Dharma Talk – Illumined; Illumining: The Full Moon of Our Lives
Release Date: 01/08/2026
Teisho: "The Circle Game" with Shana Smith
in the Cloud
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Path(less): Tias Little
in the Cloud
Such a joy to sit down with Tias Little (during a break from writing his latest book) on the beautiful grounds of . Tias and Surya offer amazing , both in their temple in Santa Fe, as well as online. If you're enjoying these conversations, please consider supporting Mountain Cloud through donation and membership. Your contribution is a meaningful way for us to continue offering these programs freely. Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Teisho: "Where the Active Wheel Revolves" with Valerie Forstman
in the Cloud
In this talk, Valerie begins with an Earth Day reflection, acknowledging and honoring what Hakuin Zenji calls “this earth where we stand.” The talk then turns to case 8 in the Gateless Gate or Mumonkan, “Keichu Makes Carts.” The koan asks: What happens to the cart when all the moving parts are removed? And what about us? When all our concepts and assumptions fall away, what remains? In his verse to the case, Mumon calls this fundamental reality “the active wheel” – the wheel that is always functioning freely no matter the circumstances. Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud...
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Path(less): Katie Arnold
in the Cloud
Really enjoyed this conversation with author, journalist, and ultra-endurance athlete, Katie Arnold. Her latest book, , is a beautiful Zen meditation wrapped in a memoir. And check out all of the great things Katie is up to, including her next , in Telluride, Colorado ... Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud through donation or membership. Donation: Membership: Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Dharma Talk: "Flower Garland Buddhism" with Ben Connelly
in the Cloud
Ben’s talk is based on , Inside the Flower Garland Sutra: Huayan Buddhism and the Modern World. Huayan Buddhism arose in the sixth century in China rooted in the Mahayana Flower Garland (Huayan) Sutra. Huayan is relational, practical, and positive. Its emphasis on interdependence, celebration of the sensual world, and diversity of people and practices has much to offer during this era when many folks see ever-deepening divisions. Ben will illustrate the teachings with stories and lessons from his recent involvement with an array of nonviolent community responses to the violence ICE brought...
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Path(less): David Loy
in the Cloud
It was an honor to sit down with David Loy for this next conversation in the Path(less) series. David will be joining us here at Mountain Cloud for our . To learn more about David, his teachings, books and appearances, check out his webiste: Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud through donation or membership. Donation: Membership: Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Teisho: "No Merit" with Scott Thornton
in the Cloud
Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming a member, so we can continue to offer these programs freely. Donations: Membership: Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Teisho: "The Nonduality of Good and Evil" with David Loy
in the Cloud
Ukraine … Gaza … Iran … Can Buddhist teachings help us understand what is happening, and how we might respond? Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming a member, so we can continue to offer these programs freely. Donations: Membership: Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Path(less): Valerie Forstman
in the Cloud
Such a pleasure to sit down with Valerie Forstman, Guiding Teacher for Mountain Cloud Zen Center, for this first conversation in the Path(less) series. Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud through donation or membership. Donation: Membership: Reach out to with any comments or suggestions.
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Teisho: "In the Wake of Sesshin: Wash your bowls" with Valerie Forstman
in the Cloud
In this first dharma talk following the Spring Sesshin, Valerie begins with a poem that whimsically maps the trajectory of practice. The talk then turns to Case 7 in the Mumonkan or Gateless Gate, “Joshu’s ‘Wash Your Bowls.’” A monk arrives at the monastery and asks for instruction. On the surface, Joshu’s response is a word of practice guidance to the monk and to us. Deeper still, Joshu’s every word presents the world where there is not the slightest bit of dust to wipe away. This world. This fact. The Gateless Gate that is always exactly where you are. Please consider...
info_outlineOn the occasion of the last full moon of this calendar year, Valerie turns to case 100 in the Blue Cliff Record or Hekiganroku. Speaking directly to our life and practice, Master Haryo (Baling), asks, “What is the sharpest sword? He himself answers, “Each branch of coral reflects the moon.”
How does that sharpest sword function and what does it have to do with the light of the moon?
In the course of her talk, Valerie reflects on a recent sesshin in Germany then makes the turn toward Rohatsu, the deepest ingathering of the year at Zen centers around the world. The talk also includes a poem by Maelna Mörling from her forthcoming collection, ‘Lumina Station.’
Recorded on December 4th, 2025
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