The SFZC Audio Archive

Welcome to our new, faster search engine! See the FAQ for more info.

Showing 1911 talks
 

- Reset Search

Title Speaker Date

Shakyamuni's Enlightenment as a Guide to Practice

Serial: SF-00075 Saturday Lecture The talk explores Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment as a model for Zen practice, highlighting the tension between personal independence and traditional expectations in spiritual practice. It emphasizes the importance of embracing...
Fasting, Hate, Chanting, Concentration, Delusion, Vow, confusion, Zazen
Apr 24 1993

Sesshin Talk

Serial: SF-03553 The talk delves into the coexistence of happiness and suffering, exploring self-interest, limitations, and the effort required for self-awareness. It emphasizes recognizing one's own patterns of thought and the importance of...
Separation, Delusion, Oneness, Posture, Freedom, Practice Period, Six Realms, New Year, Karma...
Apr 01 1993
Tassajara

Awakening Through Zen's Living Connection

Serial: EB-00113 The discussion delves into the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and interconnectedness within Zen practice, illustrated by stories from Zen history and personal anecdotes. It emphasizes the Zen principle that...
Precepts, Thich Nhat Hanh, Heart Sutra, Bell, Buddha Nature
Mar 10 1993

Women in Japanese Soto Zen

Serial: SF-00097 Author reading from her book on the subject. The talk centers on the history and role of women in Japanese Soto Zen Buddhism, challenging the prevalent androcentric narrative by highlighting significant female figures and contributions. It provides an in-depth examination...
Soto Zen, training, Monastic Practice, Ordination, Ceremony, Religion, Lay, Emptiness...
Nov 25 1992

Living Mindfully Beyond Emotions

Serial: EB-00112 The talk explores the experience of Zen practice at Tassajara as a continuous exercise in mindfulness and putting life's challenges into perspective. Through personal anecdotes, it illustrates how emotions can be observed without...
Emotions, Buddha Nature, Sanctuary, Equanimity, Desire
Sep 20 1992

Mindfulness: Embracing Imperfection with Compassion

Serial: EB-00111 This talk explores the idea of balancing the acceptance of the present moment, as taught by Suzuki Roshi's saying "everything is perfect just as it is," with the recognition for improvement. It discusses how constantly striving...
Big Mind, Tozan, Precepts, Evil, Lay
May 24 1992

Resilience Through Zen and Heartache

Serial: EB-00109 The talk explores the concept of emotional and spiritual resilience through personal anecdotes and reflections on practice. It discusses the paradox of heartache and fulfillment in relationships, drawing on insights from Zen...
Daily Life, Buddha Mind, Intention, Commitment, Community
Mar 29 1992

Heartaches to Healing: Embrace Imperfection

Serial: EB-00110 The talk explores the intersection between vulnerability and personal growth, particularly the idea that difficult experiences, like heartache, can foster a deeper understanding of one's own heart and compassion. The discussion...
Daily Life, Buddha Mind, Intention, Commitment, Community
Mar 29 1992

Hokyo Zammai Class

Serial: SF-00047 The talk focuses on the interpretation and significance of the "Hokyo Zammai" with a detailed exploration of the "Five Ranks," an essential part of this Zen text. The speaker discusses Hakuin's commentaries, the degeneration and...
Five Ranks, Emptiness, Sixth Patriarch, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Buddha Nature, Evil, Darkness and...
Feb 19 1992
2

Realizing Enlightenment Beyond Story

Serial: EB-00108 The talk explores the misconception of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, challenging the notion of enlightenment as a tangible goal and questioning how one would recognize or possess it. It emphasizes trusting one's innate nature...
Offering, Bodhidharma, Freedom, realization, Vimalakirti
Jan 26 1992

Embracing Imperfection in Enlightenment

Serial: EB-00107 The central thesis of this talk explores the nature of enlightenment within Buddhist practice, emphasizing that enlightenment is not a sudden or discernible state to be obtained but an ongoing, evolving process of understanding...
Offering, Bodhidharma, Freedom, realization, Vimalakirti
Jan 26 1992

Transforming Hindrances Through Mindful Insight

Serial: EB-00106 The talk explores the transformation of greed, hate, and delusion into deeper understandings of ignorance within the framework of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing how perceived objects in consciousness influence emotional states....
Dec 03 1991

