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Title Speaker Date

At the Time of Yakusan

Serial: SF-06061 New version of this lecture has been uploaded, which may allow for more of the transcript to be done. The talk explores the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism during the time of Zen Master Yakusan Igen. It highlights the episode where Yakusan, known for his silent teachings, eludes giving a lecture as a means to impart...
Yaoshan,
Aug 01 1971
Tassajara

Translation of Unknown Text

Serial: SR-00183 August 1971San Francisco The talk focuses on the symbolic and spiritual significance of the shaved head in Zen practice, highlighting its superior merit compared to the construction of a jewel-adorned stupa. The discourse accentuates that the act of...
Ceremony, Priest, Forms, Hate
Aug 1971
City Center

Transcending Ego through Mindful Awareness

Serial: KR-00263 The talk explores the concept of the subconscious mind in Buddhism, focusing on the nature of ego, the Manas consciousness, and the moral nature of neutrality. It contrasts the metaphysical doctrines of eternalism and...
Consciousness, Ego, Interdependence, Continuous Practice, Suffering
Jul 31 1971

To Attain The Perfection Of Human Practice

Serial: SR-00189 The talk delves into the historical and evolving nature of Buddhist precepts, particularly highlighting their transition from prohibitive to positive elements designed not merely for individual enlightenment but for the benefit...
Ceremony, First Principle, Mahayana, Buddha Nature, Doubt, Death
Jul 30 1971
Tassajara

Ryaku Fusatsu Lecture

Serial: SR-00182 The audio of this tape has been improved, so the missing parts of the transcript may be worked out now. The talk explores the practice and historical background of Ryaku Fusatsu, a simplified observance of Buddhist precepts that are held at Tassajara in a manner similar to those at Eiheiji. The discussion covers the roots of the...
Ceremony, Eiheiji, Bodhisattva Precepts, Death
Jul 29 1971
Tassajara

Blue Cliff Records 61 - Fuketsu's One Particle Of Dust

Serial: SR-00190 The talk explores the concept of "big mind" versus "small mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing the idea of "no-mind" as true enlightenment. Through the koan of Fuketsu's "One Particle of Dust," the discussion highlights the...
Blue Cliff Record, Diversity
Jul 26 1971
Tassajara

Universal Practice for Laymen and Monks

Serial: SR-00175 Whatever you do is practice; be careful not to practice for the sake of the self. Zazen as a way to find realization and get used to realization. Whether priest or layperson, practice to develop buddha mind, not the small self. The talk outlines the concept of practice within Zen, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and the development of buddha-mind over self-centered practices. Practice, illustrated through activities like zazen, aims to reduce...
Zazen, Bodhisattva, Dogen, Hui-neng, Buddha Mind, Community, Fasting, Hate
Jul 25 1971
Tassajara

Virtue of Mountain and River

Serial: SR-00181 The talk delves into Dogen Zenji's writings in the "Shobogenzo" and the nature of Zen practice. The speaker challenges conventional interpretations of Soto and Rinzai practices, interpreting Dogen's analogy of "mountains flow"...
Dogen, Shobogenzo, First Principle, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Dragons, Hate, War
Jul 24 1971
Tassajara

Echoes of Zen: Finding Inner Stillness

Serial: KR-00262 The talk delves into the transformative experience with Zen masters Hashimoto Roshi and Sawaki Roshi, illustrating contrasting teaching styles and their philosophical underpinnings. Hashimoto emphasizes the intrinsic value of...
Consciousness, Ego
Jul 24 1971

San-Pachi-Nenju

Serial: SF-06030 The talk explores the practice of san-pachi-nenju, focusing on its integration with the Soto and Rinzai traditions and the importance of embodying non-dualistic principles in daily life. It highlights the need for lay...
Ceremony, First Principle, Non-duality, Diversity, Lay Practice
Jul 22 1971
Tassajara

Something Which You Cannot Understand

Serial: SR-00207 The talk elaborates on the concept of enlightenment, emphasizing the difference between understanding and experiencing it. Discussion centers on the necessity of Zen practice, particularly zazen, for realizing one's inherent...
Buddha Nature, Happiness
Jul 21 1971
Tassajara

One with Everything

Serial: SR-00208 Zazen TalkTuesday Evening, July 20, 1971Tassajara The talk centers on the Zen Buddhist perspective of the interconnectedness of spiritual and material aspects of existence, emphasizing the understanding of reality beyond dualistic concepts of good and bad, or spiritual and...
Non-duality,
Jul 20 1971
Tassajara

