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Knot Zen

Knot Zen: an episodic podcast that tackles Zen, Daoism, and other things not related to Zen!
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Now displaying: October, 2020
Oct 31, 2020

Spook alert!

Join in for Knot Zen's first Halloween episode where The Gang discusses a ghost story told by Zen Master Foyan and whether the protagonist get tricked or treated by two scary ghosts.

Who has the right to the candy in the bag? Are you the candy? Are you the basket? What can you eat when ghosts have devoured you?

Chewing it may sustain you, but what you don't swallow might haunt you...

Welcome to the Sangha.

Oct 19, 2020

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... why is he doing that...?

This week, The Gang chews on this strange hypothetical in the 5th Case of the infamous Mumonkan where a man is hanging from a tree by... his mouth?

Get a taste of whether this Case has to do with trusting oneself and why on Earth the man would choose to hang so high above it in that fashion.  

When you're stuck relying on nothing but your mouth, how will you handle when it's time to stop biting the bullet?

Welcome to the Sangha.

Oct 12, 2020

Blue Cliff Record: Case 4

The Gang picks up Deshan's story where they left off in Episode 5: Ryutan's Candle.  Somebody warn Zen Master Guishan: Deshan's coming to visit!

Looks like Deshan ain't lettin' nothing stop him from having his showdown with the old man, and he comes crashing in before crashing right back out.

What bundles do you carry?  What do you do with them once you meet a Zen Master?  What to do when you find yourself being "so coarse"?

Welcome to the Sangha.

Oct 6, 2020

Oh no! In Mumonkan’s Case 11, an elderly woman seems to be schooling all the monks on their way home! This is far from the first time that the elders of China ask tricky questions to the poor young monks!

Go straight ahead as The Gang investigates Joshu’s investigation: fighting fire with fire and having a gander at this goose!

And, if you do walk the walk, at least talk the talk. 

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