Cultivating Community Through Zazen Practice

Serial: SF-00093 The discussion emphasizes the practice of Zazen and the importance of taking refuge in the Sangha, exploring the three treasures of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It examines the role of a Sangha as a supportive community...
true dharma, Sangha, Gratitude, Zazen, Letting Go, Vow, Anger, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony, Peace...
Oct 19 1991

Saturday Lecture

Serial: SF-02762 The talk emphasizes the importance of the practice of Zazen as a pathway to realizing one's true enlightened nature, as articulated through Dogen Zenji's "Fukan Zazengi." The discussion highlights how human tendencies toward...
Precepts, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony, Zendo,...
Sep 21 1991
Unknown

Embracing Zen Through Community

Serial: SF-00092 The talk emphasizes the importance of collective practice in Zen meditation to stabilize and respond to life's unpredictability through Zazen, underscoring the shared experience rather than the individuality of meditative...
Practice Period, Zendo, Suzuki Roshi, Intimacy, Posture, Aspects of Practice, Zazen, Ceremony...
Sep 18 1991

Fear

Serial: SF-00081 The talk explores the concept of fear in Zen practice, critiquing the common tendency to conflate religious doctrines with personal beliefs. It emphasizes the courage required to engage deeply with one's own fear and discomfort...
Emptiness, Mindfulness, Right Speech, Don't Know Mind, Commitment, Anger, Emotions,...
Aug 05 1991
City Center

Embracing Infinity in the Present

Serial: EB-00105 The talk explores the intersection of Zen teachings with personal experiences, emphasizing the notion of "resting in the immediate as though it were infinity," a theme inspired by Donald C. Babcock's poem "The Little Duck." The...
realization, Avalokiteshvara, Blue Cliff Record, Posture, Thich Nhat Hanh
Jul 25 1991

Everyday Enlightenment in Ordinary Life

Serial: EB-00104 The talk emphasizes the concept that enlightenment, often referred to as the "summit of the Mystic Peak," is not an external achievement but an acceptance of one's current life circumstances. It discusses the importance of loving...
Ordinary Mind, Hindrances, Peace, Instruction, Gratitude
Jul 24 1991

Inner Joy: The Path to Peace

Serial: EB-00103 The talk explores the concept of happiness, emphasizing that true happiness stems from one's state of mind and heart rather than external circumstances. It discusses common misconceptions about happiness and highlights the...
Liberation, Money, Thich Nhat Hanh, Daily Life, Offering
Jul 22 1991

Tara Rinpoche's Memorial

Serial: SF-00001 The discussion honors the memory of Tara Tulku Rinpoche, emphasizing the theme of impermanence and the interconnectedness between ancestors and their followers. The talk reflects on Rinpoche's peaceful state in facing death and...
Heart Sutra, Bell, Lineage, Bodhisattva Vow, Vow, Happiness, training, Impermanence, Mandala,...
Jun 30 1991
Green Gulch Farm

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

Embracing Boundless Presence in Zen

Serial: EB-00101 This talk explores the concept of concentration and its relationship with the idea of 'home,' comparing traditional boundary-based concentration with a more inclusive approach. Traditional concentration is akin to maintaining a...
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...
Bell, Observe, Heart Sutra, 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...
Money, Interview, American, War, Diversity
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...
Bell, Observe, Heart Sutra, 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...
Bell, Observe, Heart Sutra, Sutra, Emotions
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, Peace, 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...
Peace, Delusion, Balance, Samsara, Liberation, confusion, Freedom, Concentration, Don't...
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, Peace, Religion, Happiness, Freedom, Politics, Hate, Patience, Greed, Anger...
Apr 09 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

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

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

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...
Fundraising, Offering, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Mindfulness, Lineage, Tassajara Zen Mountain...
Mar 02 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...
Intention, Desire, causation, Peace, Addiction
Feb 22 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...
Intention, Desire, causation, Peace, Balance
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....
Avalokiteshvara, War, Peace, Observe, Yaoshan
Feb 03 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

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

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, training
Jan 06 1991

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, Avalokiteshvara, Forgiveness, Culture, Bowing
Dec 06 1990

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, Avalokiteshvara, 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...
Precious Mirror, Buddha Nature, Samadhi, Faith, Diversity, Soto Zen, Patience, Ego, Balance,...
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...
Zendo, Sutra, Discrimination, Practice Period, Beginners
Aug 02 1990
Tassajara

Pages