The SFZC Audio Archive
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Showing 6365 talks
| Title | Speaker | Date |
|---|---|---|
To Actually Practice SelflessnessSerial: SR-00125 August Sesshin Lecture
Wednesday, August 6, 1969
San Francisco
The talk explores the practice of zazen to cultivate selflessness by confronting difficulties such as physical pain and emotional reactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of "no self-nature... Sesshin, Pain, Fox, Precepts, Freedom, Funeral, Monks, Liberation, difficulty, Continuous... |
Aug 06 1969 Sokoji |
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We Practice Zazen So That We Attain SelflessnessSerial: SR-00137 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing zazen as a means to transcend the illusion of a permanent self. By referencing Dogen Zenji's "Sansuikyo" from the Shobogenzo, it highlights the... Don't Know Mind, Dragons, Meditation, Separation, Suffering, Sutra, Wisdom... |
Aug 03 1969 Tassajara |
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The First TeachingSerial: SR-00158 Teaching of impermanence, everything changing; also there is selflessness, suffering and nirvana. The sufferings of birth, death, sickness and old age. Causes of suffering, because of ego.
The talk explores the essential teachings of Buddhism, focusing on impermanence (shogyo-mujo), selflessness, suffering, and nirvana, known collectively as the "four seals of Buddhist teaching." It outlines how ignorance, arising... Suffering, Ego, Impermanence, Birth-and-Death, Attachment, Causation, Emptiness, Hate, Karma,... |
Aug 02 1969 Tassajara |
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The Most Important PreceptSerial: SR-00035 The talk explores the fundamental Buddhist precept that all beings and objects, animate and inanimate, are buddha in a broader sense, emphasizing a universal, dynamic understanding of "dhamma" beyond written scriptures. Two... Precepts, Dogen, Eiheiji, Sanctuary, Hate, Suffering, Truth |
Aug 01 1969 Tassajara |
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Ignorance and Illumination in ZenSerial: KR-00026 The talk discusses the concepts of Zen meditation (Zenjo) and the profound significance of ignorance (Mumyo) in Buddhist practice. It emphasizes the role of concentration towards attaining enlightenment, discussing how ignorance... Concentration, Meditation, Causation, Obstacles, Delusion, Karma, Intention, Nirvana, Religion... |
Aug 1969 |
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That is the purpose of countingSerial: SR-00034 This talk explores Zen practice and its approach to dealing with anger, truth, and enlightenment, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. Key discussions include the purpose of counting in Zen walking,... Anger, Daily Life, Emptiness, Karma, Truth, Wisdom |
Jul 28 1969 Tassajara |
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Blue Cliff Records-43Serial: SR-00032 Tozan's hot and cold.
The talk explores the Zen koan "Blue Cliff Records-43" focusing on a dialogue between a monk and Zen Master Tozan regarding handling extreme conditions like heat and cold. The discussion emphasizes the practice of "killing hot... Blue Cliff Record, Commitment, Composure, difficulty, Emptiness, Forms, Hate, Monks, Pain... |
Jul 26 1969 Tassajara |
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Embracing Change Through Mindful BalanceSerial: KR-00028 The talk delves into the Buddhist concept of "right view" and "right thought," emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of existence through the constant dynamics of change, and the principles of the Middle Path,... Ceremony, Concentration, Delusion, Instruction, Meditation, Monastic Practice... |
Jul 22 1969 |
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Enjoy Your LifeSerial: SR-00031 Talk on the moon landing
The talk explores the insignificance of external achievements, such as the moon landing, emphasizing the importance of introspection and cultivating a deeper understanding of life through zazen practice. It highlights that true... Observe |
Jul 20 1969 |
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I have nothing in my mindSerial: SR-00029 The talk explores the practice of shikantaza in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its distinction from simply sitting without purpose and its comparative nature to koan practice. It underscores the importance of integrating effort,... Emptiness, Forms, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Passions, Interview, Beginners, Balance,... |
