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Title Speaker Date

Meal Chant

Serial: SF-05138C SR022 - VII 1: Roshi talk - Meal Sutra (copied) - ZMC - 1968 year? This talk explicates the Meal Sutra, focusing on the recitation of the names of the Ten Buddhas during mealtime, which encapsulates the teachings of Buddha's various aspects: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. The...
Vow, Evil
Jan 11 1968
Tassajara

Zen Practice: Facing Truth Together

Serial: SF-10114 Talk by Unclear on 1968-MM-DD The talk discusses the philosophical and practical approaches to Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of honesty, directness, and the avoidance of escapism. It critiques the tendency to flee from suffering and stresses the...
Practice, Effort, Time
1968

Zen Pathways: Transforming Practice and Life

Serial: SF-11283 Talk by Kqed Tassajara Film Summer on 2020-06-24 The talk outlines the establishment and development of the Zen Center in San Francisco and Tassajara, highlighting the journey and transformation of practice under Suzuki Roshi since his arrival in 1958. Discussions include the...
Time, Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi
1968
Tassajara

Chanting

Serial: SF-11296 -
1968
Tassajara

Become More Direct and Honest

Serial: SF-05276 Protection Master: re-recording from cassette marked "Suzuki Roshi talk with background music: no date, original copied" (Sony C60 side A); recorded: 7 1/2 ips, bias: normal, recorded 'left and right' tracks,... The talk discusses the importance of being direct and honest, suggesting that this approach addresses a fundamental human tendency to escape discomfort and suffering. Emphasizing that real happiness derives not from avoidance but...
Instruction, Posture, Religion
1968
Unknown

Shōsan Ceremony at Tassajara

Serial: SF-05139 The talk centers on the teachings of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and understanding one's practice and self through daily activities. The discussant engages with students on a...
Shosan, Yaoshan, Delusion, Ego, Observe, Daily Life, Teacher-and-Student, Doubt...
Dec 07 1967
Tassajara

Everything Itself Is Buddha

Serial: SF-05759 The talk explores the concept of "buddha-nature," challenging the notion that it is a separate or additional quality inherent in things. Instead, it posits that everything fundamentally "is" buddha. It stresses non-duality and...
Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Observe, Buddha, Practice
Dec 06 1967
B
Tassajara

The Mind Which We Will Acquire

Serial: SF-05829 The talk discusses the "big mind" as characterized by Dogen Zenji, focusing on its application in daily activities, particularly in monastic life. Key elements of this mind include joy, kindness, and magnanimity,...
Practice, Work, Dogen
Dec 06 1967
A
Tassajara

Good and Bad Feeling

Serial: SF-05141A Tuesday, December 5, 1967Afternoon Sesshin Lecture, Lecture ATassajara This talk explores the comparison between zazen practice and ordinary activities, emphasizing how focusing effort outwardly leads to attachment and fear due to the mind's crystallization. It contrasts this with zazen, where...
Sesshin, Attachment, Discrimination, Separation, Liberation, Freedom, Doubt, Faith...
Dec 05 1967
A
Tassajara

Nature of Our Practice

Serial: SF-05141B Tuesday, December 5, 1967, Lecture BEvening Sesshin LectureTassajara The lecture focuses on the nature of Zen practice, describing its challenge as akin to maintaining balance while standing on one's head. Emphasizing the teachings of Dogen Zenji, the discussion explores how true practice...
Sesshin, Dogen, Fukanzazengi, Discrimination, Instruction, Freedom, Observe, Daily Life,...
Dec 05 1967
B
Tassajara

Think the Unthinkable

Serial: SF-05137B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #20, by Shundo David Haye =====  This talk comes from the middle of the second sesshin at Tassajara, in December 1967. Unlike the extreme heat of the summer sesshin, students would have... The talk focuses on Dogen's text "Fukanzazengi," particularly its exploration of zazen's value and function. Key discussions include the concept of the hara as an energy center integral to spiritual practice and the notion of "...
Sesshin, Fukanzazengi, Buddha Mind, Sanctuary, Duality, Beginners, Separation, Evil...
Dec 04 1967
Afternoon
Tassajara

