The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Kozai and the Dance of Duality

Serial: KR-00126 The talk investigates the concept of kozai in Zen, emphasizing its dualistic aspects and its connection to fundamental Buddhist teachings. It explores the story between Hyakujo and a transformed fox, illustrating the relationship...
Fox, Breath, Bowing, Funeral, Conversation, Nirvana, Discrimination, Hate
Mar 01 1979

Harmonious Being Through Zen Presence

Serial: KR-00108 The talk delves into the Zen concepts of "shobo" and "dharma," emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and a correct posture in meditation as essential for achieving a harmonious state of being. It stresses returning to...
Hindrances, Posture, Balance, Teacher-and-Student, Realization, Samadhi, Oneness, Breath,...
Feb 28 1979

Awakening Through Harmonious Living

Serial: KR-00109 The talk discusses the concept of understanding and practicing the "right dharma" by integrating oneself with objects, exemplified by becoming one with a bicycle. Emphasis is placed on practicing under the guidance of a teacher,...
Eight Awarenesses, Enemies, Transmission, Silence, Emotions
Feb 28 1979

Embodied Zen: Practice and Presence

Serial: KR-00119 The talk explores the concept of "Shobo Genzo," focusing on "gen," "ai," and "zo" as facets of right Dharma practice in Zen. The practice of correct posture, the significance of maintaining mental and physical balance, and the...
Samadhi, Posture, Hindrances
Feb 28 1979

Pedaling into Dharma Harmony

Serial: KR-00122 The talk focuses on the concept of understanding "right dharma" and the path to achieving unity with one's practice, exemplified through the metaphor of riding a bicycle. This understanding is crucial for practicing with a "clear...
Eight Awarenesses, Enemies, Intention, Transmission, Silence, Emotions, Building...
Feb 28 1979

Embodying Timeless Zen Presence

Serial: KR-00107 The talk examines the nature of Buddha-nature and causality, as outlined in Zen teachings, with a focus on Dogen's perspectives. It explains the dual aspects of Buddha-nature and causality as both not falling into and not setting...
Buddha, Time, Practice
Feb 27 1979

Embracing Causality Through Buddha Nature

Serial: KR-00118 The talk discusses the dual aspects of Buddha Nature, emphasizing how truth manifests both as Buddha Nature and non-Buddha Nature, similarly addressing emptiness and causality. By using examples from the Shobogenzo's Daishugyo...
Consciousness, Realization, Funeral, Karma, Pain, Bell
Feb 27 1979

Awakening Through Zen Integration

Serial: KR-00105 The talk introduces the Zen practice of Shobo Gendo Hachidai Ningaku, the Eight Awarenesses of the Enlightened Person, and its roots in the Nirvana Sutra and Dogen's writings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the...
Compassion, Eight Awarenesses, Posture, Consciousness, Balance, Evil, Mahayana, Culture, Anger...
Feb 26 1979

Harmony in Motion: Zen Practices

Serial: KR-00106 The central theme of this talk is the concept of "touched down" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of having the physical and mental state in harmony during activities such as zazen, gassho, and walking. It highlights...
Commitment, Vow, Community, Evil
Feb 26 1979

Awakening Through Dharma Transmission

Serial: KR-00120 The talk explores the eight awarenesses of an enlightened person as outlined in the Shobo Genzo by Dogen Zenji, emphasizing how this ties into the Mahayana version of the Nirvana Sutra. It discusses the concept of "Shobo Genzo,"...
Eight Awarenesses, Compassion, Balance, Posture, Consciousness, Nirvana, Evil, Mahayana,...
Feb 26 1979

Zen Balance in Body and Mind

Serial: KR-00123 The talk discusses the practice of Zen, emphasizing the importance of correct posture and actions in zazen, gassho, and bowing as expressions of egolessness and appreciation for existence. The idea of "touched down" and "right...
Eight Awarenesses, Commitment, difficulty
Feb 26 1979

