The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

The Human Encounter with Death

Serial: SF-00114 The talk explores experiences with death and dying, emphasizing work conducted at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center involving LSD as an adjunct to psychotherapy for terminally ill patients. The speaker reflects on the...
Conversation, Intimacy, Letting Go, Death-and-Dying, Beginners, Enthusiasm, Faith, Emotions,...
Oct 11 1981
1 and 2 of 3
City Center

Poetry, Love, and Spiritual Rebellion

Serial: SF-00104 This talk explores the intersection of personal experiences, particularly sexual orientation, with poetry, art, and spirituality. The integration of intimate relationships and artistic expression, notably inspired by experiences...
Emptiness, Conversation, Addiction, Commitment, Balance, Chanting, Ordinary Mind, Lay,...
Sep 28 1981

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00098 This talk explores the integration of feminism and Zen Buddhism, primarily within the context of the Diamond Sangha, focusing on gender dynamics and ritual practices. Emphasis is placed on reevaluating the use of traditional...
Ceremony, Lotus Sutra, Silence, Anger, Passions, Offering, Balance, Doubt, Peace...
Aug 14 1981
3

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00099 The talk examines the integration of feminism and Buddhism within the Diamond Sangha, highlighting efforts to reconcile feminist perspectives with traditional Zen practices. It discusses the challenges of embodying Zen teachings...
Emptiness, Liberation, Heart Sutra, Vow, Sangha, Lay, Lineage, Enemies
Aug 14 1981
2

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00100 The talk examines the integration of feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha, focusing on how feminist perspectives have been introduced into Zen practice. Issues such as the gender-neutral adaptation of sutras, redefining...
Emptiness, Realization, Heart Sutra, Monastic Practice, Sangha, Lay, Separation, Lineage...
Aug 14 1981
1

Dining Room class

Serial: SF-00133 The talk focuses on elucidating the mainstream Christian tradition by examining the central theological concept that "God speaks," positioning this within a comparative framework with Buddhist teachings. It introduces three...
Silence, Current Events, Religion, Monastic Practice, Faith, Sanctuary, Fox, Patience, Balance...
Jun 14 1981
1
Tassajara

Embodied Zen and Conscious Community

Serial: RB-00403 The June 1981 talk discusses the role of physical communication in Zen practice, emphasizing its importance only when students are prepared to understand it. The discussion transitions to how conscious awareness and the energy...
Culture, Work, Community
Jun 1981

Zen Community Principles and Practice

Serial: RB-00404 The main thesis of the June 1981 talk, identified as Serial No. 00404, centers on the evolution and principles underlying the Zen Center community, emphasizing practice, stability, community dynamics, and the philosophical...
Community, Time, Buddhism
Jun 1981

Zen Community: Balancing Self and Sangha

Serial: RB-00405 Summary The discussion primarily revolves around the Zen Center's formation, community structure, and interdependence principles derived from Zen practice. Zen practice is exemplified through the daily meditation routine coined...
Community, Time, Buddhism
Jun 1981

The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom

Serial: SF-00007B Reading of Dr Edward Conze's translation - this is after 00007A and separate from it. The talk conducts a detailed reading and analysis of Dr. Edward Conze’s translation of "The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom," specifically from the section titled "The Great Enlightenment," highlighting the unceasing and boundary-...
Perfect Wisdom, Concentration, Karma, Anger, Evil
Apr 25 1980

Everyday Zazen: Mindful Living Art

Serial: KR-00144 This talk explores the practice of zazen, emphasizing its integration into daily life as an essential art, akin to regular daily clothing rather than formal wear. The speaker stresses the importance of fundamental practices for...
Breath, Posture, Compassion, Discrimination, Meditation, Causation, Beginners, confusion, Hate...
Dec 21 1979

Embrace Reality Through Simple Breath

Serial: KR-00145 The talk focuses on the importance of maintaining genuine mindfulness in daily practice, emphasizing the simplicity of focusing on the breath without distraction. It argues that overcomplicating this focus by labeling or...
Breath, Concentration
Dec 21 1979