Bridging Minds: East and West Consciousness

Serial: KR-00261 The talk focuses on the intersection of Eastern and Western philosophical ideas concerning consciousness, particularly through the lens of Buddhist texts. Emphasis is placed on the complexities of consciousness as outlined in the...
Composure, Concentration, Consciousness, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Posture
Jul 20 1971

Why Then Is It Necessary To Accept Precepts

Serial: SF-06031 The talk discusses the importance of accepting Buddhist precepts, framing them as common yet essential elements of practice. It explains the indivisibility of the three precepts and how they embody the unity of the practitioner...
Precepts, Buddha Nature, Precepts, Priest, Big Mind, Zazen
Jul 17 1971
City Center

Seeds of Consciousness: Karma's Framework

Serial: KR-00260 The talk examines the concept of "alaya-vijñāna" or Eighth Consciousness in Buddhism, exploring the role it plays in shaping human life and the world through karmic results. The speaker emphasizes the importance of moral...
Consciousness, Emotions, Karma, Lay Practice
Jul 15 1971

Consciousness Unbound: Embracing Neutral Freedom

Serial: KR-00265 The talk explores the Buddhist concept of consciousness, particularly focusing on the eight consciousnesses, including alaya consciousness and its karmic implications. It discusses the idea that human life, while influenced by...
Ceremony, Community, Consciousness
Jul 13 1971

Unified Essence, Diverse Realities

Serial: KR-00259 The talk explores the Zen concept of "one and the same essence," referring to the interconnectedness and individuality of all beings, akin to diverse plants drawing sustenance from the same water. The emphasis is on liberation,...
Consciousness
Jul 10 1971

Manifested Three Treasures

Serial: SR-00215 The talk explores the concept of the Three Treasures in Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—and their manifestations as existing both indivisibly and as perceived figures and teachings after Shakyamuni Buddha. The focus is on...
Precepts, Emptiness, Hate, Precepts, Priest, Sangha
Jul 06 1971
City Center

Bridging Wisdom: Buddhism Meets Christianity

Serial: KR-00257 The talk explores the challenging endeavor of reconciling the philosophical differences between Buddhism and Christianity, particularly regarding their existential and metaphysical frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the importance...
Ceremony, Ego, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Monastic Practice
Jul 06 1971

Real Precepts Are Beyond Words

Serial: SR-00216 The talk explores the Zen concept of precepts, distinguishing them from traditional prohibitory rules like the Ten Commandments. Instead, Zen precepts are understood as a comprehensive practice of zazen, embodying the non-...
Precepts, Duality, Emptiness, Karma, Precepts, Sangha
Jul 02 1971
City Center

Transiency and Tranquility Through Mindfulness

Serial: KR-00256 The talk explores the concept of "dhamma" as the underlying truth of existence, focusing on the laws of transiency and its impact on human life. It emphasizes the importance of living according to egolessness and perceiving the...
Ego, Posture, Nirvana, Hate
Jul 02 1971

Ego's Illusion and Mindful Growth

Serial: KR-00254 The talk explores the concept of ego and the notion of mindfulness in Zen practice, illustrated through the anecdote of a Zen master who isolates for meditation and experiences a lapse characterized by the illusion of receiving...
Buddha Nature, Ego, Monastic Practice, Posture
Jul 1971

Embracing Impermanence for Vibrant Living

Serial: KR-00253 This talk explores the concept of impermanence through a dialogue between Buddha and his disciple Sona. The discussion emphasizes understanding impermanence as a source of suffering but not as a pessimistic doctrine. It suggests...
Ceremony, Ego, Happiness, Impermanence
Jun 26 1971

Swirling Waters of Impermanence

Serial: KR-00255 This talk delves into the impermanence of life as explained by the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, using the metaphor of the Ganga River's swirling waters to illustrate the constant change and lack of substantiality in human...
Consciousness, Ceremony, Buddha Nature, Impermanence, Conversation, Ego, Nirvana, Happiness...
Jun 24 1971

Purely Involved Helping Others

Serial: SR-00173 The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, focusing on the bodhisattva vow to help others. The discussion contrasts the non-discriminating perception in zazen with the discriminating actions required...
Nansen, things-as-it-is, Ummon, Emotions, Precepts, Sanctuary, Wisdom
Jun 22 1971
City Center

Embracing Impermanence Through Buddhist Insight

Serial: KR-00250 The talk centers on understanding the nature of human existence through the lens of Buddhism, particularly as expressed in the Lotus Sutra and Dogen Zenji's teachings. It emphasizes the transient nature of all beings and the...
Buddha Nature, Community, Lotus Sutra, Nirvana, Suffering
Jun 22 1971

