The SFZC Audio Archive

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-11066 Inspired by the wisdom of a young girl talking to her mother about kindness, this talk touches on the Buddhist practices of tranquility and insight that allows us live in harmony with one another. 06/13/2021, Furyu Nancy... This talk at Green Gulch Farm explores the essence of Buddhist practice as encapsulated by the Zen teaching "do good, avoid evil, and purify the mind," using stories of Birdnest Roshi and a child's Dharma talk to illustrate the...

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-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-11091 At this time of the global pandemic and with the deep work of turning toward and exploring our racialized karma, what is needed to heal, what is needed to stabilize oneself. What is it to cherish all life? 05/26/2021, Jisan Tova... The talk discusses three main themes: cherishing life, reflecting on the Buddha's teachings pertinent to the precept of non-harm, and healing from racialized trauma. It is set against the backdrop of the full moon's significance...

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-11015 In this talk Rev. Lien provides guidance on bringing our values forward and practicing in the world coming out of the Pandemic, exploring the meditative qualities of awareness: skillful effort, skillful mindfulness and skillful... The talk centers on how Zen practice, particularly the meditative qualities of the Eightfold Path—skillful effort, skillful mindfulness, and skillful concentration—can guide practitioners as they transition back into the world...

Serial: SF-10967 Our practice of extending love and support to all beings is grounded in our practice of receiving love and support from all beings - this talk offers some practices of extending love and deeply receiving love. 05/09/2021, Jiryu... The talk primarily explores filial piety and the practice of love within Zen Buddhism, with a focus on the intricate interplay between giving and receiving love. It references the "Sutra on Filial Piety" to illustrate the...

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-11142 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 discusses the intersection of personal identity and broader societal issues from a Buddhist perspective, emphasizing the fluidity of identity in the Soto Zen tradition, as echoed by Zen Master Dogen's teachings. It...

Serial: SF-11054 The wholeheartedness of Zen practice: an exploration of Zazen in daily tasks and in society. Mind on and off the cushion. Enacting our practice in the world. 05/01/2021, Fu Schroeder & Ryushin Paul Haller, dharma talk at City... The talk explores the integration of Zen and Vipassana through the lens of the three trainings—morality, concentration, and wisdom—focusing particularly on wisdom in this session. It emphasizes the complementary nature of Zen and...

Serial: SF-11020 In commemoration of the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, Wendy Johnson weaves together Dharma and Ecology with the saga of a dead grey whale washed up on the shores of Muir Beach near Green Gulch, drawing on Engaged Buddhist... This talk from Green Gulch Farm touches on themes of ecological interconnection, Earth Day commemoration, and the practice of mindfulness. It connects the historical events and legislative efforts towards environmental protection...

Serial: SF-11074 Comparing the Zen and Vipassana ways of practice. 04/24/2021, Ryushin Paul Haller and Gil Fronsdal, dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the personal and transformative aspects of Buddhist practice, emphasizing the concept of Jijiu Zanmai from Dogen Zenji's "Bendawa" to describe the intimate engagement with self-discovery and practice. It...

Serial: SF-11002 Sr. Dharma Teacher Paul Haller, introduces the 3-week Intensive Harmony of Vipassana and Zen that he is co-leading with Abbess Fu Shroeder and Sr. Dharma Teacher Gil Fronsdal. The Intensive will explore Sila, Prajna & Samadhi... The talk focuses on the harmony and interplay between Vipassana and Zen practices, emphasizing how practitioners integrate aspects of both traditions to explore the "Buddha way." It delves into orthodoxy versus orthopraxy,...

Serial: SF-10920 Teachings and reflections on the cultivation of inner silence as a foundation for openhearted connection and engagement. 04/18/2021, Kiku Christina Lehnherr, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. This talk explores themes of systemic structures and personal practice within Zen philosophy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and daily mindfulness. It examines open and closed systems and discusses how these systems...

Serial: SF-10937 Cultivating a deep open mind, accepting things as they are is sudden, gradual, and specific. Bringing clear seeing to thoughts and ideas right here. Living in interdependence and wholeness on the land; a study of separation and... The talk explores the interplay between Zen principles and environmental stewardship, particularly focusing on cultivating a mindset that embraces interdependence with the natural world. By referencing historical changes at Green...

Serial: SF-11081 Rinso Ed Sattizahn shares a teaching on impermanence. Suffering the results of our karma. What do we do? To fight when necessary and give in when we have no choice. Stability in the midst of change comes from staying awake in the... The talk delves into the Buddhist principle of impermanence, emphasizing its role as a fundamental aspect of Buddhist teaching. It argues that understanding and embracing impermanence lead to a more meaningful and stable life. A...

Serial: SF-10965 On the occasion of Buddha's Birthday lay teacher, mother, and birth and postpartum doula Nancy Petrin reimagines the story of Buddha's birth, placing his mother Maya at the center of its telling. With a focus on practicing with... This talk, centered around the celebration of Buddha's birthday, explores themes of motherhood, birth, and erasure within the context of Buddhist teachings. It reflects on Queen Maya's experience of giving birth to the Buddha,...

Serial: SF-11109 Eijun Roshi offers springtime reflections on Buddha’s Birthday and an old Zen story, "Raising up a Speck of Dust". 04/04/2021, Eijun Linda Cutts, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk centers on the cyclical nature of narrative traditions in Buddhism, particularly focusing on the birth story of the Buddha and its implications for understanding interconnectedness and Buddha nature. This is contrasted...

Serial: SF-11116 With his experience of many years working in the world of Recovery, Rev. Tim Wicks brings us into the teaching of Fuji Uchiyama, to study delusion one must enter delusion. As practitioners, we are being asked to enter into the... The talk explores the concept of acknowledging and investigating systemic issues such as racism within the framework of Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of being present and accountable to historical and current...

Serial: SF-11114 Early students of Suzuki Roshi, Jane & Peter Schneider, offer two short talks to the Green Gulch Sangha - Jane on the deep meaning of the robe chant and Peter on Suzuki Roshi's life before coming to the U.S. 03/28/2021, Peter... This transcript discusses the significance and practice of Zen chants, specifically focusing on the Rogue Chant and the Heart Sutra, and their role in embodying and transmitting the teachings of Zen Buddhism. Personal reflections...