Shikantaza: The Art of Just Sitting

Serial: KR-00143 The talk emphasizes the practice of "Shikantaza" (just sitting) as articulated by Dogen Zenji, highlighting the importance of engaging in Zen practice without clinging to concepts or goals such as enlightenment. The speaker...
Buddha Mind, Intimacy, Mindfulness, Anger, Emotions
Dec 19 1979

Zen Harmony: Body, Mind, Universe

Serial: KR-00142 The talk discusses Zen practice, specifically focusing on the concepts within Dogen Zenji's teachings, emphasizing the practice of Zazen as "Sanzang," and the importance of simplicity, quietness, and body-mind unity. The...
Breath, confusion, Evil, Precepts, Beginners, Happiness, Emotions, Interview, Observe, Posture...
Dec 18 1979

Beyond Thought: Embrace Zen Intuition

Serial: KR-00139 The talk emphasizes the importance of moving beyond intellectual understanding to engage in Zen practice that cultivates an intuitive, direct experience of reality. It explores how judgment and conceptual thought can distance...
Pain, Intuition, Consciousness, Realization, Beginners, Subject-and-Object, Don't Know...
Dec 17 1979

Beginner's Mind, Boundless Possibility

Serial: KR-00140 The talk examines the concept of Shoshin or "beginner's mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing its significance in fostering motivation, aspiration, and enlightenment. The speaker likens beginner's mind to an inner freedom where the...
Buddha Mind, Beginners, Emotions, Instruction, Consciousness, Posture, Ceremony, Delusion,...
Dec 16 1979

Zazen's Symphony of Pure Practice

Serial: KR-00141 The talk delves into the four norms of Zazen practice, emphasizing its intrinsic perfect nature and its role as the Dharma vehicle. The discussion explores Dogen Zenji's teachings, including the interconnectedness in Zazen...
Emotions, Subject-and-Object, confusion, Meditation, Oneness, Happiness, Consciousness,...
Dec 14 1979

Unity of Practice and Realization

Serial: KR-00136 The talk explores the essential teachings of Zen practice, emphasizing "The King of Samadhis Samadhi" as crucial for understanding Dogen's concept of Shikan Taza in the Shobo Genzo. The speaker analyzes the Fukan Zazengi,...
Realization, Delusion, Samadhi, Enemies, Instruction, Oneness, Discrimination, Consciousness...
Dec 13 1979

Mountains of Mindful Unity

Serial: KR-00137 The talk explores the concept of universal interconnectedness and the necessity of perceiving reality without the distortion of personal biases or emotions, highlighting the teachings of Dogen on true effort and the emancipating...
Concentration, Emotions, Right Effort, Separation, Realization, Suffering, Oneness, Breath,...
Dec 13 1979

Unity Within the Present Moment

Serial: KR-00138 The talk delves into the profound teachings of Zen, particularly focusing on Dogen's text "Shikantaza" and its connection to the "King of Samaritans." The main theme highlights the intrinsic perfection and omnipresence of the way...
Realization, Concentration, Buddha Nature, Right Effort, Building, Subject-and-Object, Samadhi...
Dec 13 1979

Shikantaza: Living Beyond Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00134 This talk delves into Dogen Zenji's work "Fukan Zazengi," exploring its purpose and philosophical underpinnings. The discussion emphasizes that "Shikantaza" (just sitting) should not be seen as a means to enlightenment but as an...
Realization, Consciousness, Breath, Oneness, Lineage, Don't Know Mind, Transmission, Lay...
Dec 12 1979

Living Zen in Every Moment

Serial: RB-00623 The talk explores the concept that Zen practice requires one to focus on the present and avoid clinging to past experiences or seeking validation. Zen is described as a way of living that involves complete immersion in the...
Study, Practice, Consciousness
Dec 06 1979

Inner Change Outer Revolution

Serial: RB-00622 This talk addresses themes of change, interdependence, and practical applications of Buddhist principles, focusing on the concept of samsara and how individual transformation can lead to a better society. Reflection on historical...
Buddhism, Zazen, Samsara
Dec 05 1979

The Weight of Emptiness in Zen

Serial: RB-00621 The talk expounds on the inherent pessimism in Buddhist philosophy, particularly its view on suffering (samsara) and the absence of inherent meaning in life's events. The discussion references the Mahayana concept of emptiness,...
Buddha Nature, Practice, Buddha
Dec 04 1979