The More We Study Our Way, The More Difficult It Is To Explain It

Serial: SF-05142 SR018 - Track 1 - Roshi's Lecture sesshin #4 12/4/67 Evening - copied The lecture addresses the complex interplay between practice and enlightenment in Zen philosophy, emphasizing Dogen Zenji's efforts to articulate the seamless integration of practice and reality, referred to as "inmo." The...
Sesshin, Dogen, Observe, Ceremony
Dec 04 1967
Evening
Tassajara

Inner Power of Practice

Serial: SF-05137A SR017 - Track 1 - slow - Roshi Lecture - 12/2/67 - afternoon - copied This lecture explores the inherent power of Zen practice, likening it to a bell that resonates according to situations without being a separate entity to acquire. It emphasizes the ability of a true practitioner to seamlessly...
Sesshin, Blue Cliff Record, Concentration, Buddha Nature, Conversation, Precepts, Instruction...
Dec 02 1967
Tassajara

Putting Power In Your Hara

Serial: SF-05133A Afternoon Sesshin LectureFriday, December 1, 1967, Lecture AZen Mountain Center The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing zazen by focusing on the tanden or hara, illustrating that true Zen practice entails performing all actions without attachment or dualistic thinking. This approach aligns with...
Sesshin, Dogen, Fukanzazengi, Buddha Mind, Discrimination, Big Mind, Bodhidharma, New Year,...
Dec 01 1967
A
Tassajara

True Practice

Serial: SF-05133B Evening Sesshin LectureFriday Evening, December 1, 1967, Lecture BZen Mountain Center The lecture primarily explores the essence of true Zen practice, emphasizing that all activities, including zazen, constitute true practice when the practitioner transcends dualistic thinking and gains an intrinsic understanding...
Sesshin, Zuigan, Fox, Gratitude, Fox, Buddha Nature, Addiction, Discrimination, Tassajara,...
Dec 01 1967
B
Tassajara

No Zen

Serial: SF-05127 Talk About Zen To Humanities Class   The central thesis of the talk explores the complexity of Zen as both a philosophical and experiential practice, emphasizing meditation and the often-unaddressed difficulties associated with it. The discussion touches upon the...
Meditation, Time, Don't Know Mind
Nov 29 1967

KPFA Radio Interview with Elsa Knight Thompson

Serial: SF-05115 Monday, November 6, 1967 KPFA RADIO INTERVIEW WITH ELSA KNIGHT THOMPSON[Originally misdated - Friday, February 18, 1966]Lecture BKPFA/KPFB Studio, Pacifica Radio, Berkeley, CA The discussion focuses on the establishment of the Zen Mountain Center at Tassajara Hot Springs, its origin, and the philosophies underlying Zen practice. The conversation explores how Zen practice differs from other spiritual or...
Interview, Don't Know Mind, Nirvana, Monastic Practice, Evil, Samsara, Practice Period,...
Nov 06 1967
KPFA Berkeley

The Practice of Constancy

Serial: SF-05132A SR015 - On this tape is Lecture C and last part of Lecture D. This tape is known as the C lecture tape of as #2 - Track 1 Roshi's Lecture C 9/12/67 - copied The lecture addresses the practice of constancy and patience in Zen, emphasizing that the Bodhisattva path involves helping others before oneself and contrasts it with the Hinayana focus on personal attainment. The discussion...
Prajna Paramita, Bodhisattva, Precepts, Constancy, New Year, Mahayana, Enemies, Anger, Faith,...
Sep 12 1967
Tassajara

Ignorance

Serial: SF-05131A SR 014 - On this tape: lectures A and B and also first part of D. This is to be known as the A-B lecture tape or #1 ZMC (has been transcribed) Track 1 Roshi's lecture A 9/8/67 - copied The lecture discusses the concept of ignorance within both Zen Buddhism and general Buddhist teachings, with a focus on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination as an explanation of the cycle of suffering initiated by ignorance...
Prajna Paramita, confusion, Freedom, Daily Life, Attachment, Hate, Diversity...
Sep 08 1967
Tassajara

Using Various Stones

Serial: SF-05131C SR 014 - On this tape: lectures A and B and also first part of D. This is to be known as the A-B lecture tape or #1 ZMC (has been transcribed) Track 1 Roshi's lecture A 9/8/67 - copied The talk examines the Zen practice of perceiving and accepting "things as they are," emphasizing this as the foundation of Zen Buddhism. Struggles in grasping one's own mind are acknowledged, emphasizing that...
Practice, Enlightenment, Time
Sep 08 1967
B
Tassajara

