Teachings

LISTEN

Dharma Talks

We invite you to listen and relisten to dharma talks offered and recorded every week by our teachers and sangha members — also sometimes by guest teachers. They are listed chronologically, including the title and name of the speaker.

The Buddha’s priceless teachings are offered free of charge. Donations for our teachers, for their years of study and dedication, can be made through the West Marin Community Services website (link).

A donation of $10 (or whatever you can afford) for these recordings is greatly appreciated.

Cover of the HoC Chant Book

Chanting, like sitting, is one of the core embodied practices of Zen. There are many beneficial aspects to it: breathing in and out, inviting sounds to reverberate in our bodies, helps to cultivate mindfulness and concentration, our very real aliveness.

Chanting together, in person and online, brings us into closeness and intimacy with the teachings of our spiritual ancestors and the ancient teachings of all the Buddhas. Please join in — everyone's voice is welcome.

We offer several chants from this chant book during our sangha gatherings together.

CHANT

PRACTICE

Precepts

Our core practice is inspired by the Sixteen Bodisattva Precepts.

The Bodisattva Precepts are based on early teachings of the Buddha. Over time, different Buddhist lineages and sanghas have interpreted the precepts in different ways that express and bring forward the particular culture of their practice and view.

This version of the precepts is used by Everyday Zen and SFZC.

To open the lists of precepts below, click the plus signs.

    1. We take refuge in Buddha

    2. We take refuge in Dharma

    3. We take refuge in Sangha

  • 1. To do no evil

    2. To do good

    3. To save all beings.

  • 1.   A disciple of Buddha does not kill but rather cultivates and encourages life.

    2.   A disciple of Buddha does not take what is not given but rather cultivates and encourages generosity.

    3.   A disciple of Buddha does not misuse sexuality but rather cultivates and encourages open and honest relationships.

    4.   A disciple of Buddha does not lie but rather cultivates and encourages truthful communication.

    5.   A disciple of Buddha does not intoxicate self or others but rather cultivates and encourages clarity.

    6.   A disciple of Buddha does not slander others but rather cultivates and encourages respectful speech.

    7.   A disciple of Buddha does not praise self at the expense of others but rather cultivates and encourages self and others to abide in their awakened nature.

    8.   A disciple of Buddha is not possessive of anything but rather cultivates and encourages mutual support.

    9.   A disciple of Buddha does not harbor ill-will but rather cultivates and encourages lovingkindness and understanding.