Embodying Zen in Daily Life

Serial: RB-00620 The central thesis of the talk addresses the practice of Zen and the embodiment of its principles in daily life. The discussion spans from the importance and practical application of dharmakaya (the ultimate reality or truth body...
Buddha Nature, Time, Practice Period
Dec 03 1979

Beyond Duality in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00619 The talk explores the concept of subtle differences in Zen practice and understanding, particularly focusing on the idea of 'a hair's breadth difference' as highlighted in various koans. It examines the tension between order and...
Time, Koan, Work
Dec 02 1979

Boundless Perception: A Zen Unity

Serial: RB-00618 The talk explores the Zen concept of interconnected perception, emphasizing the absence of perceived gaps in understanding, similar to perceiving the world as a unified golden entity. It discusses Dogen's views on the "secret...
Practice, Buddha, Buddhism
Nov 16 1979

Zen in Everyday Moments

Serial: RB-00615 The talk discusses various aspects of everyday Zen practice and its integration into daily life. Key points include comparisons between Japanese and American bathing customs, methods for managing children's fevers using non-...
Time, Zazen, Practice
Nov 14 1979

Land, Suffering, and Spiritual Synergy

Serial: RB-00614 The talk focuses on the practical and philosophical implications of land acquisition, Buddhism's key teachings on suffering and desire, and the idea of mutual understanding (sangha) versus individual intellectual pursuit. It...
Buddha, Time, Suffering
Nov 04 1979

Zen Stories: Pathways to Enlightenment

Serial: RB-00613 The talk explores Zen teachings, emphasizing the metaphorical use of Zen stories and parables to illustrate aspects of enlightenment and self-understanding. Key references include Dogen's poem "Black Rain on the Roof," the story...
Buddhism, Fox, Enlightenment
Nov 03 1979
Tassajara

Descriptions and Realizations Unveiled

Serial: RB-00612 The talk revolves around the complexities of financial management and accounting within an organization, using metaphors and analogies to explore how descriptions shape our understanding and actions. The discussion then...
Posture, Time, Buddhism
Nov 02 1979

Honoring Feminine Energy in Zen

Serial: RB-00190 The talk on October 27th, 1979, covers several topics including the acquisition of a Tara statue for the altar of the Zen Center to honor feminine energy and the financial challenges associated with it. Furthermore, the talk also...
Time, Practice, Buddha
Oct 27 1979

Title: Zen Practice Through Tara's Grace

Serial: RB-00611 The talk revolves around acquiring a Tara statue to bolster the representation of feminine energy in the Zen Center's religious artifacts. It explains the logistical and financial challenges faced in obtaining the statue,...
Time, Practice, Buddha
Oct 27 1979

The Four Truths

Serial: SF-00009 The talk explores the Mangala Sutta as a foundation for understanding the Buddhist path to the highest bliss, which varies depending on individual perspectives and social consciousness. The Sutta emphasizes ethical conduct,...
Happiness, Four Noble Truths, Religion, New Year, Don't Know Mind, Gratitude, Vinaya,...
Oct 21 1979

Being Straight Ahead in Zen

Serial: RB-00610 The main thesis of the talk is the elucidation of the concept of "straight ahead" from a well-known Zen story as a metaphor for practicing Zen by responding to the phenomenal world with "tenseless being" and...
Buddhism, Time, Practice
Oct 02 1979

Nurturing Buddha Nature Within Reality

Serial: RB-00189 The talk focuses on the nature and purpose of Zen practice, highlighting the difference between training and practice within Buddhist traditions. It emphasizes the understanding of Buddha nature and inherent teachings as opposed...
Practice, Buddhism, Buddha Nature
Oct 01 1979

Compassion in Adversity

Serial: RB-00609 The talk from October 1st, 1979, centers on the profound humanness and simplicity of a prominent spiritual figure, emphasizing compassion amidst personal and collective adversities. The discussion highlights the individual's...
Time, Compassion, Practice
Oct 01 1979