Sewing Sesshin

Serial: SR-00122 Sunday, June 20, 1971 Sesshin Lecture No. ____ San Francisco The lecture from June 20, 1971, discusses the significance of the okesa and rakusu in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that they are not merely symbolic apparel but embody the dharma itself. A core teaching highlighted is that proper...
Sesshin, Okesa, Dogen, New Year, Bodhidharma, Lay Practice, Concentration, Zazen...
Jun 20 1971
City Center

Interconnected Enlightenment: A Universal Awakening

Serial: KR-00252 The talk introduces Chapter 5 of the Lord's Sutra, highlighting Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings that emphasize the interconnectedness of all beings and the universal presence of Buddha nature in both humans and all sentient beings...
Demons, Interview, Perfect Wisdom, Precepts
Jun 20 1971

Unveiling Buddha Nature in Daily Life

Serial: KR-00251 The talk explores the significance of the Lotus Sutra in Buddhism, emphasizing its universal applicability beyond specific Buddhist schools through Shakyamuni Buddha's teachings. Special attention is given to the metaphor in...
Lotus Sutra, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Lay Practice, Realization, Hate
Jun 17 1971

Precepts as Original Nature

Serial: SR-00121 The talk emphasizes the intrinsic nature of precepts, arguing that they are inherent to human nature rather than imposed or solely dictated by religious doctrine. It highlights the universality and fundamental presence of...
Precepts, Bodhidharma, Precepts, Concentration, Posture, New Year, Bodhidharma, Buddha Nature...
Jun 12 1971
City Center

Freedom from Everything

Serial: SR-00150 Sesshin Lecture, Day 5Wednesday, June 9, 1971San Francisco The talk centers on the practice of zazen, specifically shikantaza, and emphasizes the importance of approaching it with seriousness and sincerity. It explores themes such as detachment, the integration of practice into everyday...
Sesshin, Demons, Happiness, New Year, Perfect Wisdom, Precepts, Wisdom, Zazen...
Jun 09 1971
City Center

Calmness of Mind

Serial: SR-00151 Sesshin Lecture No. 2 Sunday, June 7, 1971 San Francisco Practice is to expose yourself as you are, express yourself fully. Accepting your teacher's words. Zen Center practice community offering mutual support for practice. The talk focuses on the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing Shikantaza or "just sitting," and the continuous practice of true self-expression without expectations. It describes living in each transient unit of time and...
Sesshin, Zazen, Community, Community, Death, Emptiness, Hate, Priest
Jun 07 1971
City Center

Okesa Ceremony

Serial: SR-00146 Ceremony of the okesa: chanting the fascicle Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku; ten virtues of the okesa. What is practice of zazen and practice of the okesa. Truth is beyond priest or layperson. Acknowledging Yoshida Roshi. The talk discusses the ceremony of the okesa, emphasizing the ten virtues of this sacred garment as recorded in Dogen Zenji's "Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku." The okesa's virtues are explored in detail, highlighting its transformative...
Priest, Ceremony, Okesa, Zazen, Demons, Dragons, Gratitude, Happiness, Priest...
Jun 06 1971
City Center

The Teaching Just for You

Serial: SR-00147 Sesshin Lecture No. 1 Saturday, June 5, 1971 San Francisco The talk examines the dual understanding of Zen practice, focusing on the concept of "just to sit." While practice traditionally aims for improvement over time, the true essence is experiencing the goal in each moment rather than...
Sesshin, Bodhidharma, Buddha Nature, Dragons, Politics, Precepts, Transmission, Zazen...
Jun 05 1971
City Center

Embracing Life's Circle Through Zen

Serial: KR-00296 The central theme of the talk revolves around understanding and applying the essence of Zen practice through mindfulness and intentionality, specifically through the metaphor of a circle and the concept of ‘opportunity’ or ‘kien...
Ceremony, Lay Practice, Liberation
Jun 01 1971

Eyes of Insight: Beyond Perception

Serial: KR-00297 This talk explores the concept of the "five eyes" in Buddhism, as presented in the Daichi-doron Sutra: the physical eye, heavenly eye, wisdom eye, Dharma eye, and Buddha eye. The talk emphasizes the limitations and scope of each...
Happiness, Hindrances, Lay Practice, Realization, Suffering
Jun 1971

Seeing Beyond the Physical Eye

Serial: KR-00302 The talk primarily explores the concept of the "five eyes" in Buddhism: the physical eye, heavenly eye, wisdom eye, Dhamma eye, and Buddha eye. It emphasizes the integration of worldly and spiritual perception, encouraging an...
Composure, Happiness, Hate, Suffering
Jun 1971