Zen Serenity in Wild Places

Serial: RB-00599 The talk begins with a discussion on Hanshan's poetry, emphasizing the deep serenity found in nature's wild and daunting places and relating it to the practice of Zen. It continues with reflections on individual independence and...
Time, Practice, Breath
Feb 16 1979

Zen Practice: Incense and Insight

Serial: RB-00594 The talk on January 31st, 1979, Serial No. 00594, focuses on practical aspects of incense burning in Zen practice, shares a personal anecdote about the life and contributions of a relative, and discusses a complex legal and...
Time, Shikantaza, Buddha
Jan 31 1979

Transcending Ambivalence Through Zen

Serial: RB-00592 The main thesis of the talk is the exploration of ambivalence in the context of Zen practice and life. It discusses how individuals experience, manage, and ultimately transcend ambivalence through sustained awareness, the...
Practice, Buddha, Time
Jan 26 1979

Zen in Everyday Moments

Serial: RB-00598 The discussion highlights the integration of Zen practice into daily life, emphasizing the necessity of thorough engagement with each act to realize deeper continuity and understanding. The practice period at Tassajara serves as...
Time, Tassajara, Buddhism
Jan 23 1979

Living the Bodhisattva Path

Serial: RB-00632 The talk navigates various aspects of the Buddhist practice, focusing on the practical application of Bodhisattva vows and the nature of enlightened experience characterized by perceiving universals through observable particulars...
Practice, Buddhism, Love
Dec 07 1978

Radical Privacy in Yogic Perception

Serial: RB-00631 The talk delves into the concept of yogic perception, emphasizing the radical privacy and intimacy involved in such direct, non-conceptual perception. The narrative references the four jhanas, paramitas, and various Buddhist...
Buddhism, Time, Practice
Dec 06 1978

Awakening Through Zen Conjunction

Serial: RB-00635 The talk explores the challenges and inherent value of practicing Zen in a structured community, emphasizing the transformative process of engaging with one's circumstances and distractions. It examines the philosophical...
Time, Buddha, Hyakujo
Dec 05 1978

Seeing Beyond the Sitting Self

Serial: RB-00637 The talk discusses the Zen teaching story of Matsu and Nanaku, focusing on the futility of seeking to become a Buddha through sitting alone, and the concept of "formless absorption" as an essential part of practice. The...
Buddha, Time, Practice
Dec 04 1978

Embracing the Interconnected Self

Serial: RB-00638 The central thesis of the talk is the concept of "the pattern that connects" and its role in Zen practice, emphasizing the need for interconnectedness and the dangers of ego, which is seen as a closed system. The...
Ego, Practice, Effort
Dec 03 1978

Beyond Meaning: Embracing Zen's Flow

Serial: RB-00634 The talk analyzes concepts within Zen practice, focusing on the idea of "no meaning," as illustrated by stories of Zen masters like Linji and Sui Wei. It highlights the need for transcending conceptual thinking and emphasizes...
Breath, Time
Dec 02 1978

Zen Paths to Inner Truth

Serial: RB-00624 The talk primarily addresses the spiritual and philosophical concept of finding substantial reality within Zen practice. It explores the classic Zen story about Lung Ye and the patriarchs, emphasizing that true understanding...
Consciousness, Politics, Buddhism
Dec 01 1978

Zen Resilience in Storms

Serial: RB-00591 This talk addresses practical concerns about a remote living community during storms and examines Zen principles related to understanding reality amidst adversity. Guidance is provided on handling practical emergencies and...
Time, Zazen, Practice
Nov 22 1978

Naming the Essence of Zen

Serial: RB-00590 The discussion centers on the theme of naming and form in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of rituals, understanding one’s true purpose, and the distinction between the superficial and the essential. Stories and examples...
Ceremony, Time
Nov 17 1978

Zen: Power, Practice, and Paradox

Serial: RB-00589 The talk examines the interplay between Zen philosophy and societal structures, emphasizing the non-duality of Zen practice and social power. It explores Zen's tradition of self-sufficiency and refusal of governmental aid,...
Time, Practice, Emptiness
Oct 31 1978

