The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03125 The talk explores Zen practices, focusing on the deeper implications of meditation techniques and their role in addressing the existential concepts of birth and death. The speaker examines a classic Zen koan involving the...
Birth-and-Death, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Separation, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Happiness,...
Jun 24 2005
Tassajara

Zen and Yoga: Path to Presence

Serial: EB-00039 The talk explores the fusion of Zen and yoga practices, emphasizing the experiential aspect of both disciplines. The discussion highlights the idea that the fundamental purpose of these practices is to cultivate presence and...
Letting Go, Oneness, Faith, Obstacles, Hindrances
Jun 18 2005

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03122 The talk focuses on examining the repeated inquiry into personal and spiritual existence through a Zen lens, employing a koan from the "Blue Cliff Record" as a central theme. It emphasizes the practice of nurturing spiritual...
Birth-and-Death, Silent Illumination, Buddha Mind, Patience, Offering, Intimacy, Doubt...
Jun 06 2005
Tassajara

Presence in Everyday Acts

Serial: EB-00038 The talk explores the Zen philosophy of fully engaging with and experiencing life through direct actions rather than consuming pre-packaged experiences. Emphasis is placed on the significance of performing small, mindful acts...
Dragons, Global Warming, Lay, Don't Know Mind
May 16 2005

Wheel of Birth and Death

Serial: SF-00969 Sunday Lecture: Children's stories: earth moving around the sun is one year; "stone soup"; thinking and not thinking; Tibetan wheel of birth and death - six realms, twelve-fold chain of causation; Marin organizing committee -... The talk delves into the concepts of time and existence through a Zen lens, using storytelling, parables, and interpretations of classic Buddhist texts. The main discourse explores the Buddhist teachings on the cyclical nature of...
Peace, Dependent Origination, Six Realms, Demons, Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Silence,...
Apr 10 2005
Green Gulch

Embodiment of Everyday Enlightenment

Serial: SF-04331 The talk explores Dogen's philosophy, specifically his teachings on "dropping off body and mind" as an essential practice of Zazen, emphasizing everyday practical application. It highlights the complex path to enlightenment and...
Bodhisattva Way, Monkey Mind, Mahayana, Global Warming, Karmic Consciousness...
Mar 26 2005

Zendo Lecture

Serial: SF-03123 The talk explores Zen practice as an immersion into the present moment and the interconnectedness of all things, using the metaphor of an ecosystem to describe the dynamic interaction of personal and collective experiences. It...
Practice Period, Impermanence, Balance, Five Ranks, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Letting Go...
Mar 21 2005
Tassajara

Zen Of Business Administration

Serial: SF-00036 Sunday Talk.Life at Green Gulch in the 1970s; giving, fearlessness; improv; no mistakes; parenting. The talk explores the integration of Zen principles, particularly the practice of generosity, fearlessness, and flexibility, into business and daily life. Drawing from personal experiences, including time spent at Green Gulch and...
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Interview, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Daily Life, Koan,...
Mar 20 2005
Green Gulch Farm

Inherent Awakening: Living Buddha Nature

Serial: SF-04378 The talk explores the concept of Buddha nature, focusing on how it is inherently present in all sentient beings and not an attainable object. It emphasizes the teachings of Dogen and the implementation of Buddha nature as an...
Impermanence, Attachment, Bodhisattva Vow, Rumi, Letting Go
Mar 13 2005

Way Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-00044 The route to becoming a zen monk; growing up Jewish and hanging out with the beats; meeting Suzuki Roshi. The central theme of the talk explores the journey to becoming a Zen monk, interweaving personal experiences of growing up Jewish and interacting with the Beat Generation, ultimately leading to significant relationships with...
Monastic Practice, Japan, Way-Seeking Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Monastic Practice, Priest,...
Mar 13 2005
2
Tassajara

Two Paths to the Dharma

Serial: SF-00080 The talk explores personal journeys within the Dharma, focusing on the distinct paths of practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism and Japanese Zen Buddhism. It reflects on cultural and institutional influences associated with these...
training, Practice Period, Liberation, Bodhidharma, Mahayana, Study Period, Lineage, Letting...
Mar 04 2005

Embracing Ordinary: Zen's Path Within

Serial: EB-00037 The talk explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the concept of "everyday mind is the way," and critiques the common pursuit of self-improvement as a form of spiritual practice. The discussion highlights the notion of...
Buddha Nature, Don't Know Mind, Ordinary Mind, confusion, Religion
Jan 30 2005