Jul 15 1969 Sokoji |
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Eulogy For Trudy Dixon Given During Her Funeral CeremonySerial: SR-00028 Words from the funeral eulogy for Trudy Dixon. Magnanimous mind
This eulogy reflects on the completion of a disciple's practice, emphasizing the profound realization and embodiment of the Buddha-mind, as delineated by Dogen Zenji. It outlines the transformation into the joyful, compassionate... Tassajara, Dogen, Buddha Mind, Buddha Mind, Passions, Compassion |
Jul 11 1969 Sokoji |
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FORM AND EMPTINESS IISerial: SR-00027 Wednesday, July 9, 1969
Tassajara
The talk explores the intricate relationship between form and emptiness, focusing on how understanding these concepts in Zen practice can transcend dualistic thinking. Emphasis is placed on the roles of different minds within the... Heart Sutra, Balance, Duality, Emptiness, Enemies, Forms, Truth |
Jul 09 1969 Tassajara |
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Zen in Action: Mindful LivingSerial: KR-00027 The talk explores the concept of the union of mind and object, or "Sinkyo Ichi," within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of integrating this state into daily life rather than viewing it as merely an ecstatic, detached... Bell, Building, Concentration, Discrimination, Hate, Meditation, Observe, Pain... |
Jul 09 1969 |
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Question And Answer SessionSerial: SR-00025 Tuesday, July 8, 1969
San Francisco
The talk revolves around various aspects of Zen practice, particularly focusing on the concepts of purity, naturalness, and enlightenment within the context of zazen. It is emphasized that the goal of practice should not be... Question-and-Answer, Anger, Culture, Don't Know Mind, Emotions, Greed, Observe, Pain,... |
Jul 08 1969 Sokoji |
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Zen Clarity Through Communal PracticeSerial: KR-00021 The talk examines the concept of "jyakujo," which signifies tranquility or silence in Zen practice. It emphasizes that true clarity and tranquility in Zen arise from continuous and communal practice rather than isolated... Silence, Monastic Practice, Delusion, Birth-and-Death, Community, Obstacles, Balance,... |
Jul 03 1969 |
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Practice Should Be The Practice Of “Right Now.”Serial: SR-00024 Thursday, July 3, 1969
Tassajara
The talk discusses the concept of practicing Zen in the present moment, highlighting the doctrine of "Form is emptiness and emptiness is form" as it relates to the immediacy and reality of experiences. The ideas of shochuhen,... Heart Sutra, Death, Emptiness, Enemies, Faith, Forms, War |
Jul 03 1969 Tassajara |
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Rinzai Zen and Soto ZenSerial: SR-00033 July 1969San Francisco
Morning.
The talk analyzes the differences between Rinzai Zen and Soto Zen, emphasizing Dogen Zenji’s resolution of the koan regarding the necessity of zazen if all beings have buddha-nature. The discussion highlights Dogen's conclusion... Dogen, Buddha Nature, Culture, Ego, Evil, Freedom, Observe, Priest, Tassajara, Transmission... |
Jul 1969 Sokoji |
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It Is Rather Difficult For Us To Figure Out Why We Started To Practice ZazenSerial: SR-00023 Tuesday, July 1, 1969
Tassajara
The talk focuses on the significance of practicing zazen and how determination and understanding of one’s true nature impact this practice. It questions the cultural perception of zazen in both America and Japan, emphasizing the... Ceremony, Culture, difficulty, Freedom, Offering, Priest, Religion |
Jul 01 1969 Tassajara |
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Awakening Through Mindful PracticeSerial: KR-00018 The talk emphasizes the importance of not forgetting and seeking a good teacher, protector, and helper through the practice of right thought, known as Shonen, and reflects deeply on the Buddhist principles of transiency and cause... Breath, Causation, Community, Evil, Karma, Meditation, Observe, Posture, Religion... |
Jun 30 1969 |
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Emptiness is FormSerial: SF-05968 Sunday, June 29, 1969
San Francisco
Newly uploaded version has speed adjustments made; should be a little clearer for transcript - not just end, but correcting throughout.
