The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 5960 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Confucius Said the Most Visible is Something Invisible Serial: SF-05125A SR 002 Tape 1 copy Sesshin 1pm lecture The central thesis of the talk revolves around the idea that true value lies in unseen, fundamental work rather than visible achievements, drawing from Confucian and Japanese cultural and philosophical concepts. The discussion... Sesshin, Interview, Hate	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 28 1965 A Sokoji
Calmness Serial: SF-05123A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #3, by Shundo David Haye ===== In this talk, which became the Calmness chapter of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (p121), Suzuki Roshi starts with a Japanese Zen poem, offering a pair of analogies to... The talk explores the concept of seeing through contrasts, as encapsulated in a Japanese Zen poem, to illustrate the need for experiential context in perceiving life's essence. This aligns with Dogen's doctrine of "practice-... Dogen, Zazen, Composure	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 26 1965 Los Altos
Nirvana, the Waterfall This audio came from an SFZC cassette The talk "Nirvana, the Waterfall" explores the concept of self and existence through the metaphor of water in a waterfall, emphasizing Dogen Zenji's teachings on interconnectedness, respect for nature, and the idea of the "big... *Big Mind*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 19 1965 Los Altos
Supper Chant Serial: SF-05107C Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 2 Little bit of Saturday supper chant [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] - Chanting,	Community	Jul 31 1965 Sokoji
Saturday Evening Lecture Serial: SF-05117A Tape VIII (?) Side 1 Sat eve lecture (1 - 60); Side 2 Sat eve lecture (1-15?) The main thesis of the talk revolves around understanding Zen as both a personal practice and a tradition with varied schools and interpretations. Key discussions include the nature of enlightenment (or "satori") and its relation... Question-and-Answer, Daily Life, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Hate, Realization...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 31 1965 Sokoji
Don't Be Bothered By Your Mind / Science of Philosophy is Like a Dissection Serial: SF-05104C Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 2: 5:45 meditation, 9:00 AM lecture [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The main thesis of the talk emphasizes understanding Zen practice as an immediate and direct observation of one's mind, rather than through retrospective analysis or intellectual dissection. The talk discusses the importance of... Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Current Events, Bodhidharma, Hate	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 A-B Sokoji
Do You Have Some Questions? Serial: SF-05107A Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 1 Friday evening lecture (transcribed) [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] This talk explores the nature of Zen and its distinction from Western religious concepts, focusing on Zen not as a "religion of the will" but as a religion of the whole mind. It delves into the three bodies of Buddha—Dharmakaya,... *Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Priest, Transmission, Happiness, Emotions...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 D Sokoji
If You Have A Question Serial: SF-05105B Tape 6 Friday July 30 Side 1: 1pm lecture (continued on side 2) - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of enlightenment and the bodhisattva-mind, emphasizing that helping others from a religious perspective differs fundamentally from social work. The discussion explores "normative consciousness"... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Obstacles, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 C Sokoji
The Purpose of Practice is to Have a Direct Experience of Buddha Serial: SF-05103B Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 9am lecture - transcribed The lecture explores the purpose of Zen practice as a means to directly experience buddha-nature, emphasizing non-attachment to notions of purity or impurity. It is highlighted that true practice involves the acceptance and... Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Precepts, Ego	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 A Sokoji
Some More Questions Serial: SF-05104A Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 1 - 6pm lecture; Continues on Side 2 [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] This lecture addresses the precept of "not to kill" in Buddhist teachings, offering a perspective that transcends physicality and dualism; it emphasizes that the concept refers to realizing the interconnectedness and... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Precepts, Emotions	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 C Sokoji
Questions Serial: SF-05103C Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 1pm lecture - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of Buddhist practice and understanding, emphasizing the notion that Buddha-nature cannot be comprehended through traditional philosophical, psychological, or scientific means, as it transcends the... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Priest, Demons	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 B Sokoji
