Appamada
Appamada is a podcast from a contemporary Zen center in Austin, Texas. It focuses on Zen practice, inquiry, and community. The podcast offers teachings and discussions on mindfulness and meditation.
Episodes
2026-08-18 I Inquiry I Longing I Flint Sparks
2026-08-18 I Inquiry I Longing I Flint Sparks by Appamada
2026-08-16 | Dharma Talk | Attention | Nate Smalley
There's a word at the center of our practice that reads as mundane but might better understood as sacred: attention.
At first attention is not very promising, is it? To the classroom teacher and parent in Nate, it sounds ludicrously ordinary. Paying attention seems so basic, so pedestrian. But Nate has come to think it may be the heart of practice, hiding in plain sight.
For the final talk of ou
2026-08-11 I Inquiry I Just be ordinary and nothing special I Trudy Johnston
2026-08-11 I Inquiry I Just be ordinary and nothing special I Trudy Johnston by Appamada
2026-08-09 | Dharma Talk | Nate Smalley
2026-08-09 | Dharma Talk | Nate Smalley by Appamada
2026-08-10 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-08-10 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-08-04 I Inquiry Accepting Yourself Completely I Josh Gifford
2026-08-04 I Inquiry Accepting Yourself Completely I Josh Gifford by Appamada
2026-08-03 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-08-03 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-08-02 | Dharma Talk | Time and the Moment | Nate Smalley
This week, we’ continue to explore Zen’s understanding of time and the moment. Conventionally, we think of the past as a place things go to stay put — old mistakes, former selves, the people we've lost, with all of it shrinking into the distance. Dōgen, characteristically, disagrees. This Sunday, we sit with his strange claim that time does not pile up in a row, which has implications for what we
2026-07-28 I Slippery words I Inquiry Joel Barna
2026-07-28 I Slippery words I Inquiry Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-07-27 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-07-27 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-07-26 | Dharma Talk | What is a Moment? | Nate Smalley
2026-07-26 | Dharma Talk | What is a Moment? | Nate Smalley by Appamada
2026-07-21 I Choosing Life - Being Chosen By Life I Inquiry I Flint Sparks
“The precept today is giving, the joy of giving. Everything is something which was given; every existence in nature, every existence in human world, every cultural work we do is something which was given to us or which is being given to us, relatively speaking. But actually everything is originally one. So it may be better to say we are giving out everything. It is the same thing. Relatively speak
2026-07-22 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-07-22 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-07-19 | Dharma Talk | What Are We Seeking? | Peg Syverson
It’s been a surreal week. We must recognize that we are in a fundamentally altered reality. It’s quite disorienting, so perhaps we can come together and begin to explore how to navigate it. Peg offers this Dharma talk: “What are we seeking?” It’s an important inquiry, so we hope you will join us!
Photo by Ben Syverson
Chicago, July 16, 2026
2026-07-14 I Inquiry I Why did Bodhidharma come to the west? I Trudy Johnston
Case 37,
A monk asked Jōshū,
“What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming to China?”
Jōshū replied,
“The oak tree in the garden.”
Case 5, titled “Kyōgen’s Man Up a Tree.”
Kyōgen said:
“It’s like a man up a tree, hanging from a branch by his mouth.
His hands can’t grasp a bough, his feet can’t touch the trunk.
Another man comes and asks from below,
‘What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming fr
2026-07-13 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-07-13 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-07-12 | Precepts Ceremony
The Buddhist Precepts are not a checklist. They are a practice — a genuine looking at the ways we speak, take, react, and cause harm without quite meaning to. For the past year, a group of students has been sitting with these teachings and letting them ask hard questions. Come be part of the ceremony that honors their practice.
2026-07-07 I Inquiry I Too Busy I Flint Sparks
Yunyan was sweeping the ground.
Daowu said, “Too busy.”
Yunyan replied, “You should know there is one who is not busy.”
Daowu answered, “If so, then there is a second moon.”
Yunyan lifted what he was holding and asked, “Which moon is this?”
