The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Pathways to Peaceful Transformation

Serial: EB-00091 The talk addresses the foundational teachings of Buddhism, emphasizing the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It explores the nature of suffering, craving, and the cycle of samsara, relating these concepts to real-life...
Intention, Desire, Causation, Peace, Addiction
Feb 22 1991

Revolutionary Balance in Aging Lives

Serial: EB-00095 This talk primarily explores the balance between inner and outer life, emphasizing the equal reality of both aspects. It discusses the importance of introspection for effective activism, critiques the societal expectation of...
Intention, Community, Thich Nhat Hanh, Culture
Feb 07 1991

Observing the Obvious: Embracing Life's Flow

Serial: EB-00089 The talk emphasizes the importance of "careful observation of the obvious" in both mundane activities and spiritual practice, such as meditation, to recognize fundamental truths and foster genuine experience and understanding....
Avalokitesvara, War, Peace, Observe, Yaoshan
Feb 03 1991

Truth Through Shared Practices

Serial: SF-01454A The talk delves into understanding truth through shared practices, emphasizing how various groups and cultures adopt different practices that shape their collective truth-seeking journey. It questions the universal applicability...
Attachment, Discrimination, Culture
Jan 23 1991

Everyday Mind as Zen Path

Serial: EB-00087 The talk discusses the importance of embracing "everyday mind" as central to Zen practice, emphasizing authenticity and presence over strategic or goal-oriented approaches. A political commentary critiques leaders who fail to...
Chanting, Thich Nhat Hanh, War, Offering, Lotus Sutra
Jan 10 1991

Everyday Zen: Authentic Presence Enriched

Serial: EB-00088 The talk explores Zen philosophy through the story of Nangaku and Baso, emphasizing the futility of pursuing enlightenment through meditation as a goal-oriented process. It discusses the strategic mindset and its limitations,...
Chanting, Thich Nhat Hanh, War, Offering, Lotus Sutra
Jan 10 1991

Zen Work: Blooming From Within

Serial: EB-00086 The talk explores the concept of work from a Zen perspective, emphasizing that real spiritual work involves self-reflection and addressing one's personal challenges. Through anecdotes and teachings, particularly the story of Zen...
Hyakujo, Offering, Hindrances, Gratitude
Jan 06 1991

Embracing Difficulties for Growth

Serial: EB-00084 The talk explores the themes of perception of good and bad experiences, particularly in meditation, emphasizing that challenging experiences often lead to personal growth. Through anecdotes, newspaper clippings, and references to...
Intention, Avalokitesvara, Forgiveness, Culture, Bowing
Dec 06 1990

Embracing Life's Unpredictable Dance

Serial: EB-00085 The talk explores themes of perception surrounding good and bad experiences, using meditation, personal anecdotes, and humor to illustrate the unpredictability of life and the value of confronting difficult situations. The...
Intention, Avalokitesvara, Forgiveness, Culture, Bowing
Dec 06 1990

Cultivating Compassionate Mindfulness Together

Serial: EB-00073 This talk centers on the concept of loving-kindness within Buddhist practice, discussing the nuances between compassion and loving-kindness and exploring various meditative practices associated with these qualities. It introduces...
Lovingkindness, Gratitude, Peace, Enemies, Observe
Nov 22 1990

Cultivating Compassion Through Buddhist Meditation

Serial: EB-00083 The talk explores the themes of compassion and loving-kindness within Buddhist meditation practices, highlighting methods such as non-verbal meditations alongside traditional prayers. Emphasis is placed on self-compassion as the...
Lovingkindness, Thich Nhat Hanh, Passions, Sixth Patriarch, Hindrances
Nov 22 1990

Deep Focus in a Distracting World

Serial: EB-00082 The talk explores the concept of concentration within Zen practice, focusing on the cultural and personal challenges of maintaining concentration in a distracting world. The speaker critiques modern society's tendency towards...
Concentration, Hindrances, Emptiness, Doubt, Delusion
Nov 08 1990

Jewel Mirror Samadhi

Serial: SF-00128 The talk centers on the interpretation of four lines from the poem "Song of the Precious Mirror Samadhi," discussing the metaphor of form and reflection as they relate to enlightenment and self-realization. It explores various...
Jewel Mirror Samadhi, Buddha Nature, Samadhi, Faith, Diversity, Soto Zen, Patience, Ego,...
Oct 24 1990