Questions Serial: SF-05126E Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 side 2 Wed July 28th 6pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of patience, distinguishing between 'small patience' associated with enduring physical or mental suffering and 'big patience,' which involves acceptance of the impossibility of achieving certain... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Four Noble Truths, Emotions, Delusion, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 D Sokoji
Pure Rules Serial: SF-05126A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #6, by Shundo David Haye ===== The value of these sets of recordings during sesshins in the summer of 1965 at Sokoji is that not only were the formal dharma talks preserved, but also the... This talk discusses the importance of the zendo's physical and philosophical structure during a sesshin, drawing from traditional Soto Zen practices and teachings by Suzuki Roshi. It emphasizes the role of "Pure Rules," which... Sesshin, Emptiness, Interview	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 9:00am Sokoji
Lunch Instruction Serial: SF-05126C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #7, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is a second short instruction from the same day of sesshin as the Pure Rules talk (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/pure-rules900am); again the... This talk focuses on the practice of oryoki and the appropriate conduct following mistakes, as taught within monastic traditions. It begins with a rectification of a misstep regarding the use of the oryoki Buddha bowl,... Sesshin, Oryoki, Ego, Japan	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 12:00 Sokoji
If You Understand Bodhisattva Mind In A Dualistic Way Serial: SF-05126D Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 Side 1: Wednesday 1pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of the Bodhisattva mind within Zen practice, emphasizing its non-dualistic nature and distinction from philosophical approaches. It highlights Dogen Zenji's insistence on expressing the Bodhisattva... Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Buddha Nature, Buddha Mind	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 C Sokoji
Forgotten the Value of Religion Serial: SF-05101A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #5, by Shundo David Haye ===== The oldest recordings of Suzuki Roshi made at Sokoji, the home of the San Francisco Zen Center at the time, come from a week-long sesshin that took place at the... The talk centers on the integration of Zen practice within the broader understanding of religion and philosophy, emphasizing Suzuki Roshi's reflections from 1965. The discussion articulates the contrast between Western thought... Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Inmost Nature, Don't Know Mind, Buddha Nature, Emotions,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 27 1965 1:00pm Sokoji
In Our Way of Zen, We Emphasize the Way-Seeking Mind Serial: SF-05101B Tape 2 Summer Sesshin 1965 Tuesday July 27 - transcribed August 1965 Tape 2 Side 2 Tuesday July 27 6pm lecture Reverend Suzuki [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The main thesis of this talk revolves around the Zen concept of "way-seeking mind," which is interchangeable with the bodhisattva-mind, emphasizing the contrast between scientific and religious viewpoints regarding observation... Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Way-Seeking Mind, Interview	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 27 1965 6:00pm Sokoji
Religious Problems Concerning Such As Psychology Or LSD Serial: SF-05112A Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965 Tape 1 Side 1: 1pm lecture This talk explores the interplay and distinctions between science, psychology, and religion in understanding the mind, critiquing the mixing of scientific practices such as LSD with religious pursuits in Zen Buddhism. The... Sesshin, Dogen, Precepts, Continuous Practice	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1965 1:00pm Sokoji
Why We Should Practice Zazen Serial: SF-05112B Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965; Side 2: 6:15pm lecture - transcribed August 1965 The talk emphasizes the necessity of practicing zazen to truly understand one's innate nature and the essence of religion, which cannot be adequately grasped through science or philosophy. It discusses the use of Shobogenzo to... Sesshin, Shobogenzo, New Year	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1965 6:15pm Sokoji
Afternoon Service and Meal Chant Serial: SF-05112C Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965 Tape 1 Side 1: afternoon service; meal chant The talk focuses on the significance of the afternoon service and the meal chant during a Zen sesshin. It explores the repeated invocation of "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha," emphasizing the deep reverence and focus on devotion in Zen... Chanting,	Community	Jul 26 1965 Sokoji
Wisdom Seeks For Wisdom Serial: SF-05128 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #2, by Shundo David Haye ===== Among the tapes previously known to exist in the Zen Center archives, the earliest were from a sesshin held at the end of July 1965, which contain recordings of... The talk discusses foundational aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the interplay between Zazen and the practitioner's inmost nature, as presented by Suzuki Roshi at the Los Altos sittings. The central theme focuses on... *Precepts, Genjokoan, Precepts, Buddha Nature, Buddha Mind, Posture, Realization...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 22 1965 Los Altos