Zen Beyond Boundaries

Serial: RB-00587 The talk discusses the nature of Zen as an "ecstatic religion" in comparison to other religions that transcend cultural boundaries. It explores the non-dualistic perception achieved through Zen practice, emphasizing concepts like...
Consciousness, Practice, Breath
Oct 16 1978

Unpredictable Presence in Daily Life

Serial: RB-00588 The talk explores the concept of influence and presence through personal anecdotes and Zen teachings. The discussion includes the impact of being observed, the significance of unpredictable events, and how the practice of...
Time, Buddha, Buddhism
Oct 16 1978

Lama Govinda’s Paper

Serial: SF-00010 AIBS The talk addresses the challenge of translating Buddhist teachings into Western languages and perspectives, underlining the effort to detach Buddhism from Western interpretations and biases. The discussion references the siddhas...
Religion, Emptiness, Sanctuary, Dragons, Birth-and-Death, Lovingkindness, Passions, Happiness...
Aug 05 1978

Embracing Zen's Traceless Lightness

Serial: RB-00579 The talk elucidates the concept of "sashi" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of lightness and tracklessness in both understanding and application. By referencing various Zen stories and teachings, it underscores the...
Buddha, Practice, Time
Jun 26 1978

Invisible Treasures of Zazen

Serial: RB-00578 The talk addresses the inherent value of Zazen practice despite physical discomfort and the unyielding pursuit of spiritual growth. The narrative recounts personal experiences and insights from other masters highlighting the...
Sangha, Practice, Effort
Jun 25 1978

Zen Resilience After the Flames

Serial: RB-00577 The talk recounts the recent burning of the Zendo at Tassajara, emphasizing the incident's magnitude and the community's response to the fire. It details mistakes in fire preparedness, the rapidity with which the fire spread due...
Time, Buddha
Apr 16 1978

Zen Enactment: Beyond Words and Thoughts

Serial: RB-00585 The talk delves into the subtleties of Zen practice and teaching methodologies, focusing on the concepts of "turning a question" and "enactment." It juxtaposes the nuanced philosophies of Soto and Rinzai schools, stressing the...
Practice, Rinzai, Time
Apr 06 1978

Trusting Harmony in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00584 The talk begins by discussing the themes of doubt and trust, explaining the importance of putting one's heart into someone or something credible. It connects trust with lineage, practice, and the idea of becoming an agent for...
Sangha, Time, Practice
Apr 05 1978

Zen Beyond Zazen: Questioning Mind

Serial: RB-00583 The talk delves into the importance of cultivating a relationship with a Zen teacher and mastering the practice of questioning, deeming these more critical than the practice of zazen for true understanding. Zazen serves to soften...
Buddha, Work, Buddha Nature
Apr 04 1978

Living Zen: Beyond Purpose and Expectation

Serial: RB-00582 The talk centers on the Zen philosophy of "not knowing" and emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to Zen practice, independent of purpose and worldly expectations. The discussion highlights the historical lineage...
Time, Practice, Zazen
Apr 03 1978

Zen Paradoxes in Daily Life

Serial: RB-00581 The talk emphasizes the paradoxical nature of Zen teaching, the practice of zazen, and the importance of letting go of attachments and hierarchical distinctions in daily life. It underscores a pivotal Zen approach of focusing on...
Time, Work, Practice
Apr 02 1978

Embracing Moments in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00580 The talk emphasizes the importance of focusing on particulars in Zen practice, particularly during sesshin, a period of intense meditation. It discusses the philosophy of Yogacara Buddhism, advocating for the appreciation of...
Posture, Time, Sesshin
Apr 01 1978

Zen, Love, and Practice

Serial: RB-00572B The talk revolves around three main themes: the essence of Buddhist practice, the philosophical contemplation of love in Zen, and reflections on ceremonial practices. It explores the concept of Buddha nature and its role in...
Love, Suzuki Roshi, Buddha Nature
Mar 30 1978