Crafting Inner Peace Through Reflection

Serial: EB-00081 The talk emphasizes the interconnectedness of art, spirituality, and personal growth through the allegory of doll-making, questioning objective reality, and introspection. Reflections on Zen practice, meditation, and overcoming...
Daily Life, Book of Serenity, Thich Nhat Hanh, Funeral
Sep 09 1990

Receiving the Precepts

Serial: SF-00061 One day sitting The main thesis of the talk is the exploration of the Zen precepts, emphasizing their role as a gateway to Zen practice and the nature of offering in sitting meditation. The discussion includes the concept of receiving precepts...
Precepts, Three Treasures, Repentance, Offering, Duality, Karma, Hindrances, Teacher-and-...
Aug 21 1990
Green Gulch Farm

Trust Your Inner Zen Compass

Serial: EB-00080 The talk centers on the concept of "trusting your own sensibilities" through a discussion of Zen master Nyogen Senzaki's teachings and Zen practices. The speaker illustrates this principle by sharing anecdotes and personal...
Sutra, Discrimination, Practice Period, Beginners
Aug 02 1990
Tassajara

The Joy of Inner Presence

Serial: EB-00079 The talk explores the concept of the "inmost request," drawing from Suzuki Roshi's teachings and emphasizing self-acceptance and intrinsic happiness over external validation or material success. It elaborates on the idea of...
Harmonizing, Money, Thich Nhat Hanh, Way-Seeking Mind, Concentration
Aug 01 1990

Wholehearted Engagement in Every Moment

Serial: EB-00078 The talk explores the themes of aspiration for enlightenment, the role of faith in experiencing life, and the importance of concentration and integrating emotions in Zen practice. Key elements include making a sincere effort to...
Concentration, Faith, Way-Seeking Mind, Passions
Jul 31 1990

Striving Amid Imperfect Paths

Serial: EB-00077 The talk explores the theme of "way-seeking mind" or the aspiration for enlightenment, using anecdotes, Zen teachings, and reflections on imperfection and persistence in spiritual practice. Through storytelling, it illustrates...
Way-Seeking Mind, Faith, Dragons, Commitment, Offering
Jul 29 1990

Presence Over Pursuit

Serial: EB-00076 This talk discusses the distinction between task involvement and ego involvement, emphasizing the idea that being present in the moment can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, as opposed to being driven by the pursuit of...
Passions, Ego, Lineage, Impermanence, Interview
Jul 01 1990

Embodied Enlightenment in Everyday Life

Serial: SF-06998 The talk explores Dogen's discourse on Buddha nature, emphasizing the idea that Buddha nature itself creates conditions conducive to its realization and expression. The practice of Soto Zen, as discussed, focuses on Genjo—the...
Peace, Rinzai, Letting Go, Tassajara
Jul 1990

Finding Joy in Zazen Practice

Serial: EB-00074 The talk centers on exploring the practice of Zazen, emphasizing its joyful aspect as expressed in Dogen's teachings. It delves into the concept of Ji-Ji-Yu Samadhi, described as self-enjoyed Samadhi, and the importance of...
Ordinary Mind, Heart Sutra, Concentration, Samadhi, Sutra
Jun 04 1990

Sincerity and Simplicity in Zen Practice

Serial: SF-01443 The talk discusses the importance of practicing sincerity and practical simplicity within Zen practice, emphasizing the value of working with minimal resources. It refers to the role of the Tenzo (head cook) as an example of...
Community, Tenzo, Offering
May 26 1990

Everyday Enlightenment in Zen Moments

Serial: SF-01442 The talk focuses on the practice of everyday enlightenment within Zen, exploring how simple actions and mindful engagement in daily tasks can lead to enlightenment. The discussion emphasizes the teachings of Dogen, particularly...
Tenzo, Buddhism, Daily Life
May 25 1990

Zen's Dance of Teacher and Student

Serial: EB-00072 The talk explores the interconnected roles of teacher and student within Zen practice, emphasizing that both roles are crucial for each other's existence. The discourse touches upon personal anecdotes and dialogues with various...
Way-Seeking Mind, Realization, Thich Nhat Hanh, Avalokitesvara
Apr 19 1990

