Animacy in Zen — January 13, 2026 — Dharma Talk

Animacy in Zen

In this episode of Living Zen, I reflect on Zen form — not as something merely procedural or symbolic, but as something alive.

This talk explores how breath, movement, sound, chanting, bells, incense, and shared attention all participate in the life of practice. Rather than treating form as a set of rules to perform correctly, the talk invites listeners to notice how the practice itself is already active, relational, and responsive.

Drawing directly from lived experience in the Zendo, this reflection looks at Zen ritual as something animated and participatory — a field we step into together — long before we "get to" sitting. It's a grounded, embodied inquiry into what is actually happening while we practice.

Living Zen is a podcast about Zen practice as it's lived — sincere, embodied, and woven into real human lives.

Links & Resources:

Zenwest — the Zen practice community where these talks arise

https://www.zenwest.ca

The Red Mountain Way (Patreon) — ongoing teachings, reflections, and recordings

https://www.patreon.com/redmountainway

Monarch Trancework — one-to-one guidance, mentorship, and practice support

https://www.monarchtrancework.com