2026-07-06 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-07-06 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-07-05 | Dharma Talk | Facing Fear | Joel Barna
Joel shares reflections on Pema Chodran’s book “How We Live is How We Die” and Tibetan Buddhists’ work to live life to prepare for the transition from life to death. Joel also reads from Stephen Levine’s book “A Year to Live.” We hear a reading from the chapter titled “Fear of Fear." Joel leads us in Levine’s “soft belly meditation.”
2026-06-30 I Inquiry I No bridge needed? I Joel Barna
2026-06-30 I Inquiry I No bridge needed? I Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-06-29 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-06-29 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026.06.28 | Dharma Talk | The Life Not Preferred | Nate Smalley
What might it look like to live a life energized by something other than preference? Recently, while getting feedback on a decision the teachers were considering, Nate was challenged by a council member to consider if a life outside of preference is even possible. Nate thinks it is, though it’s not easy to come by. In this talk, we explore possibilities together.
The text of the Hsin Hsin Ming ca
2026-06-23 I Inquiry I Embodying Harmony I Flint Sparks
SFZC
Great robe of liberation
Field far beyond form and emptiness
Wearing the Tathagata’s teaching
Saving all beings
Upaya
Vast is the robe of liberation,
A formless field of benefaction.
I wear the Tathagata’s teachings,
To awaken countless beings.
Appamada (Ordinary Mind)
Vast is the robe of liberation
A formless field of benefaction
2026-06-22 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-06-22 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-06-14 | Dharma Talk | Drawing Koans | Kim Mosley
Kim gives a dharma talk on "Coleus in the Garden" and other koans.
2026-06-21 | Dharma Talk | Getting Stuck | Nate Smalley
Most of us have a favorite way of getting stuck. A particular dance we do — the old pattern in new clothes, the familiar mistake in a new context, the same persistent bad habit, again.
Today, we look at stuckness not as a problem to be solved but as something we might actually need. The Buddha had something to say about this, as did Suzuki Roshi.
And you’ll get to find out which kind of horse
2026-06-16 I Inquiry I Great Determination? I Trudy Johnston
2026-06-16 I Inquiry I Great Determination? I Trudy Johnston by Appamada
2026-06-16 I Inquiry I Great Determination? I Trudy Johnston
2026-06-16 I Inquiry I Great Determination? I Trudy Johnston by Appamada
2026-06-15 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-06-15 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-06-08 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-06-08 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-06-09 I Inquiry I Plight thee my troth I Flint Sparks
2026-06-09 I Inquiry I Plight thee my troth I Flint Sparks by Appamada
2026-06-07 | Dharma Talk | Effortless Effort | Nate Smalley
For the last two Sundays, we investigated the ditches of comfort and striving. This week, we turn to what’s between them, what some describe as effortless effort.
Joko Beck describes this as pure activity:
Pure activity is very rare. There's nearly always a shadow, a film over it. We may not be aware of that; we may just be aware of some tension. There's no tension in pure activity, beyond the
2026-06-01 Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-06-01 Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-06-02 I Inquiry I Wandering and Wondering I Josh Gifford
2026-06-02 I Inquiry I Wandering and Wondering I Josh Gifford by Appamada
2026-05-31 | Dharma Talk | Stop Trying (But Don't Stop) | Nate Smalley
Last week we sat with the cost of comfort. Today, we turn to comfort's restless cousin: striving.
Most of us have a complicated relationship with achievement — driven by it, exhausted by it, quietly convinced that enough effort will finally get us somewhere.
Dogen had thoughts. He opens the fascicle Bendowa with a puzzle: "This Dharma is abundantly present in each human being, but if we do not
2026-05-26 I Inquiry I If you examine myriad things I Joel Barna
2026-05-26 I Inquiry I If you examine myriad things I Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-05-25 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-05-25 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-05-24 | Dharma Talk | The Cost of Comfort | Nate Smalley
How comfortable have you gotten? Is the room the perfect temperature? Does Alexa/Siri/Gemini answer all of your questions instantly? Is that difficult conversation still scheduled for someday later?
Dogen’s teacher, Tendō Nyojō, carried his cushion in his sleeve. He sat until he ached. At sixty-five he still didn't claim to understand zazen, yet still hadn't missed a day in decades.