Embracing the Now in Zen

Serial: EB-00071 The talk explores the theme of expectation and contentment in Zen practice, emphasizing the notion of non-attachment to outcomes. Drawing on various anecdotes, including the story of an encounter between the Buddha and a...
Religion, Demons, Liberation, Lovingkindness
Jan 27 1990

Taking Refuge

Serial: SF-00062 The talk centers on the practice of taking refuge in the Buddhist triple treasures—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—emphasizing its role as a foundational entry point into the Zen tradition. The speaker underscores that taking refuge...
Sangha, Three Treasures, Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Precepts, Transmission, Lineage,...
Jan 10 1990

Awakening Through Zens Living Lessons

Serial: EB-00075 The talk explores the dynamic and interdependent relationship between teacher and student in the context of Zen practice. It emphasizes the teacher's role in awakening the "way-seeking mind" in students, encouraging self-...
Way-Seeking Mind, Realization, Thich Nhat Hanh, Religion
1990

Dzogchen Teachings

Serial: SF-00109 The talk discusses Dzogchen teachings and explores the concepts of consciousness, free will, compassion, and enlightenment within the context of Tibetan Buddhism. It examines the integration of method and wisdom in both Sutra and...
Emptiness, Realization, Commitment, Transmission, Religion, Mandala, Lineage, Enemies,...
Oct 08 1989
4
San Jose

Dzogchen Teachings

Serial: SF-00111 The talk centers on the Dzogchen teachings and the importance of altruism and compassion, emphasizing the development of pure motivation in both teaching and learning. It delves into the non-conceptual essence of the original...
Transmission, Four Noble Truths, Doubt, Peace, Don't Know Mind, Daily Life, Gratitude,...
Oct 08 1989
1
San Jose

Dzogchen Teachings

Serial: SF-00112 The talk elaborates on the complexities of Dzogchen teachings, emphasizing the relationships between consciousness, suffering, and the mind. It discusses the nuanced views among different Buddhist schools on the nature of the...
Liberation, Delusion, Transmission, Peace, Karma, Four Noble Truths, Subject-and-Object,...
Oct 08 1989
2
San Jose

Transformation of Consciousness

Serial: SF-00113 Forum Dialogue This dialogue addresses the dire state of the world, highlighting ecological, social, and spiritual crises. It emphasizes the need to balance modern technological capabilities with ancient wisdom traditions, specifically Tibetan...
Freedom, Balance, Peace, New Year, Attachment, Enthusiasm, Happiness, Doubt, Enemies...
Oct 1989
1

Journey to Non-Dual Enlightenment

Serial: SF-01386 The talk explores the Zen ox-herding pictures as a progression model illustrating a Zen student's spiritual journey from initial awareness of a missing element in life to enlightenment. It emphasizes that each stage of practice...
Faith, Enlightenment, Practice Period
Sep 16 1989

Transcending Duality Through Zen Paradoxes

Serial: SF-01389 The talk delves into the fundamental Zen dilemma concerning the nature of birth and death, emphasizing how existential inquiries underpin daily life challenges. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on a koan about a...
Daily Life, difficulty, Koan
Sep 11 1989

Journeying Through Spiritual Awakening Paths

Serial: EB-00070 The talk primarily addresses the transitioning life phases of an individual with deep spiritual connections and strong healing abilities. This person is encouraged to pursue non-conventional learning paths in healing arts, such...
Thich Nhat Hanh, Desire, Money, Karma, Ego
Aug 28 1989

Transcending Duality: Inner Zen Journey

Serial: EB-00069 The talk explores the Zen concept "Mind itself is Buddha," emphasizing the need to transcend the duality of the world of differences and sameness. It discusses the paradox of seeking spiritual practice and its inherent challenges...
Thich Nhat Hanh, Letting Go, Buddha Mind, Baso, Faith
Aug 27 1989

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00959 The talk explores the profound experience and significance of zazen (sitting meditation) as both a communal and individual practice. It emphasizes embracing the "ache in the heart," connecting personal experience to broader...
Buddha Nature, Liberation, Suzuki Roshi, Blue Cliff Record, Zazen, Samadhi, Harmonizing, Mill...
Jul 09 1989
Green Gulch Farm