Practice Zazen With Your Whole Mind And Body

Serial: SF-05131B This is lecture D from these notes on the reel boxes (05132-B was added to this)Several minutes of tape operator's notes at the end are included, the transcript was copied over from what was previously thought of as 66-08-15.... The talk explores the integral practice of zazen in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the necessity of practicing with one's whole mind and body for genuine spiritual liberation that is both psychological and physiological. The...
Instruction, Zazen, Posture, Beginners, Funeral, Religion, Instruction, Emotions, Emptiness...
Sep 08 1967
Morning
Tassajara

If Our Teaching Is A Special Teaching

Serial: SF-05130B SR013 date? Fall 1967 Tassajara III - Side 2 2nd half - Part of Suzuki lecture copied The talk explores the relationship between general Buddhist teachings and what is considered "special teaching," focusing on the unique characteristics of Buddhism in assimilating various types of understanding,...
Religion
Sep 1967
Tassajara

Zen Is Also Buddhism

Serial: SF-05130C SR013 date? Fall 1967 Tassajara III - Side 1 + 1/2 side 2 Suzuki lecture copied The lecture explores the concept of "Zen as a part of Buddhism," focusing on the three-fold body of Buddha: Dharmakaya (truth), Sambhogakaya (teaching), and Nirmanakaya (historical being). It highlights how Mahayana Buddhism...
Mahayana, New Year, Buddha Nature, Hate, Observe, Concentration, Balance, Freedom, Doubt...
Sep 1967
Tassajara

Genjo Koan no 4

Serial: SF-05136 Track 1 17/8 - Suzuki lectures - beginning missed, one or two sentences; beginning: This is the last lecture of sesshin. We have talked of emptiness and form, but have not understood it well. Maezumi's words are included on... The talk examines the concept of continuous practice in Zen by exploring the teachings "form is emptiness, emptiness is form," emphasizing the integral relationship between time and practice. Through the story of Gutei...
Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Time, Faith, Emptiness, Continuous Practice, Dragons...
Aug 24 1967
A
Tassajara

Shosan Ceremony

Serial: 67-08-24-B August Sesshin, 1967August 24, 1967Tassajara [Opening sentences of Introduction missed.] -
Sesshin, Shosan,
Aug 24 1967
B
Tassajara

Reflections on the Prajna Paramita Sutra

Serial: SF-05135A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #19, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is the talk that was chosen by the Wind Bell (p69) to represent the first sesshin at Tassajara; some of the discussion was also presented in that issue... The talk centers on the theme of form and emptiness in Zen practice, drawing primarily from the Diamond Sutra and other Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the understanding that "form is emptiness, and emptiness is form," as a...
Sesshin, Sengai, Time, Emptiness, Ego, Continuous Practice, Evil, Nirvana, Concentration,...
Aug 24 1967
Tassajara

To Polish A Tile Is Our Practice Actually

Serial: SF-05135B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #18, by Shundo David Haye ===== Further to the date confusion and missing talks discussed last time, it seems that even Suzuki Roshi lost track of time during the first seven-day sesshin at... The talk centers on the fundamental role of practice in Zen, emphasizing that enlightenment cannot be separated from the act of practicing zazen. It draws heavily on the Genjo Koan and Prajna Paramita Sutra to illustrate how...
Sesshin, Prajna Paramita, Shobogenzo, Discrimination, Silence
Aug 23 1967
Tassajara

Buddhism Is Not a Special Teaching; Enlightenment Is Not a Particular Stage

Serial: SF-05134D ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #17, by Shundo David Haye ===== About half way through this sesshin talk, you can start to hear crickets in the background, getting louder over the remaining twenty minutes. They are a typical... The talk examines the teachings of the Genjo Koan, specifically the analogy of the bird and the fish, to emphasize the importance of practicing within one’s current circumstances and elements, without pursuing conceptual...
Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Enemies, Continuous Practice, Doubt, Religion, Peace...
Aug 23 1967
Tassajara

