The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1922 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
The Mind of the Great Sage of India Serial: SF-02758 The lecture emphasizes the primacy of appreciation over understanding, and the enrichment understanding can bring to appreciation. Central to the discussion is the concept of inquiry as an open, inclusive process rather than a... Satipattana Sutra, Theravada, Zazen, Big Mind, Four Noble Truths, Realization, Suzuki Roshi,...	Ryushin Paul Haller	Jul 10 2007 City Center
Coming Of Age Serial: SF-01062 Story of Parvati and ...(?); falling in love - never alone; the entire universe in ten directions is the true human body; Coming of Age Program; samsara/dukkha; parenting a teenager; the love of mother for a child The talk centers on the interconnectedness of love, relationships, and responsibility using various narratives and teachings from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. A central myth highlights Parvati's deep desire for a child,... Parvati, Karma, Dukkha, Samsara, Lotus Sutra, New Year, Continuous Practice, Hate,...	Fu Schroeder	May 20 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Liberating Your Hands Serial: EB-00048 The discussion addresses the practice of mindful awareness in relation to the body, particularly focusing on the hands. It explores the importance of being in tune with one's body and how this awareness can lead to a fuller,... Rumi, Health, Zazen, Letting Go, Ceremony, Freedom, Conversation	Edward Brown	Apr 15 2007
Sesshin as a Koan for the Body Serial: SF-00990 Sesshin Lecture: Easter/Buddha's Birthday; enlightenment experiences; dharmakaya; not doing anything; nirmanakaya; this is your life The talk opens with reflections on the overlapping significance of April 8th, celebrating Buddha's Birthday in Mahayana Buddhism and Easter Sunday in Christianity. The themes of birth, death, and awakening resonate through the... Sesshin, Enlightenment, San Quentin, Zazen, Buddha's Birthday, Birth-and-Death, Suzuki...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 08 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Intelligence of the Natural World Serial: SF-00941 Sesshin Lecture: frog chorus; silence and activity; pain and fear of pain; Bodhidharma The talk focuses on the interconnectedness and intelligence of the natural world, the implications of human actions, and the practice of presence and silence through meditation. It touches on the sounds of frogs as a reminder of... Bodhidharma, Sesshin, Prajna Paramita, Silence, Buddha Ancestors, Composure, Buddha Nature,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 07 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Check The Messenger Within Serial: SF-00994 Strategies, gaining ideas; "paying it forward"; close investigation of the self; Orpheus and Eurydice; Rilke; hidden anger - staying with the emotion This talk centers on strategies for practice, examining one’s self, and the concept of "paying it forward." It delves into handling hidden emotions, particularly anger, and reflects on ancient and modern poetic... Dongshan, Sesshin, Suzuki Roshi, Monkey Mind, Vow, Buddha Nature, Emotions, Manjushri, Soto...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 05 2007 Green Gulch Farm
The Secrets of the Body Serial: SF-00993 Sesshin Lecture: great effort, no result; ritual, bowing; Diamond Sutra; boundaries The talk explores various elements of Zen practice, focusing particularly on the themes of effort without attachment to results, the significance of ritual, and the boundaries of one's experiences. The discussion emphasizes the... Right Effort, Suzuki Roshi, Buddha Nature, Bowing, Bodhisattva Way, Vow, Liberation, confusion...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 04 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Sesshin Practices Serial: SF-00992 Sesshin Lecture: ordinary mind is the Tao; practice of confession; guilt/shame; Self-Receiving and -Employing Samadhi The talk begins with a reflection on the waning moon as a metaphor for impermanence and emphasizes the opportunity to work on practice with concentrated focus during the sesshin. The importance of correct posture and managing... Sesshin, Zhaozhou, Ordinary Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Right Effort, Posture, Buddha Nature,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 03 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Living in Accord with Birth and Death Serial: SF-00991 Sesshin Lecture: confirming Buddha nature; sesshin: gathering of heart/mind; what's the business under the patchwork robe?; story of Patacara The talk discusses the practice and significance of deepening one’s understanding and confidence in their Buddha nature during the week of Sesshin at the Green Dragon Temple. The central theme revolves around recognizing and... Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Patacara, Birth-and-Death, Practice Period, Lineage, Ceremony,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Apr 02 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Developing Confidence in Buddha Nature Serial: SF-00074 Sunday talk.Koan with the wild ducks; story of the king who questioned the Buddha; report on global warming. The talk explores how to develop confidence in one's true nature or Buddha nature amidst distractions and delusions, using Zen koans such as the wild ducks story of Baizhang and Matsu to highlight the importance of perceiving... Baizhang, Global Warming, Buddha Mind, Hindrances, Delusion, Practice Period, Dragons, Lineage...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Mar 18 2007 Green Gulch Farm
