The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03143 The talk focuses on the role of emotions in Zen practice and the concept of emptiness, utilizing ceremonies and rituals within the Dharma to convey a sense of connectedness and perfection. It emphasizes how emotions like love...
Emptiness, Practice Period, Heart Sutra, Ceremony, Letting Go, Attachment, Enthusiasm,...
Jan 09 2000
Green Gulch Farm

January Practice Period

Serial: SF-01021 The talk introduces the January Practice Period at Green Gulch, focusing on available resources and leaders for participants. Discussion emphasizes collective chanting practice and introduces the Diamond Sutra's role in cutting...
Nirvana, Instruction, Chanting, Karma, Patience, New Year, Sangha, Faith, Dragons...
Jan 08 2000
Green Gulch Farm

Faith as a Journey in Zen

Serial: SF-00033 Sunday dharma talk. The talk explores the concept of faith within the context of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the idea that faith, rather than blind belief, involves a conviction born through introspection and practice. This conviction is tied to...
Precepts, Karma, Mahayana, Four Noble Truths, New Year, Three Treasures, Faith, Doubt, Dragons...
Jan 02 2000

Zen Harmony Through Ferdinand's Path

Serial: SF-00064 Sunday dharma talk. The talk explores themes of non-attachment in Zen practice, emphasizing the Middle Way as a path free from the dualities of existence and non-existence. By recounting the story of "Ferdinand the Bull," parallels are drawn to a...
Realization, Practice Period, Nirvana, Freedom, Peace, Letting Go, Attachment, Hindrances,...
Dec 05 1999

Living True: Zen Precepts Unveiled

Serial: EB-00153 The talk centers on the principles of Zen Buddhist precepts, specifically how living in accordance with one's true nature naturally aligns with these precepts. It outlines the issues with afflictive emotions such as greed, hate,...
Precepts, Practice, Buddha
Nov 28 1999

Embrace Precepts, Live Your Truth

Serial: EB-00154 The talk explores the significance and interpretation of precepts in Zen practice, the ceremonial act of jukai or taking precepts, and how the focus should be on expressing one's true nature rather than strict adherence to rules...
Precepts, Ceremony, Practice
Nov 26 1999

Embrace Presence, Release Control

Serial: EB-00155 The talk focuses on the importance of embracing the present moment in Zen practice, without striving for a specific goal or trying to control outcomes. The speaker emphasizes the value of collective practice in a retreat setting...
Practice, Yoga, Work
Nov 26 1999

Zen Generosity: Beyond Material Giving

Serial: EB-00005 The main focus of the talk is the concept of giving and generosity within the context of Zen Buddhism. It explores how giving can be understood beyond material offerings, highlighting simple actions like providing attention,...
Conversation, Buddha's Birthday, Dragons, Offering, Don't Know Mind...
Nov 07 1999

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-01881 The talk explores the theme of perception and projection in understanding reality, drawing parallels to Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes how personal narratives and projections shape our understanding of suffering and the self,...
Conversation, Practice Period, Nirvana, Freedom, Fasting, Hate
Oct 06 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01867 The talk explores the significance of the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts as a guiding framework for spiritual practice, likening them to a tether that helps practitioners navigate their inner struggles. It reflects on the interplay...
Precepts, Balance, Bodhisattva Precepts, Evil, Vow, Renunciation, Non-duality, Bowing,...
Sep 26 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01872 Duplicate The talk delves into the significance of the sixteen bodhisattva precepts, treating them as essential guidelines for navigating relationships between Buddhas and humans, likening them to the map used in a spiritual journey akin...
Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Balance, Vow, Evil, Renunciation, Non-duality, Continuous...
Sep 26 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Skillful Paths to Collective Awakening

Serial: SF-04333 This talk explores the concept of skillful means in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our individuality in the journey towards awakening, or Buddha nature. It uses the Lotus Sutra’s parable of the burning house...
Lotus Sutra, Nirvana, Ordinary Mind, Tassajara, First Principle
Sep 19 1999

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01870 This lecture delves into the practice of mindful eating and contemplation, urging participants to attentively reflect on the sustenance they receive. Through personal anecdotes relating to the labor behind food production and the...
Greed, Offering, Lotus Sutra, Bodhidharma, Liberation, Tassajara, Happiness, Gratitude,...
Sep 18 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Trust in the Universal Sangha

