I have bee listening and engaging in distance trainings and am now looking forward to my meditation periods. A true gift from ZenWest. Lifechanging....

I have always found Buddhism intellectually satisfying, but to understand and experience are different things. Though still a beginner in every way, this podcast helped to open me up to the spiritual experience in way that I couldn’t before and exposed me to Zen in way I hadn’t been before. The talks are clear and “informal” - in that they are open in mindset, for every person, and not clouded by opaque tradition. There’s much more I could say, but if you’re looking for a place to begin and continue your practice or just understand the basic philosophy of Zen or Buddhism at large, this is the podcast for you.

(and I've heard a lot)

I find Living Zen to be a wonderful supplement to my daily Zen practice. Ven. Eshu delivers practical, inspiring insights on both the history of Zen, and its applications in in the modern world. His talks never fail to help align my priorities in regards to my training. I am incredibly appreciative of this podcast being made available to all of us. I recommend it to not only students of Zen, but to anyone practicing Buddhism. Even if you're not a Buddhist, there is much to learn here. There isn't a podcast in the world that can take the place of formal training, but Living Zen comes as close as humanly possible. Thank you so much, Venerable Eshu . The example you set is one the whole world could benefit from. I hope to train with you in person one day. But I won't cling to that desire ;).

The "Living Zen Podcast" is one of my favorites. Eshu presents complex(simple?) ideas in a way that I find relatable and enjoyable. Listening to the podcast has helped me to look at the world through a different lens. The new episodes have been released sporadically, but they do seem to keep coming. There are lots of episodes archived, which are all worth listening to more than once.

I came looking for something to satisfy my curious, wandering mind at work; I found fantastic, insightful approaches to the contemporary application of Zen practice. I particularly enjoy the in-depth commentaries on koans from the Gateless Barrier and Rinzai Record. Living in an area 100+ miles from the nearest Zen center, this podcast is a welcome augmentation to an otherwise book heavy exploration of the principles and practice of Zen. Many thanks.

Rev Eshu shares his insight and his Community, and we are the better for his sharing. Zen is... Better sit and listen.

I have been a Zen reader for 30 years and an utter failure at making myself a better person...Nice to know the world hasn't given up on me.

Eshu is one of the great teachers of Zen in the west. Grateful of his work, able to translate the Dharma in a pure, bare bone way. He is one to follow and also is very active in social media. Thank you Eshu.

Excellent podcast! I do not live near a zen center, so this has been a wonderful resource. Looking forward to listening to a new one every day.

These talks are brilliant. Each talk is saturated with personality and humor. His insight is clearly very deep and he has a way of articulating that insight in such an understandable way. This is as good as it gets.

ones, but I have no preferences. Been an armchair (when not on the cushion) zen student via podcasts and books since 2005. Stumbled upon this a couple of years ago and is now part of my zen podcast quiver. Very straight forward.

Initially listened to Eshu’s stuff on YouTube but went through that selection pretty quick. I was overjoyed to find this podcast. Thanks for this gift!

I am a practicing Soto Zen Buddhist for over 10 years, and I still have trouble understanding some teachers if I’m not “of the mind.” From anywhere you are, Master Eshu is easy to follow, yet he does not sugar coat anything. He sometimes, in a way I welcome, pulls out the rug right from under me. A great place for serious practitioners to begin again, and to walk in fellowship with others in their ongoing path.

Eshu Martin’s talk on the 2 truths – relative and absolute – resonated so much with me and shed so much light on how I look at things that I actually listened to it TWICE. I needed to hear it two times, because off the need to soak in as much wisdom as I could. I almost never listen to a podcast twice. I also like the way Ven. Eshu cuts to the chase using everyday language to illustrate rather arcane Buddhist concepts. I’ve given this podcast my highest rating. It’s worth subscribing to. Its lessons will open your eyes and clear your mind.

Every episode is approachable for students of all levels of experience. Please continue to offer.

Venerable Eshu Martin is one of the best zen teachers of our time and, unlike so many others, he doesn't just talk zen; he lives it.

