempyo's Two Wrongs.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Disciples Dharma Talk was given by the Rev. Kaishin at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January 11, 2026.  In this talk Rev. Kashin discusses what it means to practice while aware.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Dharma Discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January 7, 2026.  In this talk Rinsen Roshi discusses the Satipatthana Sutta and its application to our daily life.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

In this Dharma Discourse, given at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 30th, 2025, Reverend Rinsen Roshi discusses the Heart Sutra and the importance of the intentional practice of wisdom and love.  

This disciple's talk was given by the Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on October 19th, 2025. In this talk Kensei begings by reflecting on the five remembrances and discusses bringing our practice forward and being the lotus in the fire in the moment.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on December 10th, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues her discussion on the 80th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Joshu's Newborn Baby.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

In this Disciple's Dharma Talk given on December 12, 2025, Reverend Kensei speaks to the necessity and power that comes from becoming intimate with what is "Thusness", asking for help, and fervent prayer.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Dharma Discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on Dec 7, 2025. In this talk Rinsen Roshi discusses Bodhi Day, walking the path to awakening, and the ten perfections.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 19, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues her discussion on the 83rd case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yun Men's Ancient Buddhas and the Pillar.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Dharma Discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on Mar 22, 2026. In this talk Rinsen Roshi discusses the reasons for practicing the Buddha Dharma, provides some guidance for getting started, and some resources for deepening your practice.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 23, 2025. In this talk, Rinsen Roshi discusses how our creative pursuits and intellectual and emotional landscapes are valid and should be honored, but also must not be conflated with truth or who we really are, and in fact represent barriers to true awakening.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, or to make a donation in support of this podcast, please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

In this disciple's dharma talk, Reverend Kelly Kensei Troyer (October 19, 2025) shares a teaching on moving beyond what we determine to be easy or difficult and the opportunity to realize the gift each moment presents.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 5, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues discussion on Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra, asking us "What does it take to throw your whole life into something impossible?"

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Dharma Discourse was given by Rev Rinsen Roshi during Fall Ango of 2025.  In this discourse, Rinsen Roshi discusses the Vimalakirti Sutra and asks "What is the basis of sickness?".  The discourse discusses how true sickness, the samsaric suffering, shows up in lives. Roshi discuess this along side the Fall Ango theme of the Lotus in the Fire.

This Dharma Discourse was given by Rev Rinsen Roshi during Fall Ango of 2025.  In this discourse, Rinsen Roshi discusses the Vimalakirti Sutra and asks "Why are you here?".  The discourse discusses how a practioner can pull the thread of sesshin into their daily life.

This dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on October 11, 2025 during monthly sesshin. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses nonduality with Manjushri, who asks: "How should a bodhisattva regard all living beings?" 

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 08, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues her discussion on the 52nd case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Chao Chou Lets Asses and Donkeys Cross and provides commentary on The Sayings of Layman P'ang.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This disciple's dharma talk was given by Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on October 10, 2025. Rev. Kensei discusses how fear in our lives motivates us and our practice and how we can turn the fear into fearlessness. Rev. Kensei encourages us to face ourself in zazen. 

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Continued Dharma discourse on Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra, given by Reverend Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 24, 2025.

Dharma discourse given by Reverend Do'on Roshi on Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra.

This talk was given by the Rev. Risen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January, 4, 2025. In this first dharma talk of the new year, Risen Roshi gives his annual sense of the year ahead for 2026. 

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 30, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues her discussion on the 8th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Suigan's Eyebrows.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 23, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 8th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Suigan's Eyebrows.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 16, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues the discussion of the 6th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yun Men's Every Day Is a Good Day.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Dharma Discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on Dec 21, 2025. In this talk Rinsen Roshi discusses the changing of the seasons, the shape of practice for sangha members, and a brief discussion of monastic practice at the temple.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 09, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi continues the discussion of the 6th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yun Men's Every Day Is a Good Day.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

 This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 02, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 6th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yun Men's Every Day Is a Good Day.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on June 25, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 5th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Hsueh Feng's Grain of Rice.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

 This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on January 15, 2025. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 4th case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Deshan Carrying His Bundle.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on November 8, 2024. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 3rd case from the Blue Cliff Record known as Master Ma Is Unwell.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 14, 2025. In this discourse Rinsen Roshi discusses this precious human life, and how to take care of it, drawing upon the teachings from the Vimalakirti Sutra.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 This Teisho was given by the Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on October 12, 2024. In this talk Do'on Roshi discusses the 2nd case from the Blue Cliff Record known as The Ultimate Path Is Without Difficulty.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

 Part of Rev. Do'on Roshi's Teisho on the Blue Cliff Record series.

This Taisho was given by Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 13, 2025   In this discourse, Do'on Roshi discusses the Vimalakīrti Sūtra and how take our practice as Bodhisattvas seriously.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This disciple's dharma talk was given by Nov. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 12, 2025. Nov. Kensei discusses the deep immersion into dharma practice and cultivation of beginner's mind as foundations of abiding peacefully in the bardo of living between birth and death.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This dharma discourse was given by Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 10, 2025 a few days prior to the funeral for our dear sanga member, Sokei.  In this discourse, Do'on Roshi discusses the Tibetan Book of the Dead and its importance within our lineage focusing on what happens to the body during the bardo state.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.

This dharma discourse was given by Rev. Do'on Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on September 3, 2025 prior to the funeral for our dear sanga member, Sokei.  In this discourse, Do'on Roshi discusses the Tibetan Book of the Dead and its importance within our lineage.

If you would like to learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo or to make a donation in support of this podcast please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.