The talk explores the interplay between form and emptiness, emphasizing that understanding and embodying "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form" is crucial in Zen practice. The discussion highlights the necessity of... Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Current Events, Balance, Faith, Beginners, Continuous Practice... |
Jun 29 1969 Tassajara |
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Mindfulness in Motion: Zen WisdomSerial: KR-00017 The talk delves into the concept of "right thought" (shonen) within the context of transiency and emptiness in Buddhism, emphasizing how one's mind should persistently adapt to the world of constant change. It draws from Zen... Ceremony, Observe, Delusion, Meditation |
Jun 28 1969 |
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Mindful Presence in Zen PracticeSerial: KR-00016 The talk delves into the concepts of right mindfulness, or "shonen," and "not forgetting," integral to Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes that maintaining right mindfulness equates to continuously thinking and being present... Concentration, Happiness, Mindfulness |
Jun 24 1969 |
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Direct Experience of RealitySerial: SR-00020 The lecture emphasizes the importance of direct experience and practice in attaining enlightenment, drawing a distinction between "teisho" (teaching with koan) and "kowa" (philosophical lecture). The discussion stresses the... Baso, Dogen, Forms, Pain, Sutra |
Jun 22 1969 Sokoji |
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How should we establish our system of practice in San FranciscoSerial: SR-00019 Tuesday Evening, June 17, 1969San Francisco
Just sit, and follow the teacher's instruction. Story of four kinds of horse. Humans go to the moon, but don't understand themselves. Have no ideas about Buddhahood, or worry... The talk discusses the importance of establishing a structured and genuine zazen practice in San Francisco. It explores the distinction between merely formal or rigid practices and practices that truly integrate and realize... Rinzai, Soto Zen, Dogen, Zazen, Addiction, Attachment, Big Mind, Concentration, Ego, Lay, New... |
Jun 17 1969 Sokoji |
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Zen Water Wisdom: Unyielding Effort UnfoldsSerial: KR-00015 The talk discusses the concept of human effort in Zen philosophy, using the metaphor of striving energetically as a trickle of water bore a hole in a rock. The terms "shojin" and "shozen shojin" are analyzed through their... Consciousness, Big Mind, Obstacles, Emotions, New Year, Samadhi, Suffering, Ego, Hate,... |
Jun 10 1969 |
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Reviving Dogen's Dharma TransmissionSerial: KR-00081 The talk focuses on the contrasting views of Manzan and Doctrine regarding the Dharma transmission in Sōtō Zen during the Edo period. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for realization in both teachers and disciples,... Dharma Transmission, Transmission, Realization, Ceremony, difficulty, Mandala, Soto Zen... |
Jun 10 1969 |
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Yakusan did not give lectures for a long timeSerial: SF-05961 June 1969Tassajara
Story of Yakusan saying he was not a teacher to give lectures. Making effort, and paying attention. What is right effort?
The primary focus of the talk is on the concept of effort in Zen Buddhism, particularly contrasting "right effort" with the typical efforts driven by materialistic goals. This discourse emphasizes learning from the story of... Priest, Freedom |
Jun 1969 Tassajara |
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Suzuki's 65th BirthdaySerial: SR-00018 Sunday Morning, May 18, 1969Sokoji, San Francisco
The talk reflects on the nuances of Zen practice as it relates to aging and sincerity, emphasizing a practice of humility and continuous learning through interactions with fellow practitioners. It advocates for a fundamental Zen... Anger, Beginners, Building, Instruction, Pain, Posture, Priest, Tassajara |
May 18 1969 Sokoji |
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Transcending Ego: Embracing Zen SelflessnessSerial: KR-00313 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen Buddhism, guided by Dogen's writings, specifically the chapter "Genjo Koan" in Shobo Genzo. It emphasizes that enlightenment, life and death, and moral dualities such as good... Evil, Birth-and-Death, Attachment, Don't Know Mind, Community, Religion, Suffering, Pain... |
Apr 29 1969 |
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How To Take Our Bodhisattva's VowSerial: SR-00017 Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1969
San Francisco