I got into Zen as a way to cope with stress. I don't have time to go to a true Zen-do and this podcast is my companion on my long commute every day. I pair this with short meditations at work and home.

This podcast has everything from the basics to the more esoteric aspects of Zen. Ven. Eshu Martin and his sangha are the real deal. Thank you Eshu, for making this available to all of us in podcastland.

There are several beneficial Zen podcasts out there and I listen to many of them. I particularly enjoy Ven. Eshu Martin's podcast because his topics are focused and concise. Many times I don't have 45-60 minutes to take in a long podcast but Living Zen is only around 10-15 minutes and each podcast makes an impact. A wonderful resource!

A wonderful speaker with good audio recording. There are other wonderful Zen talks in podcast form, but many suffer from less than ideal recording that can make them hard to listen to in noisy places like a car.

My favorite Zen podcast. One of the best you can find.

Among the many podcasts I follow, I include Living Zen as a regular reminder, inspiration, and instruction to keep my Zen practice going. Eshu is clear-spoken and knowledgeable. A great addition for any Buddhist meditation practitioner's listening library.

This is a marvelous Teisho. How refreshing to hear a Teisho on this very important case, that doesn't refer to Cher in Moonstruck, quotations from Carl Jung, or long quotations from a follower of Ramana Marharshi (who was teaching Advaita Vedanta, NOT Buddhism!) A teaching that is not to be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been listening to these talks for just a few months now. I listen to then every day without fail. I am not a formal zen practitioner, but have read much and attempted practice (i.e. I think this is not uncommon). This podcast has inspired me to join my local zen center and become engaged with a sangha. The talks are brilliant, inspirational, beautiful, sobering and… urgent. Thank you for these and please, keep the microphone going :)

These talks and Zen practice has totally changed my outlook on life.

Changes your perspective of your life…I have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for a year; still I find this teachings of Zazen very effective. Thanks for posting!

I subscribed to this hoping to learn more about meditation and Buddhist-like beliefs. These are great talks that get you calm but also stimulate you and make you feel great! They open your mind and are great help. Love them! Thanks!!!!

These podcasts have helped me in numerous ways. I am not able to have a personal Zen teacher, but Eshu's teachings have become the closest thing. Thank you Eshu.

I like these podcasts a lot. short, down to earth, clear and simple, easy to understand. Great voice and sound quality

Living Zen is one of the best digital Sanghas around. 5/5.

Venerable Eshu Martin's Zen practice and teaching is spot on. His interpretation of Rinzai Zen draws clear lines from Buddhist history, practical experience, and modern references. His understanding is personal, contemporary and inspiring. Risking merit, Venerable Eshu remains fresh and real, honest and sincere — living Zen. I have practiced Rinzai with an old Japanese monk (Genki Takabayashi Roshi), Soto with a Gen X monk with encyclopedic Buddhist knowledge (SCZC Head Teacher, Kokyo Henkle), Gelugpa with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the adept monks and nuns at Root Institute, and sat with the delightfully sharp and witty HH Karmapa and HH Dalai Lama — Venerable Eshu ROCKS!! Venerable Eshu's podcasts reconnected and inspired me as well as deepened my understanding of Rinzai, Soto, and Buddhism practice. During a difficult and uncertain transition I listened to podcasts on daily walks. Being in a new place, knowing no one a job offer fell through. Plan C took time to emerge. Listening to these podcasts on daily walks provided reassurance and soulful guidance. They also lent insight and awareness lost in translation learning from a Roshi with limited Engrish. Once Plan C was active, Eshu's wit and wisdom provided delightful contrast to immersion in San Francisco Bay Area's Soto Zen scene. And now, Plan E is it? Restoring a house and writing in tiny town midwestern US nowwhere'sville, these talks remind me to simply continue living Zen.

Just a wonderful podcast.

This is the best Zen podcast I have found! The teaching and talks are very inspiring and helpful. The production quality is great. They are usually short talks so you can fit them easily into a busy schedule or listen to several on a longer trip.

I have listened to quite a few different types of zen podcasts and this is the absolute best one. It is clear, thoughtful and always inspiring and rewarding. The stories and discussion are always stimulating and great at inspiring further zen practice.