Serial: EB-00152 The talk explores the concept of "Sangha" in the context of Zen practice and its evolution from a traditional Buddhist monastic community to a broader supportive collective. There is an emphasis on extending the idea of community...
Time, Buddha, Sangha
Sep 05 1999

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03139 The talk engages with Case 81 from the Blue Cliff Record, "Yao Shan's Shooting the Elk of Elks," exploring the interplay between Zen teaching's abstract nature and its practical application through the story of Yao Shan and his...
Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, confusion, Birth-and-Death, Letting Go, Teacher-and-Student,...
Aug 29 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Stretching Into Life's Impermanence

Serial: EB-00146 The talk addresses the struggle with impermanence and the concept of "stretching" both in physical and metaphorical terms. A central theme is embracing life's challenges and changes as an opportunity for growth, akin to Suzuki...
Big Mind, Daily Life, Okesa, War
Aug 11 1999

Intensive Class

Serial: SF-02757 The talk explores the concept of "fully engaging body and mind" in the practice of chanting, focusing on the Genjo Koan's ideas about actualizing the fundamental point and the dynamic nature of engagement. The discussion includes...
Realization, Intimacy, Discrimination, Delusion, Chanting, Soto Zen, Separation, Don't...
Aug 09 1999
City Center

Zen Paths: Persevere and Empower

Serial: EB-00144 This talk focuses on the themes of perseverance, direct experience, and personal empowerment within the context of Zen practice, drawing connections between these concepts and broader life experiences. Inspired by a New Yorker...
Ego, Way-Seeking Mind, Faith, Tenzo, Hate
Aug 04 1999

Embrace Uncertainty With Courage

Serial: EB-00145 The talk emphasizes the importance of perseverance and taking action even in the face of uncertainty and self-doubt, drawing parallels between the advice of Ernest Hemingway and teachings in Zen philosophy, particularly those of...
Ego, Way-Seeking Mind, Faith, Tenzo, Hate
Aug 04 1999

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-01871 The talk explores the Zen principle of non-separation, emphasizing that true Buddha’s practice entails unity with the universe and all beings. This is underscored by personal reflection on missed connections and the realization...
Study Period, Birth-and-Death, Book of Serenity, Mill Valley, Buddha Mind, Enemies, Heart...
Aug 04 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Zen Pathways to Everyday Enlightenment

Serial: EB-00143 The talk explores the theme of experiencing life directly and sincerely, emphasizing the teachings of Zen. It discusses how every element of life, even mundane tasks like cooking, can lead to enlightenment if approached with...
Freedom, Hate, Ordinary Mind, Practice Period, Rumi
Aug 02 1999

Unveiling Oneness: Embracing Infinite Connection

Serial: SF-00048 The talk explores the illusion of control and the nature of self in relation to the universe, suggesting that the perception of individuality creates separation and suffering. Emphasizing non-duality, it discusses how letting go...
Concentration, Realization, Freedom, Peace, Happiness, Separation, Emotions, Non-duality...
Jul 24 1999

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03647 The talk focuses on the themes of mindfulness, practice enlightenment, and the role of patience and friendliness within Zen Buddhism. The speaker also dedicates the session to the recovery of Lou Richmond, a significant figure in...
Faith, Buddha Nature, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Ceremony, Non-duality, Equanimity, Six Realms,...
Jul 17 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03140 The talk explores the significance of the Declaration of Independence and parallels it with Buddhist beliefs in fundamental equality and the right to life, liberty, and happiness, positing that these principles align with the...
Right Speech, Freedom, Precepts, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Conversation, Priest, confusion,...
Jul 04 1999
Green Gulch Farm

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01879 The talk explores the theme of immobility in meditation, inspired by the determination of the historic Buddha during his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This concept of "not moving" transcends physical stillness to embody a...
Liberation, Vow, Four Noble Truths, Dragons, Causation, Realization, Birth-and-Death, Letting...
Jun 26 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Father's Day

Serial: SF-03233 Sunday Lecture The lecture examines Case 75, "Ukyu's Unfair Blows," from the Blue Cliff Record, a text central to Zen Buddhism. The focus is on the interplay between the ordinary and the transcendent, and how Zen practices embody these...
Teacher-and-Student, Suzuki Roshi, Samsara, Intimacy, confusion, Daily Life, Giving-and-Taking...
Jun 20 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Embrace Impermanence Through Zen Time

