The SFZC Audio Archive
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Showing 5838 talks
| Title | Speaker | Date |
|---|---|---|
Emptiness is FormSerial: SF-05968 Sunday, June 29, 1969
San Francisco
Newly uploaded version has speed adjustments made; should be a little clearer for transcript - not just end, but correcting throughout.
The talk explores the interplay between form and emptiness, emphasizing that understanding and embodying "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form" is crucial in Zen practice. The discussion highlights the necessity of... Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Current Events, Balance, Faith, Beginners, Continuous Practice... |
Jun 29 1969 Tassajara |
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Mindfulness in Motion: Zen WisdomSerial: KR-00017 The talk delves into the concept of "right thought" (shonen) within the context of transiency and emptiness in Buddhism, emphasizing how one's mind should persistently adapt to the world of constant change. It draws from Zen... Ceremony, Observe, Delusion, Meditation |
Jun 28 1969 |
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Mindful Presence in Zen PracticeSerial: KR-00016 The talk delves into the concepts of right mindfulness, or "shonen," and "not forgetting," integral to Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes that maintaining right mindfulness equates to continuously thinking and being present... Concentration, Happiness, Mindfulness |
Jun 24 1969 |
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Direct Experience of RealitySerial: SR-00020 The lecture emphasizes the importance of direct experience and practice in attaining enlightenment, drawing a distinction between "teisho" (teaching with koan) and "kowa" (philosophical lecture). The discussion stresses the... Baso, Dogen, Forms, Pain, Sutra |
Jun 22 1969 Sokoji |
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How should we establish our system of practice in San FranciscoSerial: SR-00019 Tuesday Evening, June 17, 1969San Francisco
Just sit, and follow the teacher's instruction. Story of four kinds of horse. Humans go to the moon, but don't understand themselves. Have no ideas about Buddhahood, or worry... The talk discusses the importance of establishing a structured and genuine zazen practice in San Francisco. It explores the distinction between merely formal or rigid practices and practices that truly integrate and realize... Rinzai, Soto Zen, Dogen, Zazen, Addiction, Attachment, Big Mind, Concentration, Ego, Lay, New... |
Jun 17 1969 Sokoji |
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Zen Water Wisdom: Unyielding Effort UnfoldsSerial: KR-00015 The talk discusses the concept of human effort in Zen philosophy, using the metaphor of striving energetically as a trickle of water bore a hole in a rock. The terms "shojin" and "shozen shojin" are analyzed through their... Consciousness, Big Mind, Obstacles, Emotions, New Year, Samadhi, Suffering, Ego, Hate,... |
Jun 10 1969 |
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Reviving Dogen's Dharma TransmissionSerial: KR-00081 The talk focuses on the contrasting views of Manzan and Doctrine regarding the Dharma transmission in Sōtō Zen during the Edo period. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for realization in both teachers and disciples,... Dharma Transmission, Transmission, Realization, Ceremony, difficulty, Mandala, Soto Zen... |
Jun 10 1969 |
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Yakusan did not give lectures for a long timeSerial: SF-05961 June 1969Tassajara
Story of Yakusan saying he was not a teacher to give lectures. Making effort, and paying attention. What is right effort?
The primary focus of the talk is on the concept of effort in Zen Buddhism, particularly contrasting "right effort" with the typical efforts driven by materialistic goals. This discourse emphasizes learning from the story of... Priest, Freedom |
Jun 1969 Tassajara |
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Suzuki's 65th BirthdaySerial: SR-00018 Sunday Morning, May 18, 1969Sokoji, San Francisco
The talk reflects on the nuances of Zen practice as it relates to aging and sincerity, emphasizing a practice of humility and continuous learning through interactions with fellow practitioners. It advocates for a fundamental Zen... Anger, Beginners, Building, Instruction, Pain, Posture, Priest, Tassajara |
May 18 1969 Sokoji |
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Transcending Ego: Embracing Zen SelflessnessSerial: KR-00313 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen Buddhism, guided by Dogen's writings, specifically the chapter "Genjo Koan" in Shobo Genzo. It emphasizes that enlightenment, life and death, and moral dualities such as good... Evil, Birth-and-Death, Attachment, Don't Know Mind, Community, Religion, Suffering, Pain... |
Apr 29 1969 |
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How To Take Our Bodhisattva's VowSerial: SR-00017 Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1969
San Francisco
The talk focuses on the nature and significance of the Bodhisattva's Vow within Buddhism, arguing that it transcends the dichotomy of Mahayana and Hinayana traditions. The discussion critiques rigid adherence to precepts and... Dogen, Agama Sutra, Enemies, Freedom, Hate, Mahayana, Observe, Pain, Precepts, Sutra, Vow... |
Apr 29 1969 Sokoji |
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Jumping Off the 100-Foot PoleSerial: SR-00016 Sunday Lecture
Sunday, April 20, 1969
The talk explores the purpose of Zen practice despite possessing inherent buddha-nature, delving into the teachings of Dogen Zenji. The discussion emphasizes the misunderstanding of buddha-nature as an innate, static quality,... Big Mind, Buddha Nature, Compassion, Continuous Practice, Evil, Priest |
Apr 20 1969 |
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Listening to Silence: Path to HarmonySerial: KR-00013 The talk examines the concept of transcending suffering through Zen practice by emphasizing the importance of listening to silence and tranquility amidst life's unavoidable challenges. It highlights the teachings of Dogen Zenji... Silence, Big Mind, Suffering, Meditation, Birth-and-Death, Fox, Patience, Vow, Compassion,... |
Apr 19 1969 |
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Zen Is Not Something To Talk About, And Also It Is Something To Talk AboutSerial: SR-00015 Shunryu Suzuki (with Ryogen Yoshimura)
Afternoon Sesshin Lecture
Sunday, April 19, 1969
Audio includes Yoshimura at beginning.