The talk focuses on the nature and significance of the Bodhisattva's Vow within Buddhism, arguing that it transcends the dichotomy of Mahayana and Hinayana traditions. The discussion critiques rigid adherence to precepts and... Dogen, Agama Sutra, Enemies, Freedom, Hate, Mahayana, Observe, Pain, Precepts, Sutra, Vow... |
Apr 29 1969 Sokoji |
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Jumping Off the 100-Foot PoleSerial: SR-00016 Sunday Lecture
Sunday, April 20, 1969
The talk explores the purpose of Zen practice despite possessing inherent buddha-nature, delving into the teachings of Dogen Zenji. The discussion emphasizes the misunderstanding of buddha-nature as an innate, static quality,... Big Mind, Buddha Nature, Compassion, Continuous Practice, Evil, Priest |
Apr 20 1969 |
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Listening to Silence: Path to HarmonySerial: KR-00013 The talk examines the concept of transcending suffering through Zen practice by emphasizing the importance of listening to silence and tranquility amidst life's unavoidable challenges. It highlights the teachings of Dogen Zenji... Silence, Big Mind, Suffering, Meditation, Birth-and-Death, Fox, Patience, Vow, Compassion,... |
Apr 19 1969 |
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Zen Is Not Something To Talk About, And Also It Is Something To Talk AboutSerial: SR-00015 Shunryu Suzuki (with Ryogen Yoshimura)
Afternoon Sesshin Lecture
Sunday, April 19, 1969
Audio includes Yoshimura at beginning.
The talk explores the paradoxical nature of Zen, emphasizing that Zen is both beyond words and conveyed through words. It emphasizes the importance of an empty mind and direct experience in understanding Zen teachings, rather... Sesshin, Community, Don't Know Mind, Hate, Monks, Posture, Priest, Suffering... |
Apr 19 1969 |
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Scratching the Itch of ExistenceSerial: KR-00014 The talk on April 18th, 1969, explores the paradoxical nature of desires and suffering through the metaphor of scratching an itch, questioning the true essence of happiness and the nature of change. It delves into the practice of... Ceremony, Intention, Obstacles, Tassajara, Vow |
Apr 18 1969 |
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Zen Beyond Imitation and RitualSerial: KR-00012 This talk emphasizes the necessity of transmitting the essence of Zen Buddhism authentically, without imitation or excuse, especially in the context of establishing Zen practice in the United States. Discussions also surface... Bell, Buddha Nature, Demons, Instruction, Lotus Sutra, Mindfulness, New Year, Precepts,... |
Apr 17 1969 |
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Journey Through Suffering to EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00042 The talk discusses the concept of "skillful means" (upaya) in Buddhism, illustrating how these teachings help individuals reach enlightenment by understanding their innate ignorance and suffering. It emphasizes the necessity of... Causation, Don't Know Mind, Lineage, Meditation, Nirvana, Obstacles, Pain, Silence,... |
Apr 15 1969 |
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Embracing Life's Simple EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00031B The talk emphasizes the intrinsic nature of existence, suffering, and understanding life beyond intellectual discussions. Drawing upon the teachings and experiences of Dogen and the simplicity of enlightenment as illustrated in... Silence, Causation, Suffering |
Apr 14 1969 |
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Climbing Life's Peaks for InsightSerial: KR-00031A The talk examines the themes of existential struggle and enlightenment through reflections on Buddhist concepts and personal experiences. It delves into the teachings of the Shobo Genzo and the Buddhist principle of causation,... Birth-and-Death, Causation, Continuous Practice, difficulty, New Year, Pain, Silence,... |
Apr 14 1969 |
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Beyond Perceptions: Embracing Buddha's WorldSerial: KR-00025 The main thesis examines the complexity of understanding the Buddha's world as discussed in the second chapter of Saddharma-Pundarika Sutra. The discourse emphasizes that true comprehension of the Buddha's world requires... Beginners, Buddha Mind, Ceremony, Continuous Practice, Lotus Sutra, Monastic Practice, Nirvana... |
Apr 12 1969 |
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The Only Desire That Is Complete Is Buddha's DesireSerial: SR-00014 This talk examines the distinctions between Buddhist and pre-Buddhist asceticism, focusing on controlling desires through non-selfish, non-gaining practice, rather than selfish motivations. It critiques the limitations of... Buddha Nature, Culture, difficulty, Freedom, Posture, Precepts, Priest, War, Wisdom... |
