Finding Awareness in the Everyday — Yogetsu Akasaka — Dharma Talk at Beginner's Mind Temple

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This talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple by Yogetsu Akasaka, a priest from the Sōtō Zen School in Japan. Once a guest teacher, Yogetsu has now returned as a guest student—a powerful embodiment of "beginner's mind" that lies at the heart of Zen practice.

What if cleaning a bathroom could be one of your most profound spiritual practices? In this talk, Yogetsu reveals how his role reversal from teacher back to student opened new depths of understanding. He shares how everyday tasks become windows into our minds, exposing our judgments, attachments, and dualistic thinking. Through stories of mindful cleaning and painting, he demonstrates how "full body awareness" transforms mundane moments into meditative experiences.

Discover why "Zen practice is so special through doing nothing special" and how enlightenment hides in plain sight—no special robes or settings required. Yogetsu's journey from guest teacher to guest student illuminates how true wisdom often comes from returning to the beginning, approaching familiar practices with fresh eyes and an open heart.

The talk concludes with a gentle breathwork practice, showing how music can support meditation for those who find silence challenging. Whether you're new to Zen or a seasoned practitioner, this talk will shift how you see your daily routine and reveal the profound practice waiting in your most ordinary moments. *Experience the extraordinary in the everyday.* Recorded on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

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