Talk
Roshi Joan - Standing at the Edge Dharma Talk
A dharma talk on staying present at the edge of what's difficult, drawn from Standing at the Edge.
About the teacher
Joan Halifax
Joan Halifax trained as a medical anthropologist before becoming a Zen teacher, and now serves as abbot and head teacher of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe. Her work is especially known for applying Zen practice to end-of-life care and to what she calls 'compassionate edge states': the capacity to stay present with suffering without being overwhelmed by it.
Now in her eighties, she continues to teach through Upaya's ongoing programme and dharma podcast, including a public conversation on Engaged Buddhism in January 2026 and co-teaching with Henry Shukman in February 2026.
“From love, let us live by vow and carry the spirit of our practice into the life of the world.”Joan Halifax
Upcoming events
Meet Joan Halifax in person.
Talks, day programmes and retreats currently listed in the Paths Are Many calendar.
Talks & videos
Watch before you attend.
Short introductions and longer conversations, to hear this teacher in their own words.
Talk
Joan Halifax: Compassion and the true meaning of empathy
Roshi Joan Halifax's widely viewed TED talk distinguishing empathy from compassionate action.
Path
The wider context.
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Zazen & everyday awareness
Zen
Direct meditative practice, zazen and everyday awareness in traditions rooted in Chinese Chan and its later forms.
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