PODCAST · religion
Living Zen
by Teàrlach Eshū Kilgour
Spontaneous Zen talks given in the Rinzai tradition by Ven. Eshu Martin, abbot of the Victoria Zen Centre in Victoria, BC, Canada. www.zenwest.caIf you enjoy this podcast, rate it,review it, and share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook and face to face.www.zenwest.caCheck out the Living Zen Podcast app on the iTunes app store!
Episodes
-
Under the Heavens and on the Earth — April 7, 2026 — Dharma Talk
This talk was given on April 7 — the day before Hanamatsuri, the traditional celebration of the Buddha's birthday. I'd been sharing a video that week of newborn lambs at the ecovillage where I live, jumping around within minutes of being born. Nearly everyone said the same thing: it's amazing how...
-
Holding Your Seat — March 17, 2026 — Dharma Talk
There were daffodils on the altar when I gave this talk — narcissus, named after the figure who fell in love with his own reflection in the pond. It turned out to be exactly the right image for what the practice is. The central metaphor is one I return to often: imagine yourself sitting on the…
more -
The Third Treasure — March 10, 2026 — Dharma Talk
Life keeps getting harder to afford — in time, in money, in simple presence. And yet here you are. This talk moves through the Three Treasures — Buddha, Dharma, Sangha — not as a Buddhism 101 survey, but as a question about how we actually live. Buddha: not just the historical man, but the...
-
The Body is the Dharma — January 20, 2026 — Dharma Talk
In this talk, I reflect on form as a living, embodied Zen practicioner. Drawing on Rinzai Zen forms — gassho, sasshu, posture, breath, walking, and bowing — I explore how Zen is practiced through the body itself. The forms of practice are not symbolic gestures or rules to get right; they are...
-
Animacy in Zen — January 13, 2026 — Dharma Talk
Animacy in Zen In this episode of Living Zen, I reflect on Zen form — not as something merely procedural or symbolic, but as something alive. This talk explores how breath, movement, sound, chanting, bells, incense, and shared attention all participate in the life of practice. Rather than…
more -
Play and the Great Matter - January 6, 2026 - Dharma Talk
This talk was recorded during our first sit of 2026 at the University of Victoria's Multifaith Centre. It's a reflection on Zen practice, play, and seriousness—and how we meet the great matter of life and death without becoming rigid or grim. Beginning again, again and again, is at the heart of...
-
"Kōzen Daitō Kokushi Yuikai" - December 2, 2025 - Dharma Talk
In this episode, I explore one of the most treasured teachings in the Rinzai Zen tradition: Kōzen Daitō Kokushi Yuikai, the "Final Instruction" of National Teacher Daitō, founder of Daitoku-ji. This chant has accompanied my practice since 1995, and over the years its meaning has deepened in ways...
-
Tuning Practice - November 25, 2025 - Dharma Talk
In this talk, we explore one of the Buddha's most enduring teachings — the musician Sona and the image of practice as a stringed instrument. Too tight, the strings snap. Too loose, there's no sound. Somewhere between effort and ease, discipline and kindness, we find the middle way. Drawing on…
more -
Zen Shout — November 18, 2025 — Dharma Talk
WARNING - Sudden loud sounds in this podcast. In this episode, we explore the heart of embodied practice — how a single moment of presence can cut through all the noise and return us to the immediacy of our own lives. Zen form, the shout, the bow, the subtle choreography of entering the Zendo……
more -
Remember the People You Came From — July 20, 2025 — Dharma Talk
In this episode of Living Zen, Eshū reflects on two guiding phrases: the Zen teaching "To study the self is to forget the self…" and the Gàidhlig seanfhacal "Cuimhnich air na daoine às an tàinig thu" — remember the people you came from. As he returns to regular practice at Zenwest, Eshū speaks...
-
On the De-Animation and Re-Animation of Zen — July 13, 2025
This week there's no Dharma talk from the Zendo — UVic was cleaning the carpets on Sunday, so our usual sit was cancelled. But I didn't want to leave the Sangha hungry. Instead, I'm sharing this reflection on how Zen was "de-animated" when it came west — and how we might begin to re-animate it…
more -
The Buddha's Buffet - July 6, 2025 — Dharma Talk
In this episode, we explore the long arc of practice — how insight and awakening might come suddenly, but true transformation takes slow, organic time. Like digestion or composting, it can't be rushed. We reflect on moments of birth and death, on coming back to practice after seasons away, and on...
-
Miraculous Medicine - June 29, 2025 - Dharma Talk
In this talk, I explore how practice invites us to return again and again — to breath, posture, intention — dissolving fear and self-criticism, and opening to the quiet miracle of simply being here. When we give ourselves fully to this moment — to a bow, a breath, a meal, a conversation — life...
-
The Breath of Solstice
"The Dharma is being preached in everything." This Dharma talk, offered just after summer solstice, reflects on the rhythms of breath, season, and spirit. It explores the natural arising and dissolving that moves through our practice, our emotions, and our path — and invites us to rest in the…
more -
The Path We Walk Together
This episode is a quiet invitation to long-time listeners and new friends alike. After years of practice, storytelling, and podcasting, Eshū speaks directly to those who've walked this path with him—often at a distance—and shares the next steps in the journey, including a return to leadership at...
