The Zen Studies Podcast

Author: Domyo Burk

Learn about traditional Zen and Buddhist teachings, practices, and history through episodes recorded specifically for podcast listeners. Host Domyo Burk is a Soto Zen priest and teacher.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Buddhism, Religion & Spirituality

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331 - When Confronted with Great Difficulties: Zhaozhou's "Just Right"
Episode 331
Friday, 15 May, 2026

How can we practice without ignoring the world, but also without being overwhelmed by it? We can learn something from a koan involving the 9th century Chan master Zhaozhou (Joshu): A monk asked, "When a great difficulties come, how should I avoid them?" Zhaozhou said, "Just right." We can include great difficulties in our perception of this life without being destroyed by them, letting our hearts break without rejecting this world or becoming consumed by anger or grief.