Alignment With The Great Way Serial: SF-00944 Sunday Lecture - Children's Lecture: waging peace; taking up a practice The lecture focuses on alignment with the "Great Way" through meditation and mindfulness in daily life, particularly aimed at young children. It begins with guided meditation ("nose and belly" meditation) and... Zhaozhou, Suzuki Roshi, Buddha Mind, Peace, Ordinary Mind, Zazen, Lineage, Posture, Delusion,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Mar 04 2007 Green Gulch Farm
The Bodhisattva Grandmother Serial: SF-00942 Deshan and the old woman; the distortions of sexism, racism, others; the bodhisattva grandmother; devotion to zazen; bringing attention and support to the natural states/bodily conditions that are difficult The talk discusses the story of Deshan and the old woman from 9th century China, aiming to emphasize wisdom beyond established norms and literature. Deshan, a scholar of the Diamond Sutra, encounters an old woman selling dim sum... Deshan, Family Practice, Dragons, Offering, Delusion, Heart Sutra, Mindfulness, Vow, Suzuki...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Feb 17 2007 Green Gulch Farm
The Gift of Nothing Serial: SF-00929 Sunday Lecture Children's Lecture: one who is not busy, one reality; the gift of nothing; sesshin, from Suzuki Roshi; our mind is the same as Buddha's; all things are impermanent; illusion of self; desire based on... The talk elaborates on the story "The Gift of Nothing" and weaves it into the principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on impermanence and the illusion of self. Through a children’s story about a cat named Mooch who... Buddha's Enlightenment, Sesshin, Koan, Daowu, Keizan, Suzuki Roshi, Nirvana Sutra, Book...	Fu Schroeder	Dec 03 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Just Showing Up Serial: EB-00047 The talk discusses the nature of spiritual guidance and the pitfalls of authoritarianism, emphasizing trusting one's awareness to find the way rather than relying on specific instructions or techniques. Key references:- *Zen... Skillful Means, Gurus, authoritarians, Big Mind, Instruction, Peace, Rumi, Don't Know...*	Edward Brown	Nov 12 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Seijiki Ceremony - Relating to Death and Dying Serial: SF-00029 Heading into winter; what is the most important thing at the end of your life? taking refuge; how are we also hungry ghosts; six realms. The discussion centers around the Seijiki Ceremony, addressing themes of death, dying, and the concept of "hungry ghosts." This ceremony is tied to a particular time of year when the veil between life and death is thought to thin... Ceremony, Six Realms, Death-and-Dying, Offering, Vow, Ordination, Sangha, Emptiness, Samadhi,...	Meiya Wender	Oct 29 2006
Breathing In, Breathing Out Serial: SF-01146 Sunday Lecture: simplicity; story of Prajnatara in Malawi; the sun comes up, the sun goes down; connections; the four foundations of mindfulness; Navajo rain dance The talk emphasizes simplicity through various anecdotes and teachings. A core story involves Prajñātara, an ancient Buddhist ancestor, who illustrates the principle of mindfulness through a simple breathing practice. The... Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Simplicity, Mindfulness, Book of Serenity, Four Noble Truths...	Fu Schroeder	Oct 08 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Right Speech Serial: SF-00037 The eight-fold path and its relationship to the precepts. The talk explores the concept of "right speech" within the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, linking it closely to the precepts, especially within the context of a lay ordination ceremony. By presenting two koans, it underscores the... Ummon, Koan, Right Speech, Suzuki Roshi, Conversation, Heart Sutra, Zazen, Buddha Nature,...	Marc Lesser	Sep 16 2006
