In this talk Danabhadri combines introducing Dogen with reflections on her experiences of being a cook at a retreat centre. She gives examples from Dogen's Instructions to the Tenzo, a collection of advice to the temple cook.

Danabhadri then contextualises Zen in the development of Buddhism, starting with the story of the Buddha holding up a flower at Vulture's Peak, communicating the essence of Enlightenment to Maha Kasyapa. We then hear some biographical details about Dogen's life and his search for Enlightenment and subsequent teaching career.