but not great. I'm looking for a speaker that rivals the late alan watts or shunryu suzuki and did not find them here. the search continues.

They have helped me find my path in an area where teachers and like-minded people are rare. I really connect with the way Taigen speaks. I recommend giving it a try to see if it will help you in your journey. Namaste

If I've never had reason to be jealous of Chicago residents before, I do now; for they get the benefit of this wonderful dharma teacher, who speaks with clarity, compassion, and great learning. Taigen's way of speaking is somewhat different from many other dharma teachers – he's more energetic and doesn't over-mystify topics which can be explained, if only partly, in everyday language – but it's been wonderful for me to listen to. I look forward to hearing more in the future.