Nate offers
2026-05-19 I Inquiry I A Blessing - A Birthday I Flint Sparks
2026-05-19 I Inquiry I A Blessing - A Birthday I Flint Sparks by Appamada
2026-05-18 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-05-18 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-05-17 | Head Student Exit Ceremony | C. Seren8y
Program
Welcome
Incense Offering & Three Bows
Heart Sutra
Head Student Reads the Case
Head Student Raises the Staff
Head Student Statement
Questions for the Head Student
Head Student Comment
Final Statement
Head Student Returns the Staff
Congratulatory Statements
Dedication of Merit
Bodhisattva vows
Three Bows
Exit Procession
Appamada
Senior Teachers
Nathan Smalley, Flint Sparks and Peg Syverso
2026-05-11 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-05-11 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-05-10 | Dharma Talk | Relationships | Nate Smalley
Reflection question: How have you been shaped or formed by your primary or first relationships?
2026-05-05 I Inquiry I A hidden ally I Joel Barna
2026-05-05 I Inquiry I A hidden ally I Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-05-04 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-05-04 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-05-03 | Dharma Talk | FOMO and Encounter | Nate Smalley
The fear of missing out (FOMO) is the engine of missing out. The reaching is the leaving.
Building on the intensive teachings of Peg, Joel, and Flint, Nate offers a dharma talk on encounter — what it is, why we keep missing it, and what the craving mind is actually building while it's busy looking elsewhere.
There is a poem by Mary Oliver (below). There is a koan or two. There is a story about
2026-04-28 | 2026 Intensive | Day 3 | Joel Barna
2026-04-28 | 2026 Intensive | Day 3 | Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-05-01 | 2026 Intensive | Day 6 | Peg Syverson
2026-05-01 | 2026 Intensive | Day 6 | Peg Syverson by Appamada
2026-04-28 I Inquiry I Merciful Messengers I Suzanne Kilkus
2026-04-28 I Inquiry I Merciful Messengers I Suzanne Kilkus by Appamada
2026-04-30 | 2026 Intensive | Day 5 | Joel Barna
2026-04-30 | 2026 Intensive | Day 5 | Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-04-29 | 2026 Intensive | Day 4 | Peg Syverson
2026-04-29 | 2026 Intensive | Day 4 | Peg Syverson by Appamada
2026-04-27 | 2026 Intensive | Day 2 | Flint Sparks
2026-04-27 | 2026 Intensive | Day 2 | Flint Sparks by Appamada
2026-04-26 | 2026 Intensive | Day 1 | Peg Syverson
2026-04-26 | 2026 Intensive | Day 1 | Peg Syverson by Appamada
2026-04-26 | Dharma Talk | No Gaining Mind | Ellen Hippard
2026-04-26 | Dharma Talk | No Gaining Mind | Ellen Hippard by Appamada
2026-04-21 I Inquiry I Into the mouth of the Demon I Trudy Johnston
2026-04-21 I Inquiry I Into the mouth of the Demon I Trudy Johnston by Appamada
2026-04-20 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-04-20 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-04-19 | Dharma Talk | Sangha, Intimacy and Compassion | C. Seren8y
Instructions for small group activity:
Divide into groups of 3. Groups of 2 are ok. Take 2 minutes for each role.
Each person will have an opportunity to share, be heard, and bear witness.
Person 1 will share what they like in what they see/hear/experience about Person 2.
Person 3 will listen, hold the space, and notice. They will then share their observations with person 1 & 2. Person 2 can ref
2026-04-14 I Inquiry I Leaving So Much Unborn I Flint Sparks
2026-04-14 I Inquiry I Leaving So Much Unborn I Flint Sparks by Appamada
2026-04-13 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen
2026-04-13 | Depth In Practice | The Sutra of Hui-neng Grand Master of Zen by Appamada
2026-04-12 | Dharma Talk | Awareness and Zen Practice | Jess Ambiee
References:
"Nothing Holy About It," by Tim Burkett
Hsin Hsin Ming, Appamada chant book (https://appamada.org/s/Appamada-Chant-Book.pdf)
"The Wakeful Body," Willa Baker
2026-04-07 I Inquiry I The Smallest Thing I Josh Gifford
2026-04-07 I Inquiry I The Smallest Thing I Josh Gifford by Appamada
2026-03-23 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart
2026-03-23 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart by Appamada
2026-04-05 | Dharma Talk | Cooking & the Sanga Discussion | C. Seren8y
This Dharma Talk is experiential, with the Sangha addressing and sharing from the prompts of the previous Dharma Talk on "Cooking & the Sangha". There is a brief summary talk given and then we delve more deeply into the topic with discussion prompts. Prior attendance at the first Dharma Talk is NOT a requirement.