Chanting Service Serial: SF-05117C From 1965, end of July sesshin.Robe Chant (incomplete), Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko. This talk from the end of a 1965 sesshin focuses on the practice of chanting within Zen Buddhism, specifically referencing the "Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo" and the "Robe Chant." The discussion highlights the significance of... Chanting,	Community	Jul 1965 C Sokoji
Chanting Service Serial: SF-05079A Sesshin service July 1965.Robe chant, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, meal chants in Japanese (?)"Thursday morning chanting": same contents. This talk primarily focuses on the theme of chanting during a Zen sesshin service in July 1965, with a specific emphasis on various chants, including the "Robe chant" and "Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo." The chanting also... Chanting,	Community	Jul 1965 Sokoji
Short Talk Serial: SF-05117B This is a short section of a talk from the sesshin given at the end of July 1965 - the speed on the tape fluctuates, was remedied as far as possible This talk explores the interconnectedness of human relationships and personal responsibility, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement in making decisions and progressing in the Zen path. It highlights the concept that... *Buddha Nature*	Bishop Togen Sumi	1965 Sokoji
Awakening Through Non-Dual Identity Serial: SF-01885 Q&A The talk explores an experience of non-duality, described as the realization of identity with what was previously perceived as the "other," specifically in the context of a confrontation with a riot squad. This experience led to... *Suzuki Roshi, Delusion, Impermanence, Separation, Mill Valley, Tassajara*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 11 Unknown
Endless Practice, True Self Discovery Serial: KR-00229 The talk focuses on the quest for understanding one's true nature through Zen practice and the futility of traditional achievements or external recognitions in realizing that understanding. It emphasizes the teachings of Dogen... *Lotus Sutra*	Katagiri Roshi	Apr 13
Mastery in Letting Go Serial: KR-00233 The talk centers on the concept of "finishing touches" in Zen practice, emphasizing that true mastery involves letting go of conscious control over actions and accepting the natural order or "Absolute" state of existence where... *Composure*	Katagiri Roshi	Jun 07
Kesa: Threads of Spiritual Liberation Serial: KR-00301 The talk explores the concept of "kesa," a Buddhist ceremonial robe, delving into its significance and symbolism as described in Buddhist texts. The discussion covers the translation and interpretation challenges of kesa,... *Chanting, Delusion, Emotions, Four Noble Truths, Liberation, Nirvana*	Katagiri Roshi	Jul 27
Ego's Dance in Zen Practice Serial: KR-00305 The talk examines the practice of making the Rakusu and chanting in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of engaging in these activities without seeking outcomes, as doing so transforms life into a 'magic' or a mere game. The... *Ego, Monastic Practice, Delusion*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 20
Mind Unbound: Zen's Path to Clarity Serial: SF-01416 This talk delves into the exploration of enlightenment and the nature of mind through reflections on key Zen stanzas. Central to the discussion is the recounting of a historical episode involving stanzas attributed to Shen Shu... *Buddha Nature, Enlightenment, Buddha Mind*		Jul 18
Myth and Tradition in Zen Texts Serial: SF-01417 The talk discusses the significance and various versions of the Platform Sutra, highlighting its unique position as a "sutra" originating from China rather than India. The Platform Sutra's canonical status is attributed to its... *Hui-neng, Platform Sutra, Ordination*		Jul 11
Internal Awakening Through Repentance Serial: SF-01419 The talk focuses on the transformative nature of Buddhist repentance as outlined in various versions of the "Platform Sutra," emphasizing initiation ceremonies, the intrinsic nature of the Three Bodies of the Buddha, and the...		Aug 15
Genuine Path: Zen's Natural Recognition Serial: SF-01370A The talk explores the nuanced process of Dharma transmission within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its significance and the rigorous stages involved. The speaker discusses the rarity and depth of genuine Dharma transmission,... *Dharma Transmission, Transmission*		Feb 18
Embodied Stillness in Zen Practice Serial: SF-12239 The talk explores the practice of seated meditation in Zen, centering on the physicality of sitting, the body's alignment, and the experience of stillness. It emphasizes the importance of understanding individual bodily needs... *Suzuki Roshi, Zazen*	Fu Schroeder	Jun 26 City Center
Embrace Stillness for True Mindfulness Serial: SF-12260 The talk emphasizes the importance of fully embracing stillness during zazen by putting aside all mundane responsibilities to access deeper levels of meditation and self-awareness. The speaker references teachings from Tiantai... Shikantaza, Zhiyi, Sojun Mel Weitsman, Zazen, Big Mind	Jiryu Rutschman-Byler	Aug 21 City Center
