The Backyard Buddhist
“Darren (So Mushin) Simpson, a novice in the lineage of Matsuoka Roshi, returns to Zen after decades in Christian ministry. With roots at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center, he now trains under Elliston Roshi, embracing the Dharma name So Mushin.”
| Platform |  | Pricing | Freemium | Publishes | Daily |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issues | 186 | Founded | 10 months ago | Last Issue | 4 days ago |
| Active | |||||
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thebackyardbuddhist.substack.comLatest Issues
Sitting with the Mosquito
by The Backyard Buddhist
This morning, during our sunrise Sangha sit, I had a teacher. I didn’t invite him, I didn’t ask for an interview, he wasn’t wearing robes. As far as I know, he hadn’t received Dharma transmission. And he certainly...
The Formless Field of Merit
by The Backyard Buddhist
There’s a short verse that we recite before putting on the kesa.
It’s only four lines.
But, like so many things in Zen, four lines can get you into quite a bit of trouble if you actually pay attention to them.
I...
Beyond the Last Breath
By The Backyard Buddhist
There are subjects I can talk about from a comfortable distance.
Death isn’t one of them.
And I don’t think it should be.
When I talk about death, I’m talking about something that’s coming for me too.
I’m not s...
ASZC Dharma Talk - Michael (Shinjin) Sensei on Upaya - Skillful Means
Is the concept of upiah or skillful or expedient means and it’s kind of all over the map of what exactly this is supposed to mean and how it’s supposed to be applied but I came up with some some basic ideas and this is a concept that has be...
Michael Elliston Roshi: ASZC Dharma Talk - 09/27/2026
A Dharma talk given by Michael (Taiun) Elliston Roshi, the Abbot of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center on Sunday, September 27th, 2026.
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The Backyard Buddhist offers accessible reflections on Zen practice, Buddhist philosophy, compassion, and everyday awakening—bringing ancient wisdom into modern life with clarity, kindness, and humor.
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