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00940 World's largest ball of twine, snobbery, insight, calming our minds, shamata - tranquility practce, Dhammapada, monuments to warfare, GGF farm and kids, hate crime and Tam High, Harvey Milk, It's Elementary Sutra (?), sew... The talk explores the profound teaching that our life is shaped by our thoughts and emphasizes the essential practice of calming the mind through Shamatha, promoting tranquility as a foundational Buddhist practice. It stresses...
Vow, Precepts, Hate, Non-violence, Bodhisattva Precepts, Intimacy, Interview, Mindfulness,...
Dec 19 2004
Green Gulch

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03557 Dining Room Class The talk explores the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, particularly focusing on the recitations by individuals and the dialogue between the Buddha and Shariputra. The central theme is the importance of understanding and...
Lotus Sutra, Intimacy, Vow, Zendo, Manjushri, First Principle, Ordinary Mind, Suzuki Roshi,...
Dec 03 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03560 Dining Room Class The talk focuses on the transformation of the Naga Princess in the Lotus Sutra, exploring themes of gender fluidity, spiritual power, and the attainment of Buddhahood without the necessity of changing one's form. The discussion...
Addiction, Lotus Sutra, Happiness, realization, Emptiness
Nov 27 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03484 Dining Room Class The talk delves into Chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra, focusing on the story of the Naga Princess. This chapter challenges presiding views on women's capability for spiritual attainment in Buddhism, illustrating a radical shift...
Dragons, Lotus Sutra, Manjushri, Mahayana, Emptiness, Hindrances, Diversity, Vimalakirti, Evil...
Nov 27 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03546 Second Sesshin, Zendo Lecture day 6 The talk examines a poem by Dogen from the "Eihei Koroku" and the narrative developments of Chapter 12 of the "Lotus Sutra," particularly focusing on the character of Devadatta. The lecture draws parallels between Zen teachings...
Lotus Sutra, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Karma, Karmic Consequences, Buddha's Birthday,...
Nov 21 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03548 Second Sesshin, Zendo Lecture The talk focuses on the need for dedication and discipline during the sesshin practice period, emphasizing participation in traditional forms and rituals to deepen one's practice. A particular focus is placed on maintaining...
Lotus Sutra, Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Emotions, Emptiness, Freedom, training, true...
Nov 16 2004
Tassajara

Inconceivable Dharma: Vimalakirti's Wisdom Unleashed

Serial: SF-04335 The talk focuses on the teachings of the Vimalakirti Sutra, emphasizing its themes of inconceivability, great love, and the practical demonstration of Dharma in the world. Highlighted are Vimalakirti's flexible approach and...
Vimalakirti, Priest, Manjushri, Separation
Nov 13 2004

Mindful Tasting, Authentic Living

Serial: EB-00036 This talk explores the practice of mindfulness through a raisin-tasting ceremony, encouraging full attention and appreciation for simple experiences. It extends this mindfulness to nurturing loving-kindness towards oneself and...
Ceremony, Desire, Peace, Way-Seeking Mind, Big Mind
Nov 07 2004

Buddha Nature and the Ugly Duckling

Serial: SF-00056 Zendo lecture; feeling of not fitting in and not belonging that sends us towards spiritual practice. The talk explores the concept of Buddha nature, juxtaposing it with the story of "The Ugly Duckling" to discuss themes of belonging and the realization of one's true self. It delves into Buddhist teachings on how avoiding...
Lotus Sutra, Buddha Nature, Ego, Delusion, training, Precepts, stubbornness, Posture, Zendo,...
Nov 06 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03549 Dining Room Class The talk covers several topics, including the practice and study of the Lotus Sutra, reflections on election results, and coping with physical challenges during practice periods such as cold weather. Additionally, the discussion...
Lotus Sutra, Ceremony, Perfect Wisdom, Buddha Nature, Nirvana, Zazen, Practice Period, Zazen...
Nov 03 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03545 First Sesshin, Zendo Lecture The lecture focuses on the upcoming Seijiki ceremony, discussing its spiritual significance and origins in Buddhist scripture. It explains the historical connection to Maha Moggalyana and Ananda's stories, illustrating how the...
Ceremony, Offering, Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Chanting, Branching Streams, Karma, Giving-and-...
Oct 29 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03554 Dining Room Class 3 The talk examines the parable of the burning house from the Lotus Sutra, exploring its deeper ethical and philosophical implications. The discussion questions the notion of truth and falsehood in the parable considering the...
Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Daily Life, Nirvana, Bell, Renunciation, Samsara, Balance, Evil...
Oct 20 2004
Tassajara

Discipline

Serial: SF-00077 Relationship with the rules while training. The talk discusses the nature of discipline within Zen practice, emphasizing engagement with rules, such as the "six-month rule," and the transformative potential of discipline when approached as a training method. The discussion...
training, Practice Period, Vinaya, Emotions, Don't Know Mind, Mindfulness, Balance,...
Oct 20 2004