-
Rewriting Money Stories: Thought Pattern Trancework
This short preparatory session offers a gentle introduction to the themes and intentions behind Rewriting Money Stories, part of the Thought Pattern Trancework series. You'll be guided through a few minutes of grounded presence, some light reflection on your current money narratives, and an...
-
A Return to the Zendo
After a long hiatus, I'm returning to regular teaching in the Zendo with Zenwest — and inviting you to join me on a new path of practice and connection through my Patreon, The Red Mountain Way. Support the work: https://www.patreon.com/redmountainway Thank you for walking this path together.
-
Exploring Boundaries - Preparation Session
Almost everyone, at some point, runs into challenges, obstacles, or problems in their family, work, or intimate personal relationships - that at their root, involve issues around boundaries. Today's session will provide you with the framework you need to be ready to start clarifying, expressing,...
-
A Question of Control - Preparation Session
Today I'll be sharing the preparation session for the next installment of the Thought Process Trancework Series which I've called "A Question of Control", in which you'll learn about how subconscious patterns that begin as natural survival responses become rigid, and overly-general rules that…
more -
Understanding Patterns - Preparation Session
Today I'm sharing the preparation session for the next installment of the Thought Process Trancework Series which I've called "Understanding Patterns", in which we'll be doing a deeper exploration into how subconscious thought patterns first come about often when we are really young, how they...
-
The Value of Foresight - Preparation Session
In this prep session, building on the last session, "Facing the Unkown", we'll explore and unpack our subconscious patterns around how and why we project negative past experiences forward, and how you can begin to transform this pattern into something much more beneficial, and satisfying. This...
-
Thought Process Trancework - Introduction Session
This Thought Process Trancework series explores subconscious thought patterns that we've all experienced at times. Generally, these patterns start out as efficiencies created by the subconscious mind to ensure survival, but as our environment and developmental stages change, these patterns often...
-
Getting on With Living Zen - Podcast Pivot
Breathing new life into the Living Zen podcast. A lot has happened since I posted the last episode in 2017! Check out what I've been up to, and get ready to step into the new world with Living Zen. I love hearing from listeners. If you'd like to contact me, you can email me at:...
-
Letter to Sangha and Supporters - June 2017
To: Zenwest members, associates, patrons, and donors From: Eshu Osho, Zenwest Board, and members of the Zenwest strategic planning group Dear friends and supporters of Zenwest, In our global community, locally, and within our Sangha, the past 3 years have been filled with change. We are writing…
more -
Gateless Barrier 38 Wuzu: A Buffalo Passes Through the Window - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday May 29, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Exhortation on Form and Gateless Barrier 37 Wuzu: Zhaozhou: The Oak Tree in the Courtyard - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday May 15, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
What Happens When We Engage in Zen - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Tuesday May 10, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Practice and our Sangha - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday May 1, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Q&R Butsudan and Dharma Names - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Tuesday April 19, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 36 Wuzu: Meeting Someone Accomplished in the Tao - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday April 17, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Practice and Family Relations - Rev. Soshin McMurchy - Tuesday March 15, 2015
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 35 Wuzu: Which is the True Qian - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday March 13, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Giving and Zen Practice - Rev. Doshu Rogers - Tuesday March 8, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Zenwest: An Abbot's Tale - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday March 6, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Charnel Ground Practice - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Tuesday March 1, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 34 Nanchuan: Wisdom is not the Tao - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday February 28, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Just This Way! - Rev. Doshu Rogers - Tuesday February 23, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 33 Mazu: Not Mind, Not Buddha - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday February 21, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 32: A Guest Questions the Buddha - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday February 14, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Shunyata (Emptiness) - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Tuesday February 2, 2015
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 31: Zhaozhou Investigates the Old Woman - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday January 31, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 30 Mazu: Mind is Buddha - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday January 24, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 29 Huineng: Not the Wind; Not the Flag - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday January 17, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Gateless Barrier 28: Ringing Long with Lungtan's Fame - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Sunday January 10, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
-
Resolution - Kosen Eshu, Osho - Tuesday January 5, 2016
The Zenwest Buddhist Society is a federally registered charity in Canada that provides training and education in Zen Buddhism. If you enjoy this podcast, please rate it, review it, and share it with a friend that you think will enjoy it as much as you did. Please consider purchasing the Living...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Spontaneous Zen talks given in the Rinzai tradition by Ven. Eshu Martin, abbot of the Victoria Zen Centre in Victoria, BC, Canada. www.zenwest.caIf you enjoy this podcast, rate it,review it, and share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook and face to face.www.zenwest.caCheck out the Living Zen Podcast app on the iTunes app store!
HOSTED BY
Teàrlach Eshū Kilgour
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Living Zen have?
Living Zen currently has 456 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Living Zen about?
Spontaneous Zen talks given in the Rinzai tradition by Ven. Eshu Martin, abbot of the Victoria Zen Centre in Victoria, BC, Canada. www.zenwest.caIf you enjoy this podcast, rate it,review it, and share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook and face to face.www.zenwest.caCheck out the Living Zen...
How often does Living Zen release new episodes?
Living Zen publishes regularly with 456 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Living Zen?
You can listen to Living Zen on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Living Zen?
Living Zen is created and hosted by Teàrlach Eshū Kilgour.
URL copied to clipboard!