Genjo Koan no 2

Serial: SF-05134C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #16, by Shundo David Haye ===== This third talk from the historic inaugural sesshin at Tassajara in 1967, given the day after the first two, is divided into two parts, held together by the... This talk examines the concept of "dharma position" through the lens of work-practice in monastic life, as elucidated in Dogen's "Tenzo Kyokun." The narrative underscores the importance of complete...
Sesshin, Dogen, Priest, Emptiness, Dragons, confusion, Hate
Aug 21 1967
Tassajara

Genjo Koan

Serial: SF-05134A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #14, by Shundo David Haye ===== The acquisition of Tassajara in 1967 was a huge leap for Zen Center. Suzuki Roshi had long been interested in finding a suitable location for a monastery; an... This talk explores the acquisition of Tassajara and its role in the transmission of Zen monastic practices under Suzuki Roshi. The discussion centers on Suzuki Roshi's interpretations of Dogen's Genjo Koan, emphasizing the...
Genjokoan, Dogen, Sesshin, Emptiness, New Year, Interview, Freedom
Aug 20 1967
Morning
Tassajara

When You Have A New Experience

Serial: SF-05134B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #15, by Shundo David Haye ===== This talk was given later on the same day of the first Tassajara sesshin as the last one discussed (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/genjo-koanmorning... The talk explores the four stages of belief, intellectual understanding, practice, and enlightenment as outlined in the Lotus Sutra and emphasizes that these stages do not form a linear progression. It advises practitioners...
Sesshin, Faith, Doubt
Aug 20 1967
Evening
Tassajara

This Sesshin Was Wonderfully Done

Serial: SF-05100C Saturday, April 22, 1967Sesshin Lecture BSan Francisco This talk explores the nature of true understanding and the practice of zazen as essential to realizing the interconnectedness of all life and developing genuine compassion. It emphasizes the importance of helping others not...
Sesshin, Priest, Doubt, Evil
Apr 22 1967
B
Sokoji

Dropping Off Body And Mind

Serial: SF-05100A The talk centers on the concept of "Shinjin Datsuraku" (dropping off body and mind), as part of Zen practice, highlighting how practice and enlightenment should be actualized in daily life rather than treated as abstract concepts...
Zazen, Practice, Enlightenment
Apr 22 1967
Sokoji

In the first instruction of ten instructions in Gakudō-yōjin-shū

Serial: SF-05121A This talk examines Dogen Zenji's "Gakudo-yojin-shu" emphasizing the way-seeking mind, immediate response to teachings, and the simultaneous nature of hearing, practicing, and enlightenment. The discussion challenges traditional...
Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Sixth Patriarch, Instruction, Balance, Platform Sutra,...
Dec 17 1966
A
Sokoji

The Need for Training in Buddhism without Self-Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-05121B Original recording The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing Buddhism without a self-seeking mindset, focusing particularly on zazen meditation as outlined by the Buddha's teachings. It argues against practicing with a "gaining idea," which...
Sesshin, Dogen, Buddha Nature, Instruction, Observe, Hate, Doubt
Dec 17 1966
B
Sokoji

Zazen Is Not For Gaining A Mystical Something

Serial: 66-11-16 Tony Artino notes ,At Old Bush Street Zendo - SokojiWednesday, November 16, 1966 -
Nov 16 1966
Sokoji

Blue Cliff Records Case 45

Serial: SF-05097E Friday, August 19, 1966Sesshin Lecture: Friday Evening, Lecture DSokoji, San Francisco The lecture discusses the interconnectedness of the concepts of "one" and "many" through the lens of a Zen koan from the Blue Cliff Records, Case 45. This koan highlights a famous exchange between a monk and...
Blue Cliff Record, Sesshin, Joshu, Eiheiji, Observe, Diversity, Duality
Aug 19 1966
D
Sokoji

This Fascicle of Shobogenzo

Serial: SF-05097F Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2 Track 2: Suzuki 1pm lecture Friday The talk delves into Dogen Zenji's teachings from the fascicle "Sokushin Zebutsu" in the Shobogenzo, exploring the concept "Mind Itself Is Buddha," emphasizing non-attachment, and the dynamic nature of practice. The speaker...
Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Instruction, Freedom, Doubt...
Aug 19 1966
C
Sokoji

Don't Be Attached To Your Attainment

Serial: SF-05097H Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2 Track 4 Friday lecture by Suzuki during morning zazen Friday The talk emphasizes the importance of avoiding attachment to one's attainments during Zen practice, highlighting the need to keep an open, receptive mind. It urges practitioners not to become fixated on the outcomes of past...
Sesshin, Instruction, Attachment
Aug 19 1966
B
Sokoji