Serial: SF-04459 The discussion explores the concept of time through Zen philosophy, examining its fluid and impermanent nature which is central to Buddhist teachings. The interconnection between time, suffering, and impermanence is highlighted,...
Impermanence, Mindfulness, New Year, Forgiveness, Letting Go
Jun 16 1999

Embrace Impermanence, Transcend Suffering

Serial: EB-00142 The talk centers on the Zen Buddhist perspective of pain and suffering, emphasizing that while pain is unavoidable, suffering is a choice stemming from judgments of good and bad. The discussion highlights the practice of...
Posture, Shikantaza, Dragons, Emptiness
Jun 09 1999

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03653 The talk explores the concept of truthfulness and self-deception within daily life and spiritual practice, analyzing how these concepts intersect with personal transitions and Zen precepts. It emphasizes the importance of...
Precepts, Birth-and-Death, Dharma Transmission, Impermanence, Posture, Ceremony, Balance,...
May 16 1999
Green Gulch Farm

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03518 This talk explores the nature of transitions in human life and spiritual practice, emphasizing the inherent impermanence of existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. By reflecting on life events such as birth, death,...
Renunciation, Ceremony, Priest, Impermanence, Vow, Birth-and-Death, Bodhidharma, Letting Go,...
May 15 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Embracing Love Through Zen Mindfulness

Serial: EB-00051 The talk focuses on themes of love, forgiveness, and the process of coming to terms with one's inner emotional landscape, using personal anecdotes to explore the practice of Zen and its application to embracing all aspects of one...
Bowing, Gratitude, Karma, Sangha
May 09 1999

Blue Cliff Record Class

Serial: SF-00068 67th Case: Mahasattva Fu Expounds the Scripture; single-point samadhi. The talk discusses the 67th Case of the Blue Cliff Record, focusing on Mahasattva Fu's unique method of expounding the Diamond Cutter Scripture through silence, which serves as a commentary on traditional Zen values over more...
Concentration, Repentance, Blue Cliff Record, Bodhidharma, Interview, Manjushri, Sixth...
Apr 22 1999

Buddha's Birthday

Serial: SF-03241 Sunday Lecture The lecture emphasizes the celebration of Buddha's birthday as a time of joy and renewal, using it as an opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha. It highlights the significance of three main events in...
Buddha's Birthday, Ceremony, Renewal, Liberation, Vow, Happiness, Peace, Offering, Priest...
Apr 04 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Romance

Serial: SF-03244 Sunday Lecture The talk delves into the concept of love as a profound spiritual practice, exploring the nature of relationships through a Zen Buddhist perspective. It touches on the transient nature of love and its connection to enlightenment...
Commitment, Emptiness, Impermanence, Ego, Karma, Intimacy, Birth-and-Death, Buddha Nature,...
Mar 28 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Awakening Perfection in Everyday Life

Serial: SF-00032 Sunday talk. The talk discusses the principle of Dzogchen, the "innate great perfection" within Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting its focus on realizing one's intrinsic Buddha nature and emphasizes integration of practice into daily life. It...
Buddha Nature, Karma, Monkey Mind, Daily Life, Buddha Mind, Causation, Sangha, confusion,...
Mar 21 1999

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03585 The talk centers on the importance of friendship, using a story from "Winnie the Pooh" to illustrate the value of play in building community and resolving conflicts. It transitions to discussing the Buddhist principles echoed in...
Emptiness, Nirvana Sutra, Zazen Mind, Posture, Sangha, Mindfulness, Teacher-and-Student,...
Mar 07 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Timeless Zen: Dogen's Path to Presence

Serial: SF-00147 Wednesday night dharma talk The talk focuses on Dogen's teachings as captured in "Shobo Genso Zuimonki," emphasizing non-attachment to behaviors such as vegetarianism, the importance of compassionate correction within a Zen community, essentials of sincere...
Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Fundraising, Daily Life, Impermanence, Monastic Practice, Soto...
Mar 03 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03243 Sunday Lecture The talk explores eight characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's teaching, emphasizing practical application and personal discovery rather than rigid adherence to doctrine. Real-life examples and stories illustrate the teachings....
Concentration, Buddha Nature, Suzuki Roshi, Freedom, Posture, Impermanence, Zazen, Letting Go...
Feb 28 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03110 Sunday Lecture - Discussion - duplicate The talk delves into the eight characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's teaching, emphasizing the importance of practice over mere understanding. The speaker reflects on Suzuki's approach to Zen, which prioritizes constant practice and...
Concentration, Buddha Nature, Suzuki Roshi, Freedom, Posture, Impermanence, Zazen, Letting Go...
Feb 28 1999
Green Gulch Farm

