Buddhist Temple of Toledo Podcast
This podcast presents weekly updates from the Great Heartland Buddhist Temple of Toledo including talks from Sunday service, sesshin, and other events.
Flowing Together Through Liturgy
This dharma discourse was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on March 8, 2026. In this talk, Rinsen discusses individual spirituality and community ritual, as well as the magical experience of being and presence, all pointing towards flowing together to become liturgy.
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.
Ever Green Dharma
This teisho was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 5, 2026. In this talk Rensen Roshi talks about Buddhist Practice, our currnet secular political climate, and how to embrace our practice in difficult times. A timely talk for election week!
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.
Die the Great Death, Live the Great Life
This teisho was delivered by Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on October 9, 2026. Rev. Kensei discusses master Hongzhi Zhengiue's text "The Wonder Verified and Fulfilled," published in Taigen Dan Leighton's collection "Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi."
To learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, or to make a contribution in support of this podcast, please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.
Practice With A Clean Spacious Broad Mind - Hongzhi Zhengiue
This teisho was given by the Rev. Rinsen Roshi at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on July 7, 2026. In this talk Rensen Roshi talks about Buddhist Practice in respect to teachings of Hongzhi Zhengiue.
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.
Hongzhi Zhengiue - Being A Strong Plowman
A teisho by the Rev. Do'on Roshi on the text from Hongzhi Zhengiue's teaching of plowing the field of your life and your practice -- the 150,000 acres of your life -- and covering the ground you stand on. To learn more about the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, or to make a contribution in support of this pod cast, please visit buddhisttempleoftoledo.org.
When The True Self Accepts Its Function - Hongzhi Zhengiue
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
In the Midst of Everything, How Do We Find What Is True?
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 po...
Hongzhi's Plow the Clouds and Sow the Moon
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.
Where is your hut?
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.
Master Shitou's Practice Instructions for Ango
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.
With every step home, where is home?
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.
Letting Emptiness Carry You (BOE Case 57)
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
Every Step Is Home: Practicing In the Moment Regardless of Circumstances
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.
The Preciousness of Keeping Custody of the Mind
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.
Full Contact with the Entire Catastrophe **Room Echo Present**
**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.
Home All Around Us
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.
Letting the Weight Settle (BCR Case 98)
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.
Practice Aware
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.
Every Step Home
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.
Wisdom And Love As Intentional Practice
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.
Bringing Our Practice Forward In The Fire
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.
Blue Cliff Record Case 80 - Joshu's Newborn Baby
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.
With a heart of Bodhicitta: Making monastaic vows
This dharma talk was given by Rev. Rensen Roshi, Rev. Do'on Roshi, and Rev. Kensei at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on December 28, 2025. In this talk, Rensen Roshi talks about the taking of monastic vows in a modern setting, Revs. Do'on Roshi and Kensei reflect on taking the vows followed by a short Q&A from the community. 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.
Practicing in the Midst of the Storm
This disciple's dharma talk was given by Reverend Shokai at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on December 17, 2025. In this talk Reverend Shokai discusses practicing in the midst of the storm of anxiety, and how experiencing our anxieties and insecurities with equanimity, and even locating difficult emotions in our bodies, can become fertile ground for our liberation. 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.
Being Okay With Thusness, Asking for Help, and Prayer
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.
Feet on the Path to Awakening (Bohdi Day)
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.
Blue Cliff Record Case 83: Yun Men's Ancient Buddhas and the Pillar
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.
Why Practice?
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.
Who Are You?
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.
Liberation Through The Four Immeasurables
This dharma talk was given by Reverend Shokai at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo on 11/12/2025. In this talk Reverend Shokai discusses practicing with The Four Immeasurables and how they can be used as a foundation towards liberation. . 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.
Examining What Is Beyond Difficult or Easy: Realizing the Gift Of the Moment
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.
Perfect Enlightenment Stands Upon the Impossible
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.
The Basis of Sickness
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.
Pulling The Thread Of Sesshin
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.
Vimalakirti Sutra Chapter 7: The Goddess
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.
Blue Cliff Record Case 52: Chao Chou Lets Asses and Donkeys Cross + Sayings of Layman P'ang
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.
...Through fear, Fearlessness
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.
Great Compassion of the Bodhisattva
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.
Not Knowing Is Universal Love
Dharma discourse given by Reverend Do'on Roshi on Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Sutra.
A Sense of The Coming Year for 2026 (Abbot's Annual Address)
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.