Zen and Ecodharma Talks by Kritee Kanko

How can we bridge the gap between serene meditation experiences and our world’s ongoing climate and social crisis? In this thought-provoking talk given on the last day of a Zen retreat, Sensei Kanko (Dr. Kritee) invites us to consider life beyond the retreat. She emphasizes the necessity of grounded compassion and encourages a broader understanding of Zen beyond the usual Western interpretations. She illustrates the importance of carrying the fruits of our meditation practice into our day-to-day lives. By comparing our modern materialistic lifestyles with the simple rural community oriented traditional Buddhist and indigenous lifestyles, Kanko highlights what we can learn much from the traditional/indigenous approaches. She articulates her vision of a more inclusive, community-focused Buddhism/Spirituality that actively addresses pressing societal matters such as climate crisis, social injustices, and animal suffering. She probes the intricate balance between meditation practice and the real challenge - applying these teachings in the exterior world to confront our polycrisis. Without this active engagement, she asserts, there can be no genuine Buddhism or spiritual practice. Sensei Kanko gave this talk on the final day of Zen retreat in May 2023. Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com

How is giving birth or merging with a lover a Buddhist act? Familiar encounters in novel ways. In this radical talk, Sensei Kanko explores the contours of a Zen life and experience in a warm and novel way. She encourages listeners to think beyond standard masculine ways of understanding Zen with metaphors and stories that have a taste of impermeable sweetness. How can the experience of Mu be like giving birth or merging with a lover? How to see through obsessive spirituality, clinging, and spiritual materialism and consider those things on the path that truly matter? Sensei Kanko gave this talk on the 2nd day of a Zen retreat in October 2020 Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com

Can we find the most important teaching in Zen (Mu) in indigenous cultures? In this talk, Sensei Kanko talks about the most important Koan: Joshu's Mu, and discusses how it is related to wisdom and teachings in indigenous cultures. When we start practicing Zen, we often crave appreciation, healing, and community. These needs are particularly strong due to the complex traumas and goal-oriented mindset inflicted on our minds by modern society. This is okay and so human. However, there is also something deeper that both Zen and Indigenous cultures both encourage us to get in touch with. In this talk, Sensei Kanko discusses this most important teaching of Zen and how we can start our journey towards lesser suffering and more connection on our planet and all beings. Sensei Kanko gave this talk on the 4th day of a Zen retreat in February 2023. Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com

What trickery makes a Zen student or a skeleton baby of slaves free? This episode takes us on a journey through the Zen koan "Nansen draws a circle," exploring liberation in unexpected places like slave ships to the middle of COVID-19 pandemic. Join us as we uncover how Zen teachings can offer tools for resilience and hope in our shared journey while acknowledging our layers of trauma and the need for larger socio-political change. Sensei Kanko gave this talk during the Fall 2022 Zen retreat (sesshin). Thank you for listening to the Boundless in Motion podcast. You can access more information about our programs and retreats by going to www.boundlessinmotion.org or www.kriteekanko.com