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03576 The talk explores the concept of being a disciple, particularly through the life and relationship of Ananda, the Buddha's attendant, emphasizing the virtues of humility and direct communication. It also delves into the broader...
Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Monastic Practice, Ceremony, Nirvana Sutra, Vow, Letting Go,...
Feb 27 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03137 Sunday Lecture - first Sunday of practice period This talk focuses on the enduring influence and essence of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, epitomized by the book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," and introduces eight characteristics revealing Suzuki Roshi's unique approach to Zen...
Suzuki Roshi, Impermanence, Commitment, Vow, Lineage, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Faith, Soto Zen...
Feb 21 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03111 Sunday Lecture - Questions and Answers - duplicate The talk discusses the enduring simplicity and impact of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, particularly as seen in "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind." It highlights Suzuki Roshi's approach to Zen, characterized by principles such as maintaining...
Suzuki Roshi, Impermanence, Commitment, Lineage, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Faith, Zazen,...
Feb 21 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Beyond Right and Wrong Relationships

Serial: EB-00140 The talk explores the concept of stepping off the evaluative axis of right and wrong and relates this to relationships and mindfulness. It emphasizes the Zen perspective that focusing on getting things "right" can impede...
Conversation, Buddha Nature, Avalokitesvara, Interview, Intention
Feb 15 1999

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01889 The talk reflects on the nature of samsara, desire, and suffering within Buddhist teaching, emphasizing the importance of addressing these in everyday life. The speaker uses the parable of the burning house from the Lotus Sutra...
Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Vow, Four Noble Truths, Right Effort, Hate, Right Speech, Samsara, Mill...
Jan 31 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Authentic Zen: Beyond Enlightenment Myths

Serial: SF-00058 The talk covers personal experiences and reflections on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing the impact of direct interaction and the subtleties of spiritual presence. It delves into misconceptions about Zen enlightenment...
Suzuki Roshi, Priest, Transmission, Blue Cliff Record, Interview, Soto Zen, Lineage, Book of...
Dec 16 1998
City Center

Rohatsu

Serial: SF-02755 The talk focuses on the Zen practice of Rohatsu Sesshin, utilizing biblical and Zen stories to explore themes of acceptance, consumption, and experiencing life fully. Drawing parallels between Jonah's story and the experience of...
Gratitude, Rumi, Intimacy, Instruction, Zazen, Teacher-and-Student, Bell, Emotions...
Dec 01 1998
City Center

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03622 The talk explores the concept of human sentiments as being distinct from the Dharma way, emphasizing the pitfalls of habitual thinking and nostalgia that can hinder a fresh experience of life. It discusses the transformative...
Practice Period, Precepts, Dragons, Six Realms, Liberation, Ceremony, Forgiveness, Anger,...
Nov 29 1998
Green Gulch Farm

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03133 The talk explores the intersection between poetry and Dharma, illustrating how poetry can complement spiritual practices by confronting and embracing human contradictions rather than transcending them. Through the works of poets...
Religion, Priest, Buddha Mind, Vow, Precepts, Zazen, Chanting, Hate, Freedom, Soto Zen...
Nov 22 1998
Green Gulch Farm

Chanting

Serial: SF-00045 The talk discusses two main topics: encouraging consistent practice during Zen practice periods and the proper pronunciation of Japanese chants. The discussion emphasizes the importance of horizontal and vertical balance in...
Practice Period, Delusion, Ego, Chanting, Vow, Doubt, Emotions, Continuous Practice...
Nov 17 1998

The Feeling Of Practice Period

Serial: SF-00148 Wednesday talk; the heart and determination to study - to support and appreciate the practice period. The talk focuses on the importance and spirit of the Zen practice period at Green Gulch, emphasizing mindfulness and the collective atmosphere that foster personal growth and communal support within a zen community. Discussion...
Practice Period, Impermanence, Mindfulness, Precepts, Zazen Mind, Silence, Big Mind,...
Oct 21 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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