Offering the Moment: Zen Presence Serial: SF-12287 The talk explores the concept of making offerings within the Zen practice as a fundamental human need, examining how offering oneself—the body, actions, and presence—in everyday activities transcends the tangible outcomes. It... *Dogen*	Meiya Wender	Jul 31 City Center
Zen Precepts: The Essence of Being Serial: SF-12365 The main thesis of the talk centers on the non-duality of Zen and precepts, exploring the idea that precepts are not merely moral codes to follow but are intrinsic to the reality of existence, embodying a practice of Zen itself.... *Precepts, Ceremony, Dogen*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Sep 25 City Center
Full Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony - Suzuki Roshi Memorial Serial: SF-00004 Pat Phelan, Layla Bockhorst, Steve Weintraub, Robert Lytle, Tatsugami Roshi The transcript reflects a rendition of a ceremony or litany that combines phrases of gratitude, praises, and religious invocations using a contemplative tone interspersed with elements of popular devotional expressions....	Various
Religion and Spirituality Serial: SF-00011 The talk explores the interplay between religion, particularly Christianity, and its preoccupation with sexuality, positing that Western religious traditions impose unique taboos which simultaneously condemn and heighten... *Impermanence, Ego, Priest, Realization*	Alan Watts
Ekos Serial: SF-00013A The talk focuses on the recitation and exploration of the Ārya-prajñā-pāramitā-hridaya-sūtra, also known as the Heart Sutra, emphasizing its significance in understanding emptiness and the Bodhisattva path. The recurring... *Sandokai*	Tatsugami Roshi
SFZC Service Serial: SF-00014 Early Seventies The transcript consists of repetitive chanting of "Om," related to a service at the San Francisco Zen Center dated to the early 1970s. The repetition suggests a focus on meditative practice and the invocation of sound as a means...	Various	City Center
Morning Service Serial: SF-00016 Mid-Seventies The talk centers on the Heart Sutra, emphasizing the concept of emptiness shared in Mahayana Buddhism. The text delves into the idea that form and emptiness are inseparable and expounds that in emptiness, conventional... *Emptiness, Suffering, Consciousness*	Various	City Center
Wisdom and Love Beyond Perfection Serial: EB-00049 The talk centers on the concept of the "perfection of wisdom" in Zen, emphasizing the futility of tracking one's success in achieving clarity or wisdom. The discussion transitions to the pursuit of love, critiquing the notion... *Book of Serenity, Buddha Nature*	Edward Espe Brown
Zen Living: Presence in Every Moment Serial: EB-00068 The talk explores the Zen practice of mindfulness in everyday activities, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of being fully present in each moment, such as when cooking or meditating. This approach is... *Hui-neng, Manjushri, Transmission, Vimalakirti*	Edward Espe Brown
Mountain Seat Ceremony Serial: SF-03587 After intermission; at tape turn: Linda: Knock, knock - Darlene: Who's there? - Linda (quickly): Darlene. [laughter] The talk centers on the ceremonial installation of a new Abbess at the Zen Center, highlighting the themes of shared leadership, the embodiment of the feminine in spiritual roles, and the connection to Zen tradition through... *Ceremony, Suzuki Roshi, Lay Ordination, Priest-and-Lay, Ordination, Tassajara, Precepts,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	City Center
Class Serial: SF-03197 The talk primarily addresses the intricacies within Buddhist scholastic philosophy, particularly around karma, universal dharmas, and causality. The focus shifts to a controversial analysis of Dogen's text "Deep Faith in... Concentration, Emptiness, Conversation, Nirvana, Karma, Four Noble Truths, Demons...	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Unknown
Untitled Serial: SR-00252C This could be Katagiri Roshi speaking, end of talk only.Talking about concentration camps. The talk concludes with reflections on the themes of sacrifice, faith, and eternal freedom, illustrated through the story of Maximilian Kolbe, a prisoner in Auschwitz. Kolbe's selfless act of offering his life to save another... *Sangha, War*	Unknown Speaker	C Unknown
Seminar on Taoism Serial: SR-00275A Alan Watts on Taoism, session 1 The talk explores the essence of Taoism through the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, emphasizing the concept that the Tao cannot be fully articulated, but must be experienced directly through a state of wise ignorance or non-... *Forms, Obstacles, Lay Practice, Continuous Practice, Consciousness*	Alan Watts	A Unknown
Seminar on Taoism Serial: SR-00275B Alan Watts talk - session 2 The talk discusses the distinction between the "world as is" and the "world as described," through the lens of Taoist philosophy, particularly via the work of Lao Tzu. Emphasizing the idea that naming is the creation of all... *Consciousness, Ego, Forms, Hate, Lay Practice, Obstacles, Zoom*	Alan Watts	B Unknown
Mindful Cooking: Zen's Path to Wisdom Serial: KR-00019 The talk explores the Zen Buddhist concept of Jhāna, emphasizing the equality of calmness (Jō) and wisdom (E), as conveyed by Shigetsu Zen Master. This includes the principle of neither abandoning illusions nor attaining... *Chanting, Hate, Lay Practice*	Katagiri Roshi

The SFZC Audio Archive

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