2026-03-31 I Inquiry I Lotus, meet mud I Joel Barna
Begin Flint's talk at 11 minutes in for reference to Inquiry
https://youtu.be/X3m2oM_C9bQ?si=Q-4yae5iykfSjStI
2026-03-30 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart
2026-03-30 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart by Appamada
2026-03-29 | Dharma Talk | Caring for Life in a Troubled World | Sandra Medina Bocangel
Discussion prompts:
1. What concerns me about the world today?
2. What am I doing to care for this life?
Quote from Joanna Macy's book, "Coming Back to Life."
Poem by Li Po, "At Chin Ling":
Tucked into the earth, Chin-Ling City
the river curving past, flowing away:
there were once a million homes here,
and crimson towers along narrow lanes.
A vanished country all spring grasses,
the palace bu
2026-03-28 | Introduction to Zen | Class 1
2026-03-28 | Introduction to Zen | Class 1 by Appamada
2026-03-24 I Inquiry I It matters to Other I Suzanne Kilkus
2026-03-24 I Inquiry I It matters to Other I Suzanne Kilkus by Appamada
2026-03-22 | Dharma Talk | Cooking & the Sangha | C. Seren8y
This Sunday's Dharma Talk is by Head Student C. Seren8y, in which they discuss "Cooking and the Sangha," drawing from the writings of Dogen, Kosho Uchiyama and Bernie Glassman.
References:
Glassman, Bernie and Fields, Rick, "Instructions to the Cook: A Zen Master's Lessons in Living a Life that Matters"
Dogen, Eihei and Uchiyama, Kosho Roshi, "How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enl
2026-03-17 I Inquiry I Feel the anguish and act from Love I Trudy
2026-03-17 I Inquiry I Feel the anguish and act from Love I Trudy by Appamada
2026-03-16 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart
2026-03-16 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart by Appamada
2026-03-15 | Dharma Talk | Meeting Trouble Together | Nate Smalley
Today's readings are from the Platform Sutra, by Huineng, including "The Gatha of Truth and Falsehood and Movement and Stillness":
Nothing that exists is true
don’t think what you see is true
if you think you see the true
what you see is surely false
if you want to find the true
the mind free of the false is true
unless your mind forsakes the false
nothing is true where true can’t be.
Living thi
2026-03-10 I Inquiry I Loving What Can Be Lost I Flint Sparks
Why love what you will lose?
There is nothing else to love.
“From the Japanese” by Louise Gluck
2026-03-02 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart
2026-03-02 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart by Appamada
2026-03-09 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart
2026-03-09 | Depth In Practice | Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart by Appamada
2026-03-07 I Erin Curtis Memorial
2026-03-07 I Erin Curtis Memorial by Appamada
2026-03-08 | Dharma Talk | Living a Good Life | Nate Smalley
What does it mean to live a “good life”?
This dharma talk starts there. We'll spend some time with Hui-Neng's teaching on one practice samadhi, which, it turns out, offers a surprising and slightly subversive take on living well.
Prompts for discussion:
1. What makes a good life?
2. How well are you living this good life?
Nate's reading is from the Platform Sutra, by Huineng.
2026-03-03 I InquiryI Roots and Branches I Joel Barna
2026-03-03 I InquiryI Roots and Branches I Joel Barna by Appamada
2026-03-01 | Dharma Talk | Ocean Mudra Samadhi (Kai-In-Zanmai) | Jon-Eric Steinbomer
This is a Dharma talk on the Ocean Mudra Samadhi (Kai-In-Zanmai) from the Shōbōgenzō, written by our Sōtō Zen ancestor, Eihei Dōgen in 1242.
In this writing, Dōgen points to “attaining the way and entering realization” as nothing other than this moment, appearing through this very body. We reflect on what shifts when we move from trying to grasp the dharma with the mind and instead allow it to be
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