I really enjoy Living Zen, and have been listening to it for about 2 years now. It is honestly the best Zen or general Buddhist podcast I have found. It centers my day and illuminates my mind in the best way; by being utterly fresh and open and true to the Zen spirit. It's enriching without being didactic, and it "feels" like a real direct interaction with a roshi, rather than a scholarly treatise or dry lecture. My only caveat is that it is not necessarily for absolute beginners, nor is it directed at providing a basic introduction to Zen concepts. It assumes you already know the basics of Buddhism, and that you are somewhat familiar with Zen itself and its history and role. As a Zen "believer" but not yet a regular "practicer," (also living in the South U.S., where there is not much of a Zen community anywhere) I think the podcast's best aspect is that it can act in the temporary role of a physical zendo for those who might otherwise remain introverted in their practice and consequently lose sight of the important core of Zen; that is, real practice amidst a real Buddhist sangha, and feedback from a real teacher. It's also great for those who are open-minded and curious about Zen and maybe want to explore it, and I would recommend it also to advanced students who feel like they might need to step back from the books and take a deep breath of real Zen in its simplicity and beauty. Thank you Ven. Eshu!

...in the first 20 seconds of your podcast? very offputting. no thanks.

Ven. Eshu Martin delivers concise and informed zen talks. they are very practical and useful for the earnest buddhist practitioner of any tradition. I earnestly recommend Living Zen to anyone who is maintaining or considering a dedicated zen practice. The Dharma is intact here...

There are so many meditation podcasts, it's overwhelming searching through them all. I have little experience with zen, and it wasn't the first I went to, but I am so happy I found this one. With most podcast meditation speakers leaning towards a sentimental tone and complicated instructions, finding Eshu Martin's kind and gentle but plain speaking voice was a relief. His talks are simple enough that I can always follow them, yet so full of information that I never zone out. He addresses many of the questions I'd been having about my meditation practice that I haven't found anywhere else. It's been a tremendous help. This is a podcast I'll continue to come back to. Thank you for this marvelous gift!

am getting so much from this podcast--thankyou!

I realy like this podcast because it is to the point and does not drag on. I understand the need for more in depth dharma talks but this is good to listen to at work on a break or if you don't have much time. Very good!

I have been listening to these podcasts for a couple of months and find each one to be so helpful. Eshu's enthusiasm, playful and straightforward approach brings these teachings to life. I catch myself on the verge of tears at times and the next moment belly laughing. As a new practitioner, I am amazed how it seems he is still ultra aware of the challenges faced by those just beginning this path. Thank you to Eshu and the Victoria Zen Centre for providing this gift; it is a true gift indeed.

I enjoy the talks, informative and insightful.

Easy to understand, informative, practical! Ven. Eshu is a wonderful teacher that can help you with the way!

I've been subscribed to the podcast for about six months. I greatly enjoy each podcast because Venerable Eshu takes the time to explain each lesson in words that anyone can understand. I'll sometimes listen to a program more than once because I get so much out it. Highly recommended!

Just listened to the podcast on anxiety and it helped me so much. The teacher sounds normal--without pretension. His story is easily applicable to daily life and he wraps up his entire lesson explaining this.

Living Zen is great for listeners with any sort of spiritual background. I found the case studies to be the most interesting but there's really not a bad episode here. Living Zen is extremely educational and thought provoking. Thank you for this gift.

I like to listen to this podcast when I start my day, jog, or get ready to tackle challenges at work. The insights it offers encourage me to be calm and relaxed and to release any bit of anxiety or distraction that has ahold on me. It is great for the lay person. I have found it very insightful and pleasant. I highly recommend it.

Every podcast begins with the words, "The Living Zen podcast is a gift from the Victoria Zen Centre..." And a gift is truly what it is. I'm not always able to make it to weekly practice at my own local center but this podcast is very key to keeping my own practice in focus. The effort and devotion that Ven. Eshu puts into this shines through, and this my way to say thanks.

****POW**** Zen, Right in the kisser.