About Melissa Myozen Blacker

Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi is the Abbot of Boundless Way Zen. She is co-editor of The Book of Mu: Essential Writings on Zen’s Most Important Koan. She will be teaching at the annual Lion's Roar retreat, "Facing Life's Challenges" from October 19-21, 2018.

Todo es naturaleza de Buda

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| March 8, 2023

Pecado original versus bondad original: el budismo Mahayana ofrece una visión más esperanzadora de la naturaleza humana. La maestra zen Melissa Myozen Blacker revela cómo la práctica no dual nos libera de nuestros oscurecimientos temporales y revela nuestra verdadera naturaleza despierta.

Who Am I?

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| September 20, 2022

Melissa Myozen Blacker teaches the Koan practice of asking again and again, “Who am I?” Every time an answer arises, set it aside. Eventually, answers stop coming, replaced by a feeling of profound wonder.

The Wonder & Mystery of Zen Koan Practice

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| November 16, 2020

Each Friday, we share three topical longreads in our Weekend Reader newsletter. This week, Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi explores Zen koan practice.

Everything Is Buddhanature

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| November 28, 2018

Original sin vs. original goodness: Mahayana Buddhism offers a more hopeful view of human nature. Zen teacher Melissa Myozen Blacker reveals how nondual practice frees us from our temporary obscurations and reveals our true, awakened nature.

A Woman of Zen

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| September 24, 2018

Melissa Myozen Blacker recounts how she, as a practitioner and a teacher, has navigated a male-dominated tradition.

Meeting Ourselves as We Are

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| September 19, 2018

Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi on how to find space and relief when painful emotions are present.

Koans: One with the Question

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| September 7, 2018

Zen Koan Shambhala Sun Buddhism

(c) The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 72-5

The enlightenment stories of the ancient masters are confounding to conventional mind. Their truth, says Melissa Myozen Blacker, is revealed only when our whole being becomes the koan.

Let Me Know When You See the Iguana

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| September 2, 2016

Melissa Myozen Blacker proposes that awakening isn’t that complicated. It’s when we encounter something just as it is, without preconception.

Melissa Myozen Blacker’s 5 Favorite Movies With Buddhist Lessons

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| February 28, 2016

Intentionally or not, lots of movies do a great job of illuminating Buddhist ideas, giving us an entertaining way to contemplate the dharma.

How to watch “Inside Out” and start talking about emotions with your kids

by Melissa Myozen Blacker| February 28, 2016

Inside Out, Melissa Myozen Blacker, Emotion, Lion's Roar, Buddhism, Children, Shambhala Sun

L-R: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, Sadness. © Disney / Pixar.

“Inside Out” will delight children and help them appreciate their emotions. Melissa Myozen Blacker offers tips for watching it together.