Buddhas And Sentient Beings Are Not Two Serial: SF-01026 One-day sitting lecture: positive encouragement; nirvana; five hindrances; preliminary practices; three worlds; jhanas - benefits and ptifalls; Four Noble Truths; Mahayana This talk focuses on the duality of Buddhas and sentient beings through Zen practices, examining meditation and the path to enlightenment. It discusses the importance of bodily posture and mental composition in meditation,... Five Hindrances, Four Noble Truths, Mahayana, Dhyana, Hindrances, Nirvana, Concentration,...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 16 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Stopping and Listening Serial: SF-00945 Sunday Lecture Children's Lecture: Baby beluga; why are you here?; Dogen's Three Minds: joyful mind, kind mind, big mind; mother's love as essence of spirituality (Dalai Lama); parental mind as nourishing mind; karmic... The discussion begins with an invitation to children to engage in a listening exercise, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive. The talk then transitions into a discussion of nature, highlighting the journey of... Tenzo Kyokun, Big Mind, Birth-and-Death, Bell, Silence, Gratitude, Hate, Suzuki Roshi,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Sep 03 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Teachers and Students Serial: EB-00046 The talk centers on the exploration of inner conflicts and the metaphorical 'ogres' that one faces in various relationships such as those between parents and children, teachers and students, and within oneself. It describes these... Hakuin, Suzuki Roshi, Cooking, Bell, Way-Seeking Mind, Silence, Demons	Edward Brown	Aug 27 2006
It's Just Food! Serial: EB-00045 The talk centers on the cultural attitudes toward food, especially in the context of waste and consumption. The discussion elaborates on the importance of treating food with care and reverence, reflecting Zen teachings,... Suzuki Roshi, Culture, Ordinary Mind, Money, Way-Seeking Mind, Lay	Edward Brown	Jul 16 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Buddhist Visions of American Independence Serial: SF-04351 The talk explores the synergy between American independence ideals and Buddhist principles, particularly focusing on liberty, justice, and cooperation as celebrated during the 4th of July. It also critiques the political climate... *Liberation, Interdependence, Freedom, Declaration of Independence, Happiness, Enemies...*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 02 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Have Some Tea Serial: SF-00965 Sunday Lecture: "Have you been here before? Have some tea"; judgment and conduct; Four Noble Truths; Eightfold Path; ethics and etiquette The talk delves into judgment and conduct within the framework of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing the Buddhist teachings on suffering, ignorance, and the practices for liberation. The narrative is... Joshu, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Right Effort, Three Treasures, Right Speech,...	Fu Schroeder	May 07 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Genjo Koan as a Verb Serial: SF-04332 This talk explores Dogen's "Genjo Koan" as foundational to Soto Zen practice, contrasting self-manifestation of delusion with the awakening that occurs when all phenomena illuminate themselves. It emphasizes... Dogen, Delusion, Separation, Blue Cliff Record, Building, Practice Period	Taigen Dan Leighton	Apr 29 2006 City Center
The Great Matter Serial: SF-00085 How awareness of death, and our own mortality, spurs us to greater effort in practice. The talk at the Beginner's Mind Temple centers on awareness of mortality as a catalyst for deepening commitment to spiritual and ethical practice. It draws on various literary and philosophical sources to underscore the transient... Birth-and-Death, Impermanence, Suzuki Roshi, Gratitude, Heart Sutra, Ceremony, Mindfulness,...	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 11 2006 City Center
The Water of Life Serial: EB-00043 This talk discusses the philosophical and spiritual journey depicted through a story about a king's sons searching for the "water of life," symbolizing the internal exploration for fulfillment and enlightenment. It... Kids' Talk, Rumi, Personality Types, Enemies, Dragons, Silence, Bell	Edward Brown	Mar 05 2006
Practice Period Serial: SF-00034 Origins of PP, meaning of 'ango'; Dogen's essay; resistance; hermit Jim; Rumi poems. The talk explores the historical and spiritual origins of the Zen practice period known as 'ango', tracing its roots back to Varsha, the rainy season retreat established by Buddha to provide support for monks. It delves into... Practice Period, Dongshan, Dogen, Rumi, Buddha Ancestors, Zazen, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...	Kokyo Henkel	Feb 19 2006 Green Gulch Farm
The Robe of Liberation Serial: SF-00115 Taking refuge; our true place; funzo; placing robe on the head; story from vinaya about silk. This talk centers on the concept of taking refuge and the authentic transmission in Zen Buddhism, focusing on Dogen Zenji's criticisms of societal norms regarding status and religious attire, specifically the Okesa or Kashaya... Okesa, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Genzo-e, Discrimination, Doubt, Offering, Attachment, Peace,...	Shohaku Okumura	Feb 01 2006 AM