Apr 08 1969 |
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Ordinary Mind, Buddha MindSerial: SR-00013 The talk explores the concept that practicing zazen transforms one into both an ordinary person and a Buddha, emphasizing the non-duality of being. It explains that when practitioners achieve perfect composure, they are not... Composure, difficulty, Freedom |
Mar 30 1969 |
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Embracing Solitude for Inner PeaceSerial: KR-00011 The talk explores the Zen concept of solitude and its connection to tranquility, emphasizing the importance of seclusion for contemplating the root of suffering. It contrasts Indian, Chinese, and Japanese perceptions of nature... Silence, Meditation, Attachment, Bodhidharma, confusion, Gratitude, Community, Interview,... |
Mar 25 1969 |
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Our Practice Should Be Based On The Idea Of SelflessnessSerial: SR-00012 Sunday Morning, March 16, 1969
The talk underscores the principle of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing that true selflessness arises not from effort but naturally in the absence of selfish intentions. It asserts the importance of teachers in guiding... Monastic Practice, Truth |
Mar 16 1969 |
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Find Out for YourselfSerial: SR-00011 Find out what "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" mean. Study without purpose. How his teacher in Japan treated him; trying to discover the right thing to do.
This talk explores the concept of self-inquiry in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of discovering the meaning of "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" through direct personal experience rather than relying on predetermined... Sesshin, Zazen, Eiheiji, Beginners, Buddha Nature, difficulty, Freedom, Posture, Suffering... |
Mar 15 1969 Sokoji |
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Nansen's “Everyday Mind Is Dao”Serial: SR-00010 The talk focuses on the Zen koan "Everyday Mind Is Dao" and explores its implications for Zen practice, particularly shikantaza (just sitting) and koan practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine practice devoid... Birth-and-Death, Composure, Death, difficulty, Pain, Sutra, Truth, Wisdom |
Mar 10 1969 |
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Sun-Faced Buddha, Moon-Faced BuddhaSerial: SR-00009 Sunday, March 9, 1969
Sokoji, San Francisco
Koan story of sun-faced buddha, moon-faced buddha. Practicing while well or while sick. Accepting what we don't like. Understanding everyday activity through duality and oneness.... The talk discusses the koan of the Sun-faced Buddha and the Moon-faced Buddha, illustrating the practice of zazen, which involves accepting life as it is, regardless of circumstances. Key themes include understanding through... Baso, Koan, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Composure, Discrimination, difficulty, Buddha... |
Mar 09 1969 Sokoji |
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Zen Checkmate: Beyond Material MovesSerial: KR-00010 The talk explores the concept of contentment within Zen philosophy, emphasizing that true wealth is found in being satisfied with one's present state, regardless of material possessions or external circumstances. It draws... Anger, Composure, Delusion, Happiness, Hate, Lineage, Meditation, Suffering |
Mar 1969 |
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Transcending Ignorance Through Zazen InsightSerial: KR-00009 The talk delves into the concept of self-awareness and practice in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of observing oneself beyond mere verbal acknowledgment. It explores the deeper implications of ignorance, particularly its... Attachment, Causation, Realization, Consciousness, Breath, Happiness, Community, Meditation,... |
Feb 25 1969 |
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Transcending Cycles Through Zen MindfulnessSerial: KR-00008 The talk explores the concepts of suffering and mindfulness through the framework of Zen philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding perception in terms of the twelve chains of causation. The discussion highlights the... Causation, Suffering, Buddha Mind, Birth-and-Death, difficulty, Buddha Nature, Attachment,... |
Feb 18 1969 |
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Awakening Beyond DesireSerial: KR-00003 The talk explores the concept of "Jiggyu Horak," which represents the bliss of enlightenment, as articulated by Dogen Zenji, and its manifestation through practices like Zazen meditation. It emphasizes that true enlightenment... Delusion, Samadhi, Meditation, Nirvana, Subject-and-Object, Pain, Realization, Suffering,... |
Feb 1969 |