The SFZC Audio Archive

Serial: SF-11095 What is it to take up the call of a Bodhisattva? This question is explored in this Dharma talk with Ashanti Branch of the Everforward Club and City Center Tanto, Nancy Petrin, exploring Ashanti's decision leave a successful... The talk at the San Francisco Zen Center focuses on Ashanti Branch's work with young men through the Ever Forward Club and its theme of emotional vulnerability and authenticity in masculinity. Centering on two documentaries...

Serial: SF-10918 A reflection on climate collapse and Zen practice. "I wonder what might happen if we tell ourselves the truth, instead of denying reality?" 07/07/2021, Shogen Jody Greene, dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the intersection of Zen philosophy and the climate crisis, questioning how one can maintain hope while acknowledging the current environmental realities. Reflecting on Jonathan Franzen's controversial stance on...

Serial: SF-11104 A reflection on climate collapse and Zen practice. "I wonder what might happen if we tell ourselves the truth, instead of denying reality?" 07/08/2021, Shogen Jody Greene, dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the concept of confronting the harsh realities of the climate crisis as a path to deeper spiritual awakening and Zen practice. Discussing Jonathan Franzen's approach to accepting the inevitability of disaster,...

Serial: SF-11094 Senior Dharma Teacher Eijun Linda Cutts reflects on "a lifetime of devotion." 07/04/2021, Eijun Linda Cutts, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk reflects on the concept of "Independence Day" through a Zen Buddhist lens, considering notions of independence and interdependence. It honors the legacy of translator Thomas Cleary and explores the nuances of devotion...

Serial: SF-11078 In this dharma talk Sonja Gardenswartz poses the turning question, are we willing to step into curiosity, into "I don't know," and consider what is the appropriate response? Examining with the awareness of zazen and looking at... The talk emphasizes the exploration of awareness, assumptions, and actions within Zen practice, highlighting the necessity of mindful presence and self-awareness to navigate life’s uncertainties. Through stories and personal...

Serial: SF-11063 Zoketsu Norman Fischer reads and reflects on passages from the "What is the Body?" chapter of his new book, "When You Greet Me, I Bow." 06/27/2021, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the question, "What is your body?" through a Zen perspective, examining how the human body is understood in Buddhist teachings. It relates stories from Zen literature, such as from the Blue Cliff Record and the...

Serial: SF-11000 In this talk Shundo David Haye looks at how our Bodhisattva vows and the paramita of generosity can help us navigate the current uncertainty, as the world starts to open up again. 06/23/2021, Shundo David Haye dharma talk at City... The talk explores themes of presence, generosity, and the nature of transitions within Zen practice during uncertain times, emphasizing the importance of understanding Zazen and the Four Noble Truths as foundational to addressing...

Serial: SF-11131 Jarvis Masters joins Lee Lesser on the dharma seat to speak from death row in San Quentin Prison about his Buddhist Practice of 30 years; his understanding of the nature of suffering; what it is to practice with constriction and... The talk discusses the journey of converting to Buddhism while incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison, highlighting how Buddhist practice and teachings provide resilience and a sense of freedom despite physical confinement. The...

Serial: SF-10921 Inspired by the wisdom of a young girl talking to her mother about kindness, this talk touches on the Buddhist practices of tranquillity and insight that allows us live in harmony with one another. 06/13/2021, Furyu Nancy... The talk examines fundamental Buddhist teachings through the lens of simplicity and child-like understanding, emphasizing the concept of "do good, avoid evil, purify the mind," as purportedly taught by Zen master Birdnest Roshi....

Serial: SF-11017 In this talk Senior Dharma Teacher Paul Haller compares the opening statement of Dogen Zenji's Fukanzazengi with the open statement of Shakyamuni Buddha's Satipattana, to support the notion that in embracing our human lives we're... The talk reflects on the interconnectedness of existence, the desire for love and acceptance, and the parallels between the Zen and Vipassana traditions as they relate to Buddhist practices. It uses the Dogen Zenji's "Fukanza...

Serial: SF-11124 Talk by Anshi Zachary Smith at City Center on 2021-06-09 The talk examines the Satipatthana Sutta, emphasizing its portrayal as a comprehensive guide to enlightenment through the practice of mindfulness, contemplation of body, sensation, mind, and dharmas. The speaker draws parallels...

