Introduction to Zen

Something I've taken to do doing--and would recommend to anyone--is listening to the eloquent, simple, and profound Dharma talks posted online by the Zen Community of Oregon. My favorite ones are those given by Chozen Bays, whose training as a physician adds depth and intellectual credence to a subject that some might dismiss as illusory. I don't mean to say that she proves Zen with science--rather, that her robust background in both science and Zen Buddhism makes for very compelling listening. Her mellifluous voice is also a pleasure to listen to, making it easier to absorb the wisdom of her talks. I'd be hard-pressed to think of a wiser person to whom to turn for advice on the ultimate spiritual question of how to live.

Most of these lectures are about thirty minutes to one hour in length, and you can listen to them while cleaning your room (as I often do), doing sit-ups, cooking dinner, icing sore muscles, heating sore muscles, hahaha, etc. If I want to be particularly receptive and attentive to a talk, I'll lie down, close my eyes, and just listen. What she says is generally applicable to people of all backgrounds and religions, and is rarely incompatible with my understanding of Judaism, my own religion. 

Chozen sometimes lets her progressive politics permeate her talks, as my more moderate boyfriend pointed out. But I would encourage you to listen more with your heart than your mind; be sympathetic and receptive rather than critical. She has no political agenda that I'm aware of; her goal is to help listeners dust off the oft-neglected shelves of their minds and open their hearts.

Happy listening :-)