About Kwan Um Zen Online Podcast – The Way of Don’t Know.
"The Way of Don't Know" is an engaging podcast series from Kwan Um Zen Online that explores how Zen practice can support our modern, everyday lives. Join our hosts as they engage in inspiring conversations with Zen teachers, answering questions and sharing insights that can be directly experienced in our lives. Each episode offers a unique blend of practical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and profound teachings, all rooted in the Kwan Um Zen School’s teaching of “don’t know” — opening our hearts and minds to a practice before any concepts and ideas.
Jan Sendzimir, JDPSN, on Zen in Times of Environmental Crisis
How can Zen practice help us respond to climate change, uncertainty, and anxiety? In this episode of The Way of Don't Know, climate scientist and longtime Zen practitioner Jan Sendzimir, JDPSN, joins host Maxim Gaurd to explore how an open mind, compassionate listening, and collective learning can help us navigate environmental challenges.
Drawing on decades of work with communities around the world, Jan shares why we don't need to have all the answers to begin making a difference. He discusses the connection between Zen and science, the wisdom of local communities, adaptive management, and how we can work with climate anxiety by returning to the present moment and responding to what's needed.
Discover how sincere practice, trust, and small acts of care can help us move beyond fear and work together toward a more resilient future.
If you'd like to explore Zen more deeply, we'd love to welcome you into our community: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
15 Sept 2026
Yuval Gill, JDPSN, on “Don’t Know,” Empathy, and the Illusion of the Self
In this episode of The Way of Don’t Know, Yuval Gill, JDPSN, shares his journey into Zen and reflects on how “don’t know” has shaped his life, work, and understanding of the world.
Yuval discusses Zen and Judaism, empathy and conflict resolution, artificial intelligence and consciousness, physics, and the question of who we really are. He also explores the metaphor of the wave, ocean, and whirlpool as a way of understanding the relationship between individuality and our deeper connection to everything around us.
A thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about letting go of fixed ideas, staying curious, and meeting life with an open mind.
If you feel called to explore more deeply, step into community and join us here: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
18 Aug 2026
Hwadu Practice: The Great Question and the Power of “Don’t Know” with Andrzej Stec, JDPSN
Andrzej Stec, JDPSN, explores hwadu practice, the great question “What am I?”, and the experience of “don’t know.” He discusses kongans, meditation, mantra practice, curiosity, clarity, compassion, and how hwadu can help us respond more clearly to everyday life.
Want to bring Zen into everyday life? Join our membership and practice with us online: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
21 Jul 2026
Knud Rosenmayr, JDPSN, on Zen in Modern Life: Meditation, Mindfulness, and Being Human in an AI World
In this episode, with Knud Rosenmayr, JDPSN, guiding teacher of the Vienna Zen Center, we explore Zen in modern life through different angles: what “meditation” means in today’s Western culture; the role of a teacher; what we call “Buddhist psychology,” AI and human reality; and finally, how the fundamentals of Zen are essential in modern times.
Your path doesn’t end with this episode. Continue the practice and become part of our online Zen community: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
16 Jun 2026
Finding the Practice You Need: Zen, Chanting, and the Question “Who Is This?” with Bon Sun Sunim, JDPS
What if the practice that changes your life isn't the one you want—but the one you need?
In this episode, Bon Sun Sunim, JDPS, shares her Zen journey and the lessons she's learned through meditation, chanting, and self-inquiry. Discover how the question “Who is this?” can help you return to the present moment, navigate emotions, and cultivate greater clarity and balance in everyday life.Want to go beyond listening and begin practicing with others? Join our online Zen community: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/
19 May 2026
Zen for Modern Life: SK Teoh, JDPSN on Finding Clarity in a Distracted World
How can Zen practice help younger generations navigate anxiety, distraction, burnout, and the search for meaning?
In this episode, Zen teacher SK Teoh shares his journey from corporate finance to decades of Zen training and teaching. He reflects on his first encounter with Zen Master Seung Sahn, the challenges of learning meditation, and why simple awareness and presence remain deeply relevant today.
This conversation explores:
Zen practice for modern life
Meditation and mental clarity
Stress, suffering, and emotional resilience
Mindfulness for millennials and Gen Z
Finding meaning beyond achievement
The power of simplicity and awareness
Whether you’re new to meditation or curious about Zen philosophy, this episode offers grounded insights and practical wisdom for living with greater clarity and compassion.
Listening is the beginning. Practice together and become part of our living Zen community: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
21 Apr 2026
Jason Quinn, JDPSN on Zen Leadership, Community Practice, and Zen Gate
Zen teacher Jason Quinn JDPSN joins host Viviane Casimir to discuss some Zen expressions, metaphors, and Zen poetry, leading you to your true Self and making Zen a natural part of your daily life.
If you’re ready to turn insight into practice, come sit, learn, and grow with our community: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
17 Mar 2026
Kathy Park, JDPSN on Applied Buddhism, Zen Practice, and Living the Great Vow
Zen teacher Kathy Park joins host Tuck Leong to explore applied Buddhism, daily life Zen practice, and living the Great Vow.
Discover how Korean Zen teachings invite us to embody mindfulness, compassion, and clarity in the world.
Inspired by today’s conversation? Dig deeper with a supportive global Zen sangha here: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
17 Feb 2026
Tim Colohan, JDPSN on Zen Practice, Broken Heart, and Compassion in Everyday Life
Zen teacher Tim Colohan, JDPSN, joins host Viviane Casimir to share how Zen practice, meditation, and “don’t know mind” help transform grief and uncertainty into compassion. From intensive Zen retreats in Korea to life in the film industry, this episode explores everyday Zen practice and resilience.
Take the next step on the path. Deepen your practice, connect with teachers, and join our membership: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
20 Jan 2026
Rebecca Otte, JDPSN on Zen, Uncertainty, and Finding Calm in Turbulent Times
Zen teacher Rebecca Otte, JDPSN, Abbot of the Prairie Zen Center, joins host Viviane Casimir to share how Zen practice and “don’t know mind” help us stay calm and compassionate amid life’s uncertainty. Discover how mindfulness and meditation can bring clarity, balance, and peace in everyday life.
If this episode resonated with you, become one with our practicing community and explore membership: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
12 Dec 2025
Seeing Clearly: Zen Master Soeng Hyang on “Before Thinking” and Living with Awareness
Discover Zen wisdom with Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Bobby Rhodes), Head Zen Master of the Kwan Um School of Zen. Learn how “before-thinking mind” helps us find clarity, compassion, and calm in the chaos of everyday life.
Ready to dig deeper into Zen practice? Join our global community and continue the journey here: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/ (https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/)
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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