Alive or Dead? Serial: SF-01147 Sunday Lecture: Koan: "Alive or Dead" (Daowu's condolence call); mind fleas; confession; too busy; leap or die when at an impasse; story of Buddha and king - what else can I do but walk in righteousness; Dogen's... The talk explores the Zen koan "Alive or Dead?" from the Blue Cliff Record, focusing on the story of Buddhist master Dao Wu and his attendant Jin Wan, and the absence of definitive answers. It elaborates on keeping spiritual... Teacher-and-Student, Birth-and-Death, Practice Period, Anger, Don't Know Mind, Ego, Bell...	Fu Schroeder	Jan 29 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Practicing Patience Serial: SF-04353 The talk explores the concept of patience as an active, dynamic practice essential in various realms of life, from personal meditation to societal engagement. Emphasizing patience as one of the ten paramitas (kṣānti), it connects... Kids' Talk, Paramitas, Patience, Kshanti, Enthusiasm, Virya, Politics	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Practicing Patience Serial: SF-04352 The talk emphasizes the importance of patience in Buddhist practice, describing it as an active, dynamic process critical in personal and societal contexts. It highlights patience as one of the ten paramitas and aligns it with... Patience, Kids' Talk, Kshanti, Enthusiasm, Virya, Politics	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Zhaozhou's No Serial: SF-00963 Sunday Lecture: Milton's 'Paradise Lost'; myth of Narcissus; Four Noble Truths; Zhaozhou's "No": Marin Organizing Committee/Seniors for Peace This talk explores the interplay between self-obsession and spiritual enlightenment through the lenses of various texts and teachings. It begins with an examination of Eve's introspection in Milton's "Paradise Lost," likened to... Perfect Wisdom, Four Noble Truths, Buddha Nature, Peace, Freedom, Mill Valley, Commitment, Non...	Fu Schroeder	Nov 20 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Grounding In The Immediate Experience Serial: SF-03089A The talk focuses on the practice of mindfulness, both in the context of Zen and broader Buddhist teachings, highlighting its therapeutic effects, especially concerning depression. The practitioner is encouraged to pay attention... Mindfulness, Practice Period, Hindrances, Sesshin, Mindfulness, Practice, Time...	Ryushin Paul Haller	Nov 12 2005 Tassajara
The Activity of Sesshin Serial: SF-03152 The talk discusses the transformative process of sesshin as a form of deep meditative practice, emphasizing the integration of self and the world by acknowledging and skillfully working with the karmic flow of causes and... Sesshin, Suzuki Roshi, Work, Silence	Ryushin Paul Haller	Oct 12 2005 Tassajara
Morning, Noon, Evening Serial: EB-00056 The talk explores various teachings and perspectives on the practices of Zen and meditation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in practice and the concept of letting the 'flower of life force bloom.' It contrasts... *Katagiri Roshi, Charlotte Selver, Sensory Awareness, Instruction, Posture, Sangha...*	Edward Brown	Oct 09 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Settling Into Monastic Practice Together Serial: SF-03161 The talk explores the concept of "practice period" or "ango" in Zen Buddhism, tracing its origins from India through its integration into Chinese and Japanese traditions, and its current practice in the U.S. Emphasis is placed on... Practice Period, Shingi, Monastic Practice, Sangha, Global Warming, Buddha Ancestors, Mahayana...	Ryushin Paul Haller	Oct 02 2005 Tassajara
No Self Serial: SF-00971 One-day sitting lecture: Bodhisattva Initiation - dharma names; Buddha's second teaching - "No-self Characteristic Sutta"; shamata - posture instructions; Bodhisattva precepts - the scrimmage line The talk explores the concept of "no-self" and the path of the Bodhisattva as central to Buddhist practice. The speaker discusses the initiation ceremony for new Bodhisattvas and reflects on the teachings of the Buddha... Bodhisattva Precepts, Ceremony, Samatha, Precepts, Continuous Practice, Separation, Posture,...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 17 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Birth and Death Serial: SF-00970 Sunday Lecture - Children's Lecture: children's story - Amos and Boris; response to Hurrican Katrina; Story of king, knowing death is coming; vowing to live for the benefit of all; story of Buddha, a child's death and... The lecture explores themes of interdependence, the impermanence of life, and compassionate action, drawing from the children's story "Amos and Boris" by William Steig and Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the... Kids' Talk, Birth-and-Death, First Principle, Vow, Four Noble Truths, Lotus Sutra, Mill...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-01783 The talk explores themes of self-expression, authenticity, and practice in Zen, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self without imitation. The discussion highlights Suzuki Roshi's teachings from the book... Tassajara, Zen Mind Beginner's Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Practice Period, Tassajara Zen...	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 03 2005 Tassajara
