PZI Teacher Archives

Great Silence at the Beginning

Video February 14, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Shelter for the Homeless Person

Michelle Riddle

In trying hard to find home, Michelle realizes that everything is happening on a deeper level, in great silence. Everything is always coming through—our role is to notice without manipulating the situation. 17-minute excerpt from January Sunday Zen, Part 4.

16' 48"
Video February 14, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: When Nowhere Is Home

Tess Beasley

When even your own being can feel like the wrong container, Tess Beasley talks about the other side of finding home, where nowhere is home: the great silence that is before all divisions and differentiation. 15-minute excerpt from January Sunday Zen, Part 4.

15' 35"
Video February 14, 2023
15' 28"
Audio February 9, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Always Home

Tess Beasley

We have made it out of deep winter to the new year, and there is something new appearing. How do I hold the Zen paradox of form and emptiness as I live my life? With dreams, poems, comments, and Jordan McConnell playing music for meditation. Complete January Sunday Zen session, Part 1.

66' 45"
Video February 8, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Life Is Like Kissing

Michelle Riddle

An excerpt from Part 4 of Great Silence at the Beginning on January 29, 2023. Michelle Riddle reads a poem written by John Tarrant for the dedication of a new healing center.

2' 8"
Video February 7, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Buddha’s Immovable Seat

Allison Atwill

No management of the universe is necessary. Effort does not help. Buddha’s story starts with ‘everything’ achieved, and acknowledges the longing and sorrow that can not be assuaged by getting things. Buddha in awakening sits in the immovable seat at the center—all included—even Mara. Talk from January Sunday Zen, Part 3.

19' 30"
Video February 7, 2023
2' 15"
Video February 7, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Always Home

Tess Beasley

We have made it out of deep winter to the new year, and there is something new appearing. How do I hold the Zen paradox of form and emptiness as I live my life? With dreams, poems, comments, and Jordan McConnell playing music for meditation. Complete January Sunday Zen session, Part 1.

66' 44"
Audio February 7, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: The Morning Star & The Immovable Seat

Allison Atwill

No management of the universe is necessary. Effort does not help. Buddha’s story starts with ‘everything’ achieved, and acknowledges the longing and sorrow that can not be assuaged by getting things. Buddha in awakening sits in the immovable seat at the center—all included—even Mara. Talk from January Sunday Zen, Part 3.

74' 29"
Video January 25, 2023

Resting in the Great Silence at the Beginning

Jesse Cardin

Wherever you are, even in the places you are certain the silence is NOT, it is there enfolding you. Even at Walmart with a toddler, in a flood, or at the doctor’s office—it is there, blooming. We are always stepping into that emptiness. Complete January Sunday Zen session, Part 2.

69' 36"
Video January 17, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Arriving Here! Silence All Around Us

Tess Beasley

Entering into great silence. What is appearing, in this new year? A guided meditation with Tess Beasley from the first Sunday Zen session of the new year. Recorded January 8, 2023. 5 minutes.

6' 2"
Video January 17, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: Holding It for Each Other

Jesse Cardin

What are the properties of great silence? It cannot be tarnished or eroded, it can’t be given or taken away, but it can of course be obscured. The whole universe is holding it for you; we hold it for each other and for ourselves. Zen cliches are showing up, with the truth! January Sunday Zen on January 15, 2023. 6 minutes.

6' 40"
Video January 16, 2023

Great Silence at the Beginning: It’s Everywhere

Jesse Cardin

If awakening could come from anywhere, how would that change things for you? Wherever you are, even in the places you are certain the silence is NOT, it is there, enfolding you. Even at Walmart with a toddler, in a flood, or at the doctor’s office—it is there, blooming. From a January Sunday Zen session on January 15, 2023. 10 minutes.

10' 39"