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03556 Dining Room Class 3 The talk begins with reflections on a poem by Dogen about the Lotus Sutra and proceeds with audience recitations from the Lotus Sutra, focusing on themes of doubt and realization of Buddha nature. It then delves into a discussion...
Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Mahayana, Big Mind, Practice Period, Heart Sutra, Buddha Nature,...
Oct 20 2004
Tassajara

Breathing In and Breathing Out

Serial: SF-00934 One-day sitting lecture: Book of Serenity Case 3, Anapanasati Sutta, Six Subtle Dharma Gates The talk examines the intersection of Zen teachings and mindfulness practices, primarily focusing on the "Book of Serenity, Case 3," the "Anapanasati Sutta," and "The Six Subtle Dharma Gates." Discussing the story of Prajñātara...
Mindfulness, Dragons, Lotus Sutra, Concentration, Book of Serenity, Bodhidharma, Peace,...
Sep 18 2004
Green Gulch

Living The Good Life

Serial: SF-00933 Sunday Lecture The talk explores the concept of "the good life," emphasizing a combination of mental, physical, social, ethical, and spiritual well-being. It considers wisdom from both Buddhist and Western psychotherapeutic traditions,...
Patience, Ordinary Mind, Mill Valley, Big Mind, Attachment, Commitment, Silence, Intimacy,...
Aug 29 2004
Green Gulch

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03172 The main thesis of this talk revolves around the concept of "Being Fully Alive" and explores the Zen practice of realizing one's true self beyond the ego’s confines, illustrated through the metaphor of a monk stating the desire...
Equanimity, Big Mind, Buddha Ancestors, Suzuki Roshi, Diversity, Nirvana, Enemies, Bell,...
Aug 18 2004
Tassajara

Dreams Unfurled: Embracing Life's Flow

Serial: EB-00035 The talk focuses on the tension between one's expectations of reality and the acceptance of reality as it is. It references the idea that striving to control or perfect reality is less fruitful than embracing life’s inherent...
true dharma, Hindrances, Commitment, Vow, Desire
Jul 26 2004

Embrace Unpredictability, Transform Reality

Serial: EB-00034 This talk explores the themes of embracing life's unpredictability and the struggle between personal expectations and reality. It emphasizes the futility of trying to force reality to conform to one's ideals, encouraging instead...
true dharma, Hindrances, Commitment, Vow, Desire
Jul 26 2004

Non-Thinking and the Twelve-Fold Chain of Causation

Serial: SF-00968 Sunday Lecture The lecture explores the concept of non-thinking within Zen practice, as outlined by Zen Master Dogen in "The Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen" (Fukan Zazengi), which emphasizes the technique of 'thinking of not...
Lotus Sutra, Instruction, Four Noble Truths, Posture, Peace, Letting Go, Separation, Non-...
Jul 18 2004
Green Gulch

Eight Awakenings

Serial: SF-03589 Zendo Lecture The talk centers on the "Eight Awakenings of Great Beings," considered the last teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, which are foundational to both Zen and yoga practices. Key teachings include cultivating few desires, understanding...
Mindfulness, Greed, Attachment, Daily Life, Right Speech, Posture, Precepts, Zendo, Don't...
Jul 16 2004
Tassajara

Which Is The Real Seijo?

Serial: SF-00967 One-day sitting lecture: when our "soul is split", what is true? Just sitting in the midst of samsara. The talk delves into a Tang Dynasty story from the Mu Man Khan, case 35, about Sejo and her split soul to explore themes of identity, choice, and the illusion of a separate self. This narrative is used to illustrate the concept...
Letting Go, Four Noble Truths, Suzuki Roshi, Big Mind, Subject-and-Object, Buddha Ancestors,...
Jun 19 2004
Green Gulch

Being Real in Zen Practice

Serial: EB-00033 The talk reflects on personal experiences with Suzuki Roshi, highlighting the teachings of authenticity and presence in Zen practice. It stresses the importance of embracing one's true self rather than adopting an idealized...
Priest, Zendo, Sutra, Ceremony, Okesa
May 29 2004

Buddhism, Christianity, War and Peace

Serial: SF-00939 Sunday Lecture: Two types of training: compassion and wisdom (wisdom: the entire universe is the true human body); US history; Christianity (is evil 'outside' or not); Mara compared with Devil; Review of "Passion of the Christ" This lecture explores the interplay between compassion and wisdom in Buddhist teachings and examines how these concepts relate to broader religious and historical contexts, specifically within Christianity and U.S. history. It...
First Principle, Hate, Evil, Faith, Soto Zen, Heart Sutra, Bodhidharma, Separation, Enemies,...
May 16 2004
Green Gulch

Sincere Mindfulness in Daily Life

Serial: EB-00026 The talk explores themes of Zen practice focusing on the concepts of sincerity, virtue, and calm mindfulness, as illustrated through personal experiences in the Zen kitchen. Emphasizing the teachings of Dogen and anecdotes from...
Ordinary Mind, Practice Period, Tatsugami, Mill Valley, Zendo
May 04 2004

