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Title Speaker Date

Open Doors: The Zen of Concentration

Serial: EB-00102 This talk explores the Zen concept of concentration through the metaphor of a "home," highlighting the importance of opening oneself to all experiences rather than creating boundaries. By comparing narrow focus and exclusionary...
Realization, Concentration, Thich Nhat Hanh, Interview
Jun 13 1991

Finding Home Through Inner Stillness

Serial: EB-00099 The talk delves into the concept of finding one's psychological and spiritual "home" through meditation by exploring the idea of home in different contexts. It covers the five skandhas (form, feeling, perception, mental...
Heart Sutra, Emotions
Jun 06 1991

Investing Wisely Amidst Market Cycles

Serial: EB-00100 This talk covers a wide range of investment topics and strategies from notable figures in the money management and economic analysis field, including discussions on asset management, stress management, and economic forecasts. Key...
Diversity, Interview, Money, War
Jun 1991

Finding Home in Emptiness

Serial: EB-00097 This talk explores the concept of "home" as a meditation metaphor towards one's true nature, encompassing a detailed discussion of the five skandhas: form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness. The analysis of these...
Heart Sutra, Emotions
May 29 1991

Gatekeeping Illusions: Discovering True Self

Serial: EB-00098 The talk explores the concept of "home" in the context of meditation and self-awareness, using the analogy of being a gatekeeper at a palace to suggest observation and understanding of the self. The discussion delves into the...
Heart Sutra, Emotions
May 29 1991

Harmony in the Three Treasures

Serial: SF-01474 The talk primarily addresses the significance of the first three precepts in Zen practice: taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It explores the varying interpretations and manifestations of these precepts, emphasizing...
Sangha, Three Treasures, Buddha Nature
May 29 1991

Inherent Path of Mindful Presence

Serial: EB-00096 The discussion examines the Zen concept that individuals are inherently within the spiritual path, highlighted through the teachings of Dogen and experiences from a meditation retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh. It emphasizes the...
Thich Nhat Hanh, Don't Know Mind, Sangha, Samsara
May 12 1991

Mumonkan Case 10

Serial: SF-00046 Seizei lonely and destitute. The talk analyzes Mumonkan's Case 10, examining the interactions between Seizei and Sozang to explore themes of spiritual poverty and the contrasting interpretations of solitude within Zen practice. The discussion delves into the...
Enthusiasm, Priest, Sanctuary, Sangha, Buddha Nature, Faith, Soto Zen, Balance, Zazen...
Apr 28 1991
Green Gulch Farm

Buddha's Mother saves Tibet

Serial: SF-00012 The talk discusses the transformative potential of embracing universal compassion and interconnectedness, citing the story of Maya, Buddha's mother, to emphasize the creative and sustaining power of feminine wisdom. It explores...
Delusion, Balance, Samsara, Liberation, Freedom, Concentration, Don't Know Mind...
Apr 14 1991
Green Gulch Farm

World Peace Through Compassion and Non-Violence

Serial: SF-00110 The talk presents a vision of achieving world peace through compassion and non-violence, emphasizing the necessity of inner peace as a precursor to external peace. The discussion outlines historical perspectives on Tibet's...
Non-violence, Happiness, Freedom, Politics, Hate, Patience, Greed, Anger
Apr 09 1991

Zen Paths Between Rituals and Life

Serial: EB-00092 The talk revolves around the interplay between ritual space and everyday life, examining how individuals can navigate life without being overly dependent on either structured practices or worldly achievements. It emphasizes the...
Greed, Daily Life, Samsara, Balance, War
Mar 10 1991

Balancing Desires and Life's Uncertainty

Serial: EB-00093 The talk explores the complex question of "What shall I do?" by examining the tensions between personal desires and worldly responsibilities, the pursuit of happiness without engagement, and the balance between ritualistic...
Greed, Daily Life, Samsara, Balance, War
Mar 10 1991

Embracing Life's Unpredictable Journey

Serial: EB-00094 The talk addresses the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties with the concept of mindful presence, examining how people often seek answers to questions about managing emotions and behaviors in a world filled with...
Greed, Daily Life, Samsara, Balance, War
Mar 10 1991

Goodwill in Action: A Buddhist Perspective

Serial: SF-00150 The talk focuses on the concept of goodwill as a Buddhist practice, using children's participation to illustrate its importance. Goodwill is presented as an essential thought with the power to inspire action and effect change, as...
Suzuki Roshi, Priest, Zazen, Fundraising, Doubt, Lineage, Tassajara
Mar 02 1991

Mindful Pathways to Overcome Suffering

Serial: EB-00090 The talk presents an exploration of core Buddhist teachings, starting with the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing the understanding and management of suffering through right intention and mindfulness as outlined in the Eightfold Path...
Desire, Causation, Balance
Feb 22 1991

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...
Desire, Causation, 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...
Community, Thich Nhat Hanh
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, Yaoshan
Feb 03 1991

Intrinsic Actions and Zen Insight

Serial: SF-01454A The talk explores the nature of Zen awareness with a focus on the intrinsic value of actions and insight beyond external validation. It examines how understanding one's actions contributes to personal growth and connection,...
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, 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, 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...
Gratitude, Hindrances, Hyakujo
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...
Avalokitesvara, Forgiveness, 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...
Avalokitesvara, Forgiveness, 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
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, Hui-neng, 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, Duality, Karma, Hindrances, Teacher-and-Student,...
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...
Beginners, Discrimination, Practice Period
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
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
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...
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...
Rinzai, 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
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
May 26 1990

Everyday Zen: Enlightenment in Routine

Serial: SF-01442 The talk focuses on the concept of everyday enlightenment within Zen philosophy, specifically examining how ordinary actions and habitual practices embody profound teachings. It discusses the importance of integrating practice...
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...
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
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, Mandala, Lineage, Cultivation...
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, Don't Know Mind, Daily Life, Gratitude, Happiness...
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, Karma, Four Noble Truths, Subject-and-Object, Happiness,...
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, New Year, Attachment, Enthusiasm, Happiness, Doubt
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, 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

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