Unity Through Zen's Fundamental Doubt

Serial: SF-01441 The talk explores the nature of duality and non-duality in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency throughout one's practice, much like playing a musical piece from beginning to end. It addresses the...
Doubt, Discrimination, Shuso
Jun 14 1989

Embodying Enlightenment Through Daily Awareness

Serial: SF-00054 The talk explores "The Eight Great Awarenesses of an Enlightened Being," focusing on Buddha's last teaching before entering parinirvana. Emphasis is placed on integrating these practices into daily life, and how they represent...
Renunciation, Zazen Mind, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Concentration, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony,...
May 18 1989
Tassajara

Science and Spirit: A Unified Journey

Serial: SF-00049 Sunday lecture The talk explores the relationship between spiritual teachings and scientific thought, focusing on the personal journey from entertaining to delving into deeper Dharma. This involves a reflection on the significance of scientific...
Emptiness, Liberation, Suzuki Roshi, Heart Sutra, Religion, Vow, Funeral, Observe, Hindrances...
May 07 1989
Green Gulch Farm

Transcending Hindrances Through Compassion

Serial: SF-00149 The talk explores concepts from the Heart Sutra, emphasizing the notion that the mind can transcend hindrances, resulting in the absence of fear. It delves into the "thought coverings" or "avarana" outlined in Buddhist philosophy...
Subject-and-Object, Hindrances, Emptiness, Hate, Nirvana, Gratitude, Offering, Delusion,...
May 06 1989

Present Moment, Profound Connection

Serial: EB-00001 The talk discusses the significance of direct engagement with the present moment and the phenomena around us, emphasizing how meditation helps in relating directly to experiences rather than avoiding them through attachment,...
Attachment, Delusion, Death, Posture, Culture
Apr 22 1989

Breathing Joy into Mindfulness

Serial: SF-01397 The talk explores the integration of joy and happiness in meditation practice, emphasizing the necessity of cultivating a joyful presence through breath awareness. It delves into the Anapanasati Sutta, highlighting how breath...
Breath, Happiness, Anger
Apr 04 1989

Resolve and Sincerity on the Path

Serial: EB-00067 This talk critically examines the journey to enlightenment undertaken by Buddha, emphasizing the pivotal role of resolve and sincerity, depicted as key characteristics of both Buddha and the influential historical figure, Suzuki...
Separation, Commitment, Sutra, Enthusiasm, Desire
Mar 19 1989

Kindness: The Heart of Buddhist Practice

Serial: EB-00066 The talk explores the theme of kindness and its pivotal role in Buddhist practice, contrasting it with the often-emphasized pursuit of enlightenment or realization. The discussion underscores the significance of practicing...
Observe, Emotions, Equanimity, Offering, Peace
Dec 18 1988

Embrace Simplicity, Find Presence

Serial: EB-00065 The talk centers around embracing simplicity and presence in everyday experiences, drawing on a story about the Zen teacher Ikkyu and contrasting approaches to life and practice. It emphasizes the futility of seeking profound...
Culture, Religion, Conversation, Tozan, Composure
Sep 25 1988

Embodying Selflessness Through Zen Practices

Serial: SF-01382 The talk explores the advanced stages of Zen practice where self-cultivation evolves into actions benefitting all beings, emphasizing four Bodhisattva practices: generosity, kind speech, beneficial action, and identity action....
Giving, Bodhisattva, Generosity
Sep 18 1988

Harmony Through Zen's Maturing Path

Serial: SF-01381 This talk examines the progression in Zen practice from self-cultivation to universal harmony, emphasizing the maturity of the bodhisattva path characterized by the four methods of benefiting beings: generosity, kind speech,...
Giving, Bodhisattva, Generosity
Sep 18 1988

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00958 The talk focuses on the theme of addressing suffering and avoidance through Zen practices, exploring gratitude within families, and considering the historical and evolving role of women in Buddhism. It uses the story of Tungshan...
Buddha Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Mindfulness, Peace, Karma, Demons, Mill Valley, Cultivation...
Aug 14 1988
San Francisco Zen Center

Mindful Liberation Through Not Knowing

Serial: EB-00064 This talk explores the concept of mindfulness as independent from external objects, touching on the themes of kindness, generosity, patience, and the liberation of experiencing the world without preconceived notions. Through...
Hate, Thich Nhat Hanh, Letting Go, Enemies, Bowing
Aug 04 1988

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