Zen Flavors: Crafting Harmony in Cuisine

Serial: EB-00031 The talk delves into the nuanced exploration of flavors and tastes, examining how different elements create unique culinary experiences. The focus is on understanding the fundamental properties of ingredients to construct diverse...
American, Bell, Observe
May 04 2004

Zen Sincerity in Everyday Leadership

Serial: EB-00032 The talk appears to be a reflective and instructional narrative on the themes of sincerity, recognizing virtue in oneself and others, and the challenges of comparing oneself to others within a Zen practice context. Recollections...
Ordinary Mind, Practice Period, Tatsugami, Mill Valley, Zendo
May 04 2004

Zen Cooking: Creativity Meets Responsibility

Serial: EB-00029 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the practice of personal responsibility and creativity in daily activities, specifically through the context of cooking, as a means of exploring Zen philosophy and meditation. It...
Intimacy, Tenzo, Instruction, Soto Zen, Priest
May 03 2004

Zen of Culinary Intuition

Serial: EB-00030 The central thesis of the talk emphasizes the Zen approach to cooking and life, which involves engagement and responsibility beyond simply following recipes. The discussion highlights the importance of personal experience and...
Intimacy, Tenzo, Instruction, Bowing, Chanting
May 03 2004

Balancing Flavors in Mindful Cooking

Serial: EB-00027 The talk focuses on the concept of flavor in cooking, exploring how different taste elements such as salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and pungent contribute to the overall flavor profile of a dish. It emphasizes the importance of...
American, Bell, Observe
May 02 2004

Zen Tastes: A Flavor Journey

Serial: EB-00028 The talk primarily explores the intricate relationship between flavor harmony and culinary techniques, drawing parallels between flavor experiences and Zen philosophy. Emphasis is placed on a nuanced understanding of tastes,...
American, MM-12, Bell, Observe
May 02 2004

Unvarnished Sincerity in Zen Practice

Serial: EB-00023 The talk explores the concept of sincere effort in Zen practice, using personal anecdotes and examples, particularly the teachings of Suzuki Roshi. The discourse includes discussion on performing tasks with precision and...
Discrimination, Tenzo, Offering, Community, Commitment
May 01 2004

Zen Balance in Daily Life

Serial: EB-00025 The talk emphasizes the understanding and application of balance and ease in daily tasks and positions, drawing on lessons from working with Suzuki Roshi. It highlights the philosophical approach of engaging in activities without...
Discrimination, Tenzo, Offering, Community, Commitment
May 01 2004

Embrace Simplicity Through Sincere Effort

Serial: EB-00024 The talk focuses on the principles of effort and perception in Zen practice, illustrating these through personal anecdotes and experiences. Central themes include Suzuki Roshi’s approach to simplicity and non-perfectionism, the...
Discrimination, Tenzo, Offering, Community, Commitment
May 01 2004

Zen in Every Kitchen Task

Serial: EB-00022 The talk explores the integration of Zen practice with daily activities, particularly through the lens of working in the kitchen at Tassajara. It emphasizes the significance of individual responsibility and presence in various...
Tenzo, Zendo, realization, Practice Period, Beginners
May 01 2004

One-Day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01022 This human body is the entire world in the ten directions. Can you be stopped? Bodhicitta. Compassion. Thinking. Hatred. Not indulging in habitual thoughts of hatred. Say no. "Body and mind study of the way" Dogen fascicle.... The lecture discusses the interconnectedness of the human body with the universe, emphasizing Dogen's teachings on studying the way through both mind and body. It touches on the concepts of Bodhicitta and compassion, highlighting...
Birth-and-Death, Bodhisattva Precepts, Manjushri, Hate, Precepts, Suzuki Roshi, realization,...
Mar 20 2004
Green Gulch

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-01023 Linda Ruth with her sick mother. The mountain lion. The bobcat. The rat. New film, "The Passion of Christ". Self-restraint. Mindfulness of the body. Angulimala. The talk explores themes of compassion and non-violence in the context of personal experiences with wildlife and reflections on broader societal issues. It discusses the practice of restraint and mindfulness, referencing Buddhist...
Hate, Current Events, First Principle, Passions, Precepts, Doubt, training, realization,...
Mar 17 2004
Green Gulch

Zen Essence: Stillness Amidst Busyness

Serial: SF-04328 The talk discusses the Zen practice of Zazen and meditates on the famous Zen koan about Yunyan and the "one who is not busy," from case 21 of "The Book of Serenity." The speaker elaborates on the interconnectedness of busyness...
Duality, Practice Period, Zazen Mind, Manjushri
Feb 28 2004

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