Nurturing Wisdom Through Dharma Rain

Serial: KR-00303 The talk discusses central themes from Chapter 5 of the Lotus Sutra, with a detailed exploration of the profound merits of the Tathagata, as described through a metaphor of rain nourishing various plants. The discussion...
Ceremony, Demons, Dragons, Hate, Nirvana
Jun 1971

Mindful Movement in Zazen Practice

Serial: KR-00295 The talk focuses on precise techniques for physical positioning and breathing during zazen practice, emphasizing the integration and effect of these practices on internal and external tensions. Detailed guidance is offered on...
May 11 1971

Wholehearted Sitting in Stillness

Serial: KR-00293 The talk focuses on the practice of zazen, emphasizing the Soto school approach of Shikantaza, or "just sitting," distinct from the Rinzai school’s focus on koans. It delves into the concept of "wholeheartedness," or "shojin," as...
Concentration, Right Effort, Composure, Posture
May 08 1971

Embracing the Ordinary: Dogen's Zen Insight

Serial: KR-00333 The talk discusses the recent publication "Primo Soto Zen," a translation of Dogen's "Shobo Genzo Zuimonji" by Professor Masunaga, emphasizing its importance for both laypeople and priests. The teachings of Dogen on recognizing...
Composure, Demons, Interdependence
May 05 1971

Wholehearted Bowing, Unveiling Buddha Within

Serial: KR-00334 The talk elucidates the principle of interdependence in Zen practice through the act of bowing with wholeheartedness to recognize the intrinsic Buddha in daily life. It emphasizes the importance of Dogen's teachings, particularly...
Hate, Interdependence, Tassajara
May 05 1971

Zen Breathing: Harmonizing Mind and Body

Serial: KR-00294 This talk investigates the intricate practice of regulating breath in Zen, highlighting essential teachings from Dogen on harmonizing body and mind for spiritual tranquility. It emphasizes the detailed attention needed in...
Consciousness, Emotions, Right Effort
May 03 1971

Catching Space: Zen's Living Wisdom

Serial: KR-00331 This talk explores the Zen concept of space, as illustrated by a story involving Sekkyo, a Zen master, and the symbolic interaction of "catching space," critiquing preconceived notions of space and existence. The discussion...
Buddha Nature, Compassion, Consciousness, Delusion, Posture, Precepts
Apr 27 1971

Living the Experience of Wisdom

Serial: KR-00330 The talk explores the challenge of grasping and teaching the concept of "prajnaparamita" or "perfect wisdom" as narrated in the Sutra of Perfect Wisdom. A conversation unfolds between Shakyamuni Buddha and Shakra, where...
Ceremony, Compassion, Lay Practice, Perfect Wisdom, Tassajara
Apr 25 1971

From Osaka Roots to Zen Wisdom

Serial: KR-00328 The talk details a personal journey from growing up in a religious Buddhist family in Osaka, Japan, to becoming a Zen priest. Emphasis is placed on transitional phases, such as post-World War II experiences, working briefly for...
Ceremony, Chanting, Compassion, Conversation, Ordination, Teacher-and-Student, Transmission...
Apr 11 1971

Balancing Sutras and Service Duties

Serial: KR-00329 The talk focuses on the challenges and responsibilities of practicing and teaching Buddhism both in the West and Japan. It emphasizes the importance of studying sutras despite the vast number, highlighting daily efforts to...
Hate
Apr 11 1971

Zen Symbols: Path to True Self

Serial: KR-00327 The talk explores the symbolic meaning of Buddha's birthday ceremony and its connection to Zen practice. Emphasizing the symbolism of sweet tea and flowers, it underscores the importance of realizing Buddha nature through direct...
Birth-and-Death, Buddha Nature, Ego, Gratitude, Subject-and-Object, Suffering...
Apr 10 1971

Rooting Zen: Beyond Ego Illusions

Serial: KR-00325 The talk discusses Zen master Dogen's teachings on the "attainable root" versus the "lamentable branch," emphasizing the dangers of inserting extra thoughts in practice, which can lead to illusions and ego conflicts. The...
Buddha Nature, Consciousness, Delusion, Don't Know Mind, Emotions, Happiness...
Apr 05 1971

Breaking Free: Effort and Mindfulness

Serial: KR-00324 The lecture centers on the metaphor of a bird hatching from an egg to illustrate the importance of relying on others, especially in spiritual practice, while emphasizing the necessity of individual effort in breaking free from...
Buddha Nature, Ceremony, Consciousness, Delusion, Obstacles, Posture
Apr 04 1971

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