Selflessness and Rilke: Perceiving Pure Existence

Serial: KR-00133 The talk explores Buddhist practice, emphasizing selflessness and its role in perceiving reality as it truly is, rather than being filtered through individual ego and confusion. Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry is used to highlight...
confusion, Hate, Subject-and-Object, Community, Consciousness, Intuition, Beginners, Breath,...
Sep 05 1979

Breath and the Nature of Change

Serial: RB-00608 The lecture discusses the fundamental principles of Buddhism with a focus on the nature of change and the importance of breathing in practice. It differentiates between unnoticed and noticed change, emphasizing that the act of...
Buddhism, Breath, Practice
Aug 15 1979

Zen Actions: Embracing Imperfection and Insight

Serial: RB-00607 The talk revolves around the complex and often controversial teachings related to the 63rd koan from the Blue Cliff Records concerning Nansen's story of killing a cat. The discussion emphasizes the multifaceted interpretation of...
Time, Japan, Koan
Apr 06 1979

Objectless Seeing in Everyday Life

Serial: RB-00606 The talk explores the concept of dharma in Buddhism, emphasizing its mysterious and elusive nature, and argues that it goes beyond mere conceptual frameworks. It discusses the idea that everyday life itself is the teaching,...
Buddhism, Time, Koan
Apr 05 1979

Zazen and Everyday Mindfulness

Serial: RB-00605 This talk focuses on the practical and philosophical aspects of Zen practice, particularly emphasizing the physical practice of zazen (seated meditation) as essential for achieving true Zen understanding. The discussion covers...
Zazen, Religion, Practice
Apr 04 1979

Living Zen Without Images

Serial: RB-00604 The talk discusses the practice and philosophy of imageless Zen, emphasizing a consistent, gapless practice without reliance on images or concepts. Examples include stories from Zen masters and personal anecdotes to illustrate...
Practice, Time, Japan
Apr 03 1979

Zen Presence in Modern Life

Serial: RB-00603 The main thesis of the talk emphasizes the importance of being fully present in one's current state and place as the fundamental basis for Zen practice. Key points include reflections on Dogen's teachings, particularly the...
Time, Concentration, Zazen
Apr 02 1979

Mindfulness Amid Nuclear Challenges

Serial: RB-00602 The talk discusses the importance of concentration during sāsīn, tying the theme to recent events at the Harrisburg nuclear plant and broader environmental and social issues. It explores the idea of creating alternatives and...
Buddha, Work, War
Apr 01 1979

Zen Pathways to Inner Transformation

Serial: RB-00617 The talk explores the Zen practice of meditation and koans as a path to a transformative inner experience akin to a sophisticated form of shamanism, emphasizing the importance of mad intention and concentration. It discusses the...
Buddha, Practice, Time
Apr 01 1979

Zen Alchemy: Natural Transformation

Serial: RB-00601 The central theme of this talk revolves around the metaphorical comparison of Zen practice to fermentation and distillation, drawing parallels between spiritual transformation and the alchemical processes of turning simple...
Practice, Breath, Buddhism
Mar 16 1979

Embracing Suchness: Path to Wisdom

Serial: KR-00116 The talk focuses on the Zen concept of "Nyoze," expressing the nature of wisdom through ten attributes of truth or suchness, as outlined in the Dharmapundarika Sutra. The discussion elaborates on practicing wisdom by integrating...
Greed, Evil, Pain, Bell, Beginners, Anger, Ceremony, Hate, Building
Mar 09 1979

Navigating Life with Stout Wisdom

Serial: KR-00117 The talk focuses on the metaphor of a "stout boat," representing true wisdom and its capability to navigate the challenges of life, including aging, sickness, and death. It emphasizes the continuous practice of Zazen as a means...
Eight Awarenesses, Liberation, Delusion, Discrimination, Realization
Mar 09 1979

Cultivating Wisdom Through Zen Practice

Serial: KR-00131 The talk explores the concept of practicing or cultivating wisdom within Zen philosophy, focusing on the idea of "shugyo," translated as refined and regulated action. It delves into the complexity of wisdom, which is developed...
Greed, Evil, Realization, Commitment, Beginners, Anger, Community, Discrimination, Compassion...
Mar 09 1979

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