Seeing Life's Hidden Dimensions

Serial: RB-00576 The talk focuses on exploring Zen Buddhism, using the koans and teachings of Zhaozhou to illustrate concepts of topography in human perception and consciousness. Key points include the significance of the koan about the oak tree...
Practice, Joshu, Emptiness
Mar 27 1978

Hakuin

Serial: SF-00138 The talk provides a detailed exploration of the Japanese Zen master Hakuin Ekaku, highlighting his contributions to Zen art and Koan practice. This discussion includes an analysis of Hakuin's paintings, especially those embedded...
Bodhidharma, Demons, Greed, Concentration, Passions, Bell, Lay, Hate
Mar 23 1978
Tassajara

Initiation Through Zen Patterns

Serial: RB-00575 The talk primarily explores the concept of initiation in Zen practice, emphasizing its importance in understanding and connecting with one's true nature and the broader spiritual reality. The discussion highlights how initiation...
Buddha Nature, Buddha, Time
Mar 18 1978

Beyond Words: Experiencing Dharmakaya Buddha

Serial: RB-00574 The talk centers on the concept of Dharmakaya Buddha and the challenges of fully articulating its essence. It stresses that Dharmakaya Buddha transcends intellectual understanding, reaching beyond the six senses and five skandhas...
Dharmakaya, Buddha, Buddhism
Mar 16 1978

Egoless Living Through Zen

Serial: RB-00573 The talk centers on the concept of "no dharma" and the importance of egolessness in understanding and practicing Zen. It discusses the challenge of comprehending dharma, emphasizing the necessity of experiencing life directly...
Practice, Zazen, Suffering
Mar 13 1978

Beyond Knowledge: Zen Transmission

Serial: RB-00572A The talk centers on the story of Tokusan's encounter with Ryutan, exploring themes such as the limitations of intellectual knowledge and the process of direct transmission in Zen. It emphasizes the distinction between conditioned...
Buddhism, Practice
Mar 11 1978

Zen Concentration for Harmonious Life

Serial: RB-00571 The discourse explores the importance of foreground and background concentration in Zen practice, emphasizing background concentration's role in realizing a stable, harmonious life. It details how true practice requires trusting...
Concentration, Buddhism, Practice
Mar 08 1978

Zen Connections Beyond Validation

Serial: RB-00586 The talk focuses on the concept of "no confirmation" in Zen Buddhism, exploring how profound relationships are developed independent of external validation and employing koans to reach deeper understanding. It discusses the...
Practice, Buddhism, Time
Mar 07 1978

Five Masters in the Kamakura Period

Serial: SF-00159 The talk explores the transformative teachings of five influential Buddhist masters from the Kamakura period: Honen, Shinran, Ippen, Nichiren, and Dogen. These masters diverged from established traditions to focus on singular...
Lotus Sutra, Faith, Chanting, Evil, Vow, Precepts, Ceremony, Demons, Sangha, Lineage...
Mar 03 1978
Tassajara

Zen Intention: Individuality in Sangha

Serial: RB-00570 The talk focuses on the concept of reconstructing one's personality within the structure of the Sangha life, emphasizing the unique individual experience in a communal setting. It explores the practice of Zen through aspects such...
Intention, Suzuki Roshi, Practice
Feb 17 1978

Seeing Beyond Constructed Reality

Serial: RB-00569 The talk explores the practice of detachment and mindfulness within Zen Buddhism, focusing on how individuals can make their actions and thoughts accessible to them. It stresses the importance of seeing reality as a constructed...
Practice, Buddha, Anger
Feb 15 1978

Beyond Words: Zen's Impermanence Insight

Serial: RB-00597 The talk explores the transient nature of recorded teachings and the limitations of disseminating spiritual knowledge through media, emphasizing the value of direct experience over textual consumption. It critiques the...
Time, Study, Buddhism
Nov 16 1977

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