Religion & Spirituality

in the Cloud

by Mountain Cloud Zen Center

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Latest episodes

Teisho: "Cutting the Two into One" with Valerie Forstman

October 25, 2026 · 38 min

This talk begins with an exploration of the first grave precept in Mahayana Buddhism, not-killing. Valerie then turns to case 14 in the Mumonkan or Gateless Gate, the next koan in the collection. This famous case, "Nansen Kills the Cat,"…
Path(less): Will & Lucie Brennan

October 20, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min

For this episode, we're reaching back in time with Will & Lucie Brennan, two of the original founders and builders of Mountain Cloud. So fun to take a trip down memory lane with them. I hope you enjoy hearing the 'origin stories'. If…
Teisho: "On the Way Without Ever Leaving Home" with Valerie Forstman

October 4, 2026 · 37 min

Freshly returned from the annual Sanbo Zen teacher training in Germany and a sesshin she led there, Valerie reflects on these experiences and on the many gifts of practice. How do we find our way on this path of practice exactly where we…
Path(less): Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

September 16, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min

Such a delight to chat with Vanessa Zuisei Goddard. Zuisei has a fascinating pathless path. She joined me online, from her home in Panama City. You, too, can join Zuisei online, with the Ocean Mind Sangha. If you're enjoying these…
Teisho: "Three Bright Pearls: Honoring our Masters" with Shana Smith

September 13, 2026 · 42 min

Shana reflects upon the recent Kenshukai in Germany, and examines Case 86 of the Blue Cliff Record, "Unmon's Bright Light." Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming a member, so we can continue to offer these…

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Path(less): Daisy Lin

August 28, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

We're back with another episode of Path(less)! Today with the lovely Daisy Lin. We had a great time chatting about a whole host of interesting topics. Please enjoy! If you're enjoying these conversations, please consider supporting…
Teisho: "Falling into the Heart of the World" with Valerie Forstman

August 6, 2026 · 40 min

As our 30 Days of Dogen course comes to an end, Valerie invites a return to Dogen's seminal awakening: Body and mind fallen away. What geography of awakening does Dogen's experience lay bare for us and can it be anywhere but here? Looking…
Path(less): Henry Shukman

July 29, 2026 · 57 min

What a pleasure and a privilege to sit down with Henry Shukman for a conversation in the Study at Mountain Cloud. Henry's app, The Way, is a single-path meditation program designed to bring the depth of traditional practice into the…
Teisho: "Walking Into Wholeness" with Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

July 27, 2026 · 54 min

Many of us come to spiritual practice because of a persistent feeling that there's something wrong—something off about us or about the world. Perhaps we struggle with loneliness or a sense of alienation. Perhaps we crave intimacy but are…
Path(less): Light Watkins

July 13, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

A real joy chatting Light Watkins from his home in Mexico City. Light's latest book, The Year You Transform, is a wonderfully practical guide to how small, daily behaviors can have truly transformative power. If you're enjoying these…
Teisho: "Abundance in an Undivided World" with Valerie Forstman

July 6, 2026 · 33 min

In this talk, Valerie begins with a look into Dogen's phrase, "mountain-still sitting," asking how this practice of divesting ourselves – "dropping away body and mind" – is, at the same time, an invitation to realize the inexhaustible…
Path(less): Sarah Giffin

June 22, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min

So nice to chat with Sarah Giffin, the Executive Director of Mountain Cloud Zen Center. Sarah's had an interesting pathless path to her current role at the Center, and has such a gift for storytelling. If you're enjoying these…

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About the show

Welcome to the Mountain Cloud Zen Center "in the Cloud" podcast. Here, we'll be sharing our weekly Teisho's exploring classical Zen Koans, offered by Mountain Cloud teachers, and some guest teachers. Additionally, we have a conversation series, titled Path(less), which explores the "pathless path" of practice and life. Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud Zen Center through donation and membership, both of which allow us to offer these and other programs. Visit mountaincloud.org for our daily meditation schedule, weekly talks, upcoming retreats, and more. Reach out to grant@mountaincloud.org with any comments/suggestions.