Serial: SF-11102 Suzuki Roshi often encouraged practitioners to "empty their minds," and this talk uses passages from his teaching to explore two aspects of this "emptying" - letting the mind be quiet and without thoughts, and experiencing things... The talk discusses the integration of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, focusing on the concepts of warm heart and empty mind within Zen practice. The speaker explores the dual aspects of "empty mind": a practice of releasing thoughts to...

Serial: SF-11139 A talk on the practice of non-harming as foundational to a spiritual life and our relationships with others. 06/02/2021, Shinchi Linda Galijan, dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the concept of "not doing" or refraining from harmful actions as foundational to spiritual practice, with a particular focus on the first pure precept, "I vow to refrain from all evil." This principle is...

Serial: SF-10995 Talk by Ango Sara Tashker at Green Gulch Farm on 2021-05-30 The talk focuses on the deep interconnection between humans and the environment, particularly exploring how Zen philosophy and practices can guide sustainable agricultural activities. It highlights the influence of traditional...

Serial: SF-09769 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha at Green Gulch Farm on 2021-05-23 This talk explores the concept of the two truths in Buddhism, as articulated by Zen Master Shito in his poem "Sandokai," focusing on the harmony of difference and equality. The discussion delves into the teachings of Nagarjuna on...

Serial: SF-10926 Drawing on current scientific forest research, this talk by Pamela Weiss explores the Buddhist truth of deep kinship, and the encouragement to take up the practice or radical inclusivity. 05/22/2021, Pamela Weiss, dharma talk at... The talk explores the interconnectedness and cooperation found in nature, particularly through the example of trees, and reflects on these as metaphors for human community and spiritual practice. By examining the intricate...

Serial: SF-10912 Talk by Leslie James at Tassajara on 2021-05-17 The talk explores how to engage with suffering, both externally and internally, emphasizing the importance of noticing and being present with suffering rather than attempting to understand or fix it. It suggests cultivating...

Serial: SF-09732 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha at Green Gulch Farm on 2021-05-16 The talk primarily focuses on the teachings of Shito (Sekito Gisen), particularly the poem "Sandokai," discussing themes of spiritual lineage and the harmony of difference and equality. The speaker reflects on historical Zen...

Serial: SF-11087 The skillful means of communications: an exploration of transforming anger and conflict into compassion and understanding. 05/12/2021, Siobhan Cassidy, dharma talk at City Center. The talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice and mediation, specifically addressing how the refinement of communication skills can align with the Bodhisattva vow to alleviate suffering. It explores the concept of anger,...

Serial: SF-10928 Talk by Jiryu at Green Gulch Farm on 2021-05-09 The talk discusses the "Sutra on Filial Piety," highlighting the profound, enduring kindness of mothers, seen as an archetype of unconditional love and compassion, transcending individual experience. It further explores two...

Serial: SF-10890 Talk by Fu Shroeder And Gil Fronsdal at City Center on 2021-05-08 This discussion explores the convergence and divergence between Zen and Western-style Vipassana. The dialogue delves into the Soto Zen tradition’s emphasis on "just sitting" as both practice and enlightenment,...

Serial: SF-10983 In this talk Teacher Gil Fronsdal explores the theme of Ethics. The goal of early Buddhism focused on non-harming as the basis of all Dharma. When there is virtuous conduct there is wisdom and ethical path as ethical maturation.... The talk discusses the deep interconnection between ethics and enlightenment in early Buddhist teachings, underscoring how ethical conduct is a foundation for awakening. It highlights the equivalence of ethics and enlightenment,...

Serial: SF-12155 Talk by Tenshin Reb Anderson at Green Gulch Farm on 2021-05-05 The talk focuses on the nature of Zazen as an individual practice deeply interconnected with all beings, highlighting its metaphysical dimension as both psychological and communal. It emphasizes the concept of generosity inherent...

Serial: SF-10976 Rev. Duncan Ryuken Williams, Soto Zen priest, Buddhist scholar, and activist, draws on teachings of Dogen and stories of his own path while sharing his work on "May We Gather", a national Buddhist memorial ceremony for Asian... The talk focuses on the interconnectedness of identity within the context of Buddhism, emphasizing the Soto Zen concept of 'forgetting the self' and being actualized through the ten thousand things, as presented by Zen Master...