This is the Fourth Day of our Sesshin

Serial: SF-05097C Reconstruction of Lecture from Second Zazen Period (Before Morning Service)Thursday Morning, August 18, 1966, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco [This tape is not in Shunryu Suzuki's voice. It is a transcript of a post-hoc... This reconstructed lecture focuses on deepening understanding and practice in Zen Buddhism through the metaphor of a group of blind individuals interpreting different parts of an elephant. This metaphor serves to illustrate the...
Sesshin, Suzuki Roshi
Aug 18 1966
A
Sokoji

Shobogenzo (middle of talk only)

Serial: SF-05097A Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2; Track 1 Continuation and completion of 1pm lecture of Suzuki Roshi, Thursday. Looks like whole of this is lost, except near end and parts on other tape. Most of it was translation from Shushogi by... The lecture, although partially lost, centers on the translation of "Shushogi" by Dogen Zenji, with a reference to a key concept from "Shobogenzo." The talk focuses on the notion of mind that neither arises nor perishes, a...
Aug 18 1966
B
Sokoji

Shobogenzo

Serial: SF-05097D Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2Track 1 contd: Most of Suzuki's 6pm Lecture, Thursday evening continued on track 4Track 4 continuation and finish of 6pm lecture of Thursday The talk explores the dualistic versus non-dualistic understanding of mind and existence, refuting heretical views rooted in Indian religions and emphasizing the Buddhist notion of interdependency. The discussion critiques the...
Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Dogen, Subject-and-Object, Attachment, Buddha Nature, Enemies,...
Aug 18 1966
C
Sokoji

Thursday Talk

Serial: SF-05093E The talk explores Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence through the metaphor of bamboo, which bends and sways according to environmental conditions yet remains fundamentally whole. The speaker reflects...
Time, Buddha, Priest
Aug 18 1966
Sokoji

Causality

Serial: SF-05093J Suzuki lecture 6pm Weds Track 2, continued on Track 3 The talk explores the Buddhist understanding of causality, contrasting mechanical and teleological views with a focus on continuity and discontinuity of time. It emphasizes that true freedom involves acknowledging change and the...
Sesshin, Time, Time, Buddha, Freedom
Aug 17 1966
6:00pm
Sokoji

Risk Your Life

Serial: SF-05093H This talk centers on the notion of risking one's life to engage fully in Zen practices such as zazen, emphasizing the concept of the "expression of full functions" as articulated by Dogen Zenji. It explores the idea that even...
Dogen, Zazen, Daily Life
Aug 17 1966
Sokoji

Wednesday Talk

Serial: SF-05093I Tape operator's notes (Richard Baker) kept on at the beginning The talk explores the significance of the Dharma as a path to personal and social liberation through the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It discusses the transformative power of Buddhist teachings on various aspects of life,...
Buddha, Religion, Bell
Aug 17 1966
Sokoji

Our Mind Should Be Calm

Serial: SF-05093L Tuesday, August 16, 1966Sesshin: Zazen short instructionSokoji, San Francisco -
Sesshin, Instruction,
Aug 16 1966
Sokoji

Encouraging Words for Sesshin

Serial: SF-05093G The talk discusses the physical and spiritual aspects of Zazen practice, emphasizing personal experiences of pain and peace during sessions. It highlights a poem by Chinese Zen Master Nyojo, a key figure in Dogen Zenji's...
Buddha Nature, Bell, Zazen
Aug 16 1966
Sokoji

Morning Instruction

Serial: SF-05093M The transcript discusses the importance of etiquette and mindfulness in Zen monastic life, emphasizing the practice of exchanging greetings using "Kasyo" and maintaining quiet and careful behavior when moving within the monastery...
Chanting, Doubt
Aug 16 1966
Sokoji

Tuesday Sesshin Talk

Serial: SF-05093N Tape operator's notes (Richard Baker) left on at beginning This talk provides a structured examination of Soto Zen Buddhism, focusing on fundamental differences between Hinayana and Mahayana schools, emphasizing original enlightenment. It details how Soto Zen, established by Dogen Zenji...
Buddha Nature, Buddha, Mahayana
Aug 16 1966
Sokoji

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