The SFZC Audio Archive

Mushim Patricia Ikeda asks how is our Zen Buddhist practice showing up within the "burning house" of global "forever wars," environmental crisis, and U.S. global and national actions in 2026? What might... The talk, "Embodying Wonderment: Zen 2.0 in 2026," explores how Zen Buddhist practice responds to contemporary global crises, particularly environmental degradation and socio-political turmoil. It investigates the potential for...

Nyokai Kristin Diggs addresses the importance of reflecting upon ourselves as storytellers and our practice of zazen as "just looking" at the stories that we tell, as an entry point to recognizing the truth of our... The talk explores the role of zazen as a tool for self-reflection and its function in recognizing the interconnectedness and imperceptibility of life. The discussion delves into the Zen concepts of gossip, rumors, speculation,...

12/27/2025, Nyokai Kristin Diggs, dharma talk at City Center. Nyokai Kristin Diggs talks about the non-separation of feeling, sensing, and thinking as they relate to giving, as a whole-being practice and a state of mind that... This talk addresses the interconnectedness of feeling, sensing, and thinking as integral components of whole-being practice, particularly related to the Zen concept of giving. It emphasizes the non-separation of giver, receiver,...

12/17/2025, Shundo David Haye, dharma talk at City Center. Shundo reflects on two recent deaths in his family, and what our practice can teach us about facing death and cherishing life.  -

12/07/2025, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler reflects on a line from the Song of the Trusting Mind, “If you want the Way to manifest, then hold no opinion for or against,... The talk examines the phrase "If you want the Way to manifest, then hold no opinion for or against" from the Song of the Trusting Mind, while integrating five aspects of practice derived from Suzuki Roshi's...

Hiro Ikushima reflects on gratitude, suffering, and the Zen practice of “just sitting.” Through stories of kindness, mistakes, competition, and retreat, this talk explores how letting go of ego and clinging opens a... The talk explores the theme of gratitude, particularly in the context of Zen practice, leading into the Rohatsu Sesshin meditation retreat. It discusses the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing meditation as a...

11/16/2025, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel Osho, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm.Zenju Earthlyn Manuel Osho teaches that sometimes it is necessary to be for or against but there is a broader context in which this is not always necessary.... The talk focuses on the concept of "arising in unimaginable awareness" and emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence inherent in life, exemplified through stories and experiences in Zen practice....

11/02/2025, Gyokuden Stephanie Blank, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Gyokuden Stephanie Blank honors the effort and awakening of our ancestors and calls on us—the living—to rise up in support of Decency, Dignity and... The talk reflects on the importance of honoring ancestors and practicing ethical discipline, delving into Zen teachings that emphasize awakening together and supporting decency and dignity. The narrative weaves in personal...

Serial: SF-12376 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller at City Center on 2025-10-29 The talk explores the theme of achieving harmony through mindful balance, focusing on the experience of a Zen practitioner engaging with prolonged darkness to explore homeostasis and the interplay between cognition and deeper,...

Serial: SF-12400 Talk by Dainin Marsha Angus at City Center on 2025-10-25 The primary focus of the talk is on employing Buddhist practices, particularly meditation and stillness, to manage stress and anxiety induced by external turmoil such as political and environmental changes. Emphasis is placed on...

Serial: SF-12372 10/19/2025, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm.Abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler reflects on the “Finding Yourself” chapter of “Becoming Yourself,” in which Suzuki Roshi teaches that finding... The talk explores the concept of finding freedom within limitations, a fundamental Zen principle, by focusing on the tension between the desire for vastness and the constraints of daily life. The discussion emphasizes how true...

Serial: SF-12389 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller at City Center on 2025-10-15 The main thesis of the talk explores the concept of unity and spontaneous compassion in Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes how acts of compassion, such as the offering of flower petals, demonstrate the interconnectedness and...

Serial: SF-12390 Talk by Shosan Victoria Austin at City Center on 2025-10-11 The talk focuses on Zen Buddhism's approach to resolving conflict through non-retaliation and loving-kindness, drawing upon early Buddhist teachings and modern interpretations. The discussion emphasizes practical strategies for...

Serial: SF-12481 The talk focuses on the acceptance of leadership roles within a Zen practice community, specifically addressing Vanessa Able's role as Shuso at the City Center in Fall 2025. It explores themes of readiness and humility in...

Serial: SF-12385 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller at City Center on 2025-10-04 The talk explores how Zen practice, particularly shikantaza, aids in navigating personal and global chaos by fostering presence and authenticity. It examines the notion of "staying true" to one's values and principles,...

Serial: SF-12434 Chikudo Catherine Spaeth teaches that zazen shows us what to care for, and leads the way in our request to study the precepts with a teacher. In this caring we become a good friend to our practice. The talk centers on the significance of Zazen practice in fostering self-realization and understanding Zen precepts. It emphasizes the importance of experiencing emotions authentically during Zazen to transcend self-narratives...

Serial: SF-12371 Tenmyo Dojima shares how her early struggles with depression led her to rediscover Buddhism in the U.S., begin monastic training in Japan, and continue the joy of walking the Buddha Way—together with others, rooted in... The talk explores the transformative journey from personal hardship to spiritual awakening through dedicated Zen practice. It emphasizes the significance of community, or Sangha, by recounting a story where Buddha tells Ananda...

Serial: SF-12398 Talk by Shinshu Roberts at City Center on 2025-09-13 The talk explores Dogen's teachings, particularly focusing on the Genjo Koan and the idea of "realization beyond realization," illustrating how Dogen's teachings remain relevant in contemporary practice. These teachings highlight...

Sozan Michael McCord considers the deeper purpose of monasteries—not only as places of study and community, but as spaces that preserve and sustain collective practice, creating lasting impact beyond the moment of gathering... The talk explores the role of monasteries as settings for grounding and sustaining collective practice, emphasizing their importance in fostering presence, awareness, and adaptability. Practical examples highlight how rituals...

Serial: SF-12452 Shosan Victoria Austin and Mary Mocine speak about Blanche Hartman and Zen sewing, and conduct an eye-opening ceremony for a statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva in the SFZC sewing room. The talk primarily discusses the practice and symbolism of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva within the context of Zen practice, highlighting the teachings of wholehearted practice and the Ten Vows of Samantabhadra. Additionally, it...

Serial: SF-12375 08/23/2025, Myles Cowherd, dharma talk at City Center.Myles Cowherd explores the transformative power of sincerity and acceptance as a counterpoint to a life of seriousness and fear. The talk explores the transformative role of sincerity and acceptance in overcoming seriousness and fear. The discussion highlights sincerity as a way of bearing witness to one's reality without judgment, promoting self-...

Serial: SF-12424 Talk by Paul Haller Jonah Willihnganz at Tassajara on 2025-08-16 This talk centers on the integration of Zen practice with mythopoetic traditions, exploring their combined potential to foster a sense of wholeness and spiritual awakening. Two primary aspects of Zen practice are discussed: the...

Serial: SF-12447

Serial: SF-12415 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller at City Center on 2025-07-26 The talk discusses the practice of shikantaza in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the present moment fully and the challenge of maintaining non-reactivity amidst life's uncertainties and discomforts. The...