What is a Teisho?
A Teisho is a formal dharma talk offered by a zen teacher, sensei or roshi, given on a specific zen text. The talk is usually preceded and closed with a short chant. It is not a sermon or an academic lecture; it is more a presentation of insight (a teacher's direct experiential understanding of the text), than an exposition of factual knowledge. A daily teisho is offered at Adelaide Zen Group sesshins and intensives, they are not usually offered at our weekly meditation practice sessions (Thursday evening and Sunday morning).
The name of the teisho corresponds to a specific “case” or chapter in The Mumonkan, Hekiganroku, or Book of Serenity. The Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate) and Hekiganroku (The Blue Cliff Record) are two of the best known koan collections compiled during the Song dynasty.
What is an Encouragement Talk?
If we think of a teisho as a formal commentary by a Zen master on a Zen text, a Dharma talk is an informal lecture on a topic related to our practice. There is not usually chanting before or after an Encouragement Talk.
A daily encouragement talk is offered as part of Adelaide Zen Group sesshins and weekend intensives and are sometimes offered at our regular mediation practice sessions (Thursday evening and Sunday morning).
Teacher Talks from December 2024 online Rohatsu sesshin
Allan Marett Roshi:
Peter Bursky Apprentice Teacher:
Teisho Examples:
Mumonkan Case 8 Robert Joyner Roshi
Book of Serenity Case 16 Allan Marett Roshi
Mumonkan Case 46 Steve Wigg Roshi
Mumonkan Case 26 Imelda Carson Roshi
Encouragement Talk Examples:
"Bonsai for Peace" Steve Wigg Roshi
"Of fundamental importance" Imelda Carson Roshi
"Practicing the Hara" Steve Wigg Roshi
Links to teacher talks
(click on the teacher's name below to open folder containing talks)
Bob Joyner Roshi
Allan Marett Roshi
Imelda Carson Roshi
Steve Wigg Roshi