The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title	Speaker	Date
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, Instruction, Precepts, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Buddha Mind, Posture,...	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,	Group	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, Evil	Group	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, Buddha, Time*	Bishop Togen Sumi	1965 Sokoji
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.... *Love, Vow, Buddha*	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... *Religion, Impermanence, Evil, Ego, Attachment, 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... *Enemies*	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, Desire, Evil*	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... *Sixth Patriarch, Manjushri, Transmission, Vimalakirti*	Edward Espe Brown
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, Faith, 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, Freedom*	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, Silence, Obstacles, Lay, Bell, Continuous Practice, Consciousness, Breath...	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, Obstacles, Pain, 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, Discrimination, Hate, Lay, Meditation, Oneness, Religion*	Katagiri Roshi
Dreaming Beyond Desire: Embracing Zazen Serial: KR-00020 This talk discusses the nature of human suffering as primarily stemming from greed and desire, as highlighted in the Lotus Sutra. It explores the concept of life as a dream and the non-attachment to decisions and precepts as... *Precepts, Greed, Concentration, Delusion, difficulty, Samadhi, Lotus Sutra, Causation,...*	Katagiri Roshi
Gratitude and Connection in Zen Serial: KR-00298 The discussion centers around expressing gratitude and the importance of maintaining connections within the Zen community. It explores the logistical and personal considerations for facilitating visits, teachings, and potential... *Building, Gratitude, Lay, New Year, Practice Period, Tassajara*	Katagiri Roshi
Timeless Stillness: Unity in Spirit Serial: RA-01814 This talk emphasizes the concept of "timeless stillness" in spiritual practice, exploring the intersection of busy and quiet aspects of existence, symbolized by the "two moons," and its implications for understanding life and... *Time, Practice, Silence*	Tenshin Reb Anderson, Brother David Steindl-Rast
Zazen: Resonating Beyond Thought Serial: SF-04343 The discussion focuses on Zazen, portraying it as an integral practice that transcends ordinary judgment and connects practitioners to a broader, interconnected existence with all beings. The practice is framed as a communal... *Balance, Uchiyama, Faith, Tassajara*	Taigen Dan Leighton
Embracing Change with Compassionate Wisdom Serial: SF-07284 The talk addresses the challenges of embracing impermanence and practicing Dharma amidst personal transitions and global unrest. It emphasizes that awareness and acknowledgment of emotions pave the way toward a more liberated... *Practice, Buddha, Time*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Green Gulch Farm
Navigating Emotions Through Zen's Lens Serial: SF-07286 Talk by Zendo on YYYY-MM-DD This talk centers on the themes of grief, gratitude, righteous anger, and the practice of non-attachment, particularly in the context of personal experiences with birth and death. A key focus is on the teachings of Ehei Dogen,... *Time, Anger, Practice*	Gyokuden Steph Blank	Green Gulch Farm
Green Gulch: Seeds of Zen Harmony Serial: SF-10098 Talk by History Parts And Wendy Johnson at Green Gulch Farm on YYYY-MM-DD The talk discusses the establishment and development of Green Gulch Farm within the Zen Center, tracing its history from its acquisition and development under the influence of figures like Alan Chadwick and Harry Roberts, to its... *Time, Work, Community*	Wendy Johnson	Green Gulch Farm
Embodying Zen in Everyday Life Serial: SF-01444 This talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the concept of "just sitting" during Zazen and the challenges of being present in the moment. It underscores the importance of mindfulness, not understood as mere... *Effort, Tenzo, Community*
Being-Time: Uniting Self and Moment Serial: SF-01409A The discussion centers on the concept of "Being-Time" (Uji) as introduced by Dogen, emphasizing the indivisibility and simultaneity of time and being. It explores how koans, often perceived as historical stories, should... *Doubt, Emptiness, Koan*
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... *Constancy, Ceremony, Suzuki Roshi, Lay Ordination, Priest-and-Lay, Ordination, Tassajara,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	City Center
On Kechimyaku, Inka and Robes Serial: SF-00028 Interviewed by Kazuaki Tanahashi; brief history of studies in Rinzai dojo; nature of being a roshi. The talk explores the rigorous training and life journey of an individual within the Rinzai Zen tradition, delving into personal experiences, philosophical reflections, and historical accounts of the Zen practice. Central themes... Hate, Dana Paramita, Religion, Intuition, Lineage, Evil, Happiness, Freedom, Doubt...	Nakamura Jitsudo-Roshi	Jan 09 1977
Lotus Sūtra No. I-3 Serial: SR-00117 February 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk examines a segment of the "Lotus Sūtra," focusing on a dialogue between Manjusri and Maitreya addressing the grand discourse and its deeper meanings. It discusses Manjusri's role in conveying the teaching of the law... Lotus Sutra, Wisdom, Dana Paramita, Perfect Wisdom, Intention, Monks, Sutra, Precepts,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 1968 Series 1, Talk 3 Tassajara
Because Of Our Many Desires, We Do Not Have Freedom Serial: SR-00102 The talk discusses the nature of desires and the Buddhist path to freedom from worldly attachments, arguing that our desires restrict our freedom and cause suffering. It emphasizes practicing mindfulness to overcome these... *Freedom, Desire, Changsha, Suffering, Dana Paramita, Death, Lay, Offering, Bell, Truth...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 03 1971 Tassajara
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, Peace, Impermanence, Anger, Separation, Evil, 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,... *Attachment, Chanting, Delusion, difficulty, Emotions, Four Noble Truths, Greed, Liberation,...*	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, Evil, Monastic Practice, Delusion, Oneness*	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... *Sixth Patriarch, Platform Sutra, Ordination*		Jul 11
Transformative Paths in Buddhist Repentance Serial: SF-01419 The talk explores the concept of repentance rites within evolving Buddhist traditions, emphasizing the integration and reinterpretation of initiation ceremonies into new forms of teaching called Repentance. The discussion... *Evil, Repentance, Vow*		Aug 15
Dharma's Journey: Zen Transmission Unveiled Serial: SF-01370A The talk focuses on the concept of Dharma Transmission within the Zen tradition, detailing its historical significance, process, and spiritual implications. It addresses the rarity and sensitivity of Dharma Transmission, explains... *Dharma Transmission, Transmission, Ceremony*		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, Awakening, 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, Breath	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... *Offering, Dogen, Vow*	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

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