Internal Wellspring of Wisdom and Love Serial: EB-00042 The talk discusses the "perfection of wisdom" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not keeping track of personal progress or seeking external validation, such as love and approval. The discussion... *Book of Serenity, Suzuki Roshi, Tassajara, Cooking, Buddha Nature, Evil, Desire...*	Edward Brown	Aug 18 2005 Tassajara
Awakening Wisdom Beyond The Self Serial: EB-00041 The talk discusses the concept of the "Perfection of Wisdom" in Zen Buddhism, beginning with meditation instructions based on Eric Schiffman's teachings. It delves into the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, focusing on... Sariputra, Patience, Impermanence, Sutra, Delusion	Edward Brown	Aug 15 2005 Tassajara
Embracing Impermanence in Everyday Wisdom Serial: EB-00055 The talk explores Buddhist wisdom, focusing on impermanence, suffering, and the concept of no-self. Through the metaphor of aging teapots and various anecdotes, it examines the nature of human attachment to ideals of perfection... *Patience, Addiction, Way-Seeking Mind, Impermanence*	Edward Brown	Jul 31 2005
Embracing Imperfection, Cultivating Wisdom Serial: EB-00040 The talk examines the nature of wisdom within the Buddhist tradition, emphasizing the importance of accepting impermanence, suffering, and the absence of self. It uses an allegory of dented teapots and personal anecdotes to... Tassajara, Paramitas, Patience, Addiction, Way-Seeking Mind, Impermanence	Edward Brown	Jul 31 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Zendo Lecture Serial: SF-03593 The talk intertwines various themes and anecdotes to illustrate principles of Zen practice, mindfulness, and community. Zen and Yoga workshop experiences are shared, noting the importance of approaching familiar practices with... Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Mindfulness, Offering, Sanctuary, Obstacles, Impermanence,...	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jul 23 2005 Tassajara
Bodhidharma and Buddha Nature Serial: SF-06992 The talk focuses on the concept of Buddha Nature, exploring its meaning through the teachings of Dogen, particularly the interpretation of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra and Tathagatagarbha. It highlights Dogen's re-reading of key... *Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Hongzhi, Practice Period*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 11 2005 Tassajara
Bodhidharma and Buddha Nature Serial: SF-07015 The talk focuses on the concept of Buddha nature, exploring Dogen's teachings not just as philosophical doctrine but as a practice of expression and realization. Through texts like Dogen's "Extensive Record" and the "Busho" essay... Genjokoan, Book of Serenity, Buddha Mind, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Nirvana, Practice...	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 10 2005 Tassajara
Natural Liberation Serial: SF-00035 Sunday talk.Buddha teaches liberation; methods of liberation; birth and death is itself nirvana. The talk explores the Buddhist notion of liberation through different traditions, focusing on Shakyamuni Buddha's Four Noble Truths as a path to freedom from suffering. It examines the methods used in the Buddhist tradition:... Birth-and-Death, Freedom, Dogen, Liberation, Renunciation, Nirvana, Letting Go, Samsara,...	Kokyo Henkel	Jun 25 2005
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-03125 This talk examines Zen practice through the lens of breathing techniques, the concept of "settling into the moment," and the profound koan of "alive or dead." It underscores the practice of zazen as a means of exploring... Daowu, Koan, Posture, Practice, Zazen, Time	Ryushin Paul Haller	Jun 24 2005 Tassajara
Experiential Union in Zen Yoga Serial: EB-00039 The talk centers on the intertwining paths of Zen and Yoga, emphasizing the importance of experience over rigid form. Yoga is presented as a practice of union and meditation as inner listening, encouraging less thinking and more... *Letting Go, Oneness, Faith, Obstacles, Hindrances*	Edward Brown	Jun 18 2005
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-03122 This talk reflects on Zen practices and the perennial questioning inherent in spiritual life, focusing on the nature of life's repetitive queries and the nurturing of one's spiritual being. It explores how habitual patterns... *Buddha, Work, Practice*	Ryushin Paul Haller	Jun 06 2005 Tassajara

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