The talk explores the paradoxical nature of Zen, emphasizing that Zen is both beyond words and conveyed through words. It emphasizes the importance of an empty mind and direct experience in understanding Zen teachings, rather... Sesshin, Community, Don't Know Mind, Hate, Monks, Posture, Priest, Suffering... |
Apr 19 1969 |
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Scratching the Itch of ExistenceSerial: KR-00014 The talk on April 18th, 1969, explores the paradoxical nature of desires and suffering through the metaphor of scratching an itch, questioning the true essence of happiness and the nature of change. It delves into the practice of... Ceremony, Intention, Obstacles, Tassajara, Vow |
Apr 18 1969 |
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Zen Beyond Imitation and RitualSerial: KR-00012 This talk emphasizes the necessity of transmitting the essence of Zen Buddhism authentically, without imitation or excuse, especially in the context of establishing Zen practice in the United States. Discussions also surface... Bell, Buddha Nature, Demons, Instruction, Lotus Sutra, Mindfulness, New Year, Precepts,... |
Apr 17 1969 |
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Journey Through Suffering to EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00042 The talk discusses the concept of "skillful means" (upaya) in Buddhism, illustrating how these teachings help individuals reach enlightenment by understanding their innate ignorance and suffering. It emphasizes the necessity of... Causation, Don't Know Mind, Lineage, Meditation, Nirvana, Obstacles, Pain, Silence,... |
Apr 15 1969 |
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Embracing Life's Simple EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00031B The talk emphasizes the intrinsic nature of existence, suffering, and understanding life beyond intellectual discussions. Drawing upon the teachings and experiences of Dogen and the simplicity of enlightenment as illustrated in... Silence, Causation, Suffering |
Apr 14 1969 |
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Climbing Life's Peaks for InsightSerial: KR-00031A The talk examines the themes of existential struggle and enlightenment through reflections on Buddhist concepts and personal experiences. It delves into the teachings of the Shobo Genzo and the Buddhist principle of causation,... Birth-and-Death, Causation, Continuous Practice, difficulty, New Year, Pain, Silence,... |
Apr 14 1969 |
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Beyond Perceptions: Embracing Buddha's WorldSerial: KR-00025 The main thesis examines the complexity of understanding the Buddha's world as discussed in the second chapter of Saddharma-Pundarika Sutra. The discourse emphasizes that true comprehension of the Buddha's world requires... Beginners, Buddha Mind, Ceremony, Continuous Practice, Lotus Sutra, Monastic Practice, Nirvana... |
Apr 12 1969 |
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The Only Desire That Is Complete Is Buddha's DesireSerial: SR-00014 This talk examines the distinctions between Buddhist and pre-Buddhist asceticism, focusing on controlling desires through non-selfish, non-gaining practice, rather than selfish motivations. It critiques the limitations of... Buddha Nature, Culture, difficulty, Freedom, Posture, Precepts, Priest, War, Wisdom... |
Apr 08 1969 |
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Ordinary Mind, Buddha MindSerial: SR-00013 The talk explores the concept that practicing zazen transforms one into both an ordinary person and a Buddha, emphasizing the non-duality of being. It explains that when practitioners achieve perfect composure, they are not... Composure, difficulty, Freedom |
Mar 30 1969 |
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Embracing Solitude for Inner PeaceSerial: KR-00011 The talk explores the Zen concept of solitude and its connection to tranquility, emphasizing the importance of seclusion for contemplating the root of suffering. It contrasts Indian, Chinese, and Japanese perceptions of nature... Silence, Meditation, Attachment, Bodhidharma, confusion, Gratitude, Community, Interview,... |
Mar 25 1969 |
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Our Practice Should Be Based On The Idea Of SelflessnessSerial: SR-00012 Sunday Morning, March 16, 1969
The talk underscores the principle of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing that true selflessness arises not from effort but naturally in the absence of selfish intentions. It asserts the importance of teachers in guiding... Monastic Practice, Truth |
Mar 16 1969 |
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Find Out for YourselfSerial: SR-00011 Find out what "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" mean. Study without purpose. How his teacher in Japan treated him; trying to discover the right thing to do.
This talk explores the concept of self-inquiry in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of discovering the meaning of "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" through direct personal experience rather than relying on predetermined... Sesshin, Zazen, Eiheiji, Beginners, Buddha Nature, difficulty, Freedom, Posture, Suffering... |
Mar 15 1969 Sokoji |
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Nansen's “Everyday Mind Is Dao”Serial: SR-00010 The talk focuses on the Zen koan "Everyday Mind Is Dao" and explores its implications for Zen practice, particularly shikantaza (just sitting) and koan practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine practice devoid... Birth-and-Death, Composure, Death, difficulty, Pain, Sutra, Truth, Wisdom |
Mar 10 1969 |
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Sun-Faced Buddha, Moon-Faced BuddhaSerial: SR-00009 Sunday, March 9, 1969
Sokoji, San Francisco
Koan story of sun-faced buddha, moon-faced buddha. Practicing while well or while sick. Accepting what we don't like. Understanding everyday activity through duality and oneness.... The talk discusses the koan of the Sun-faced Buddha and the Moon-faced Buddha, illustrating the practice of zazen, which involves accepting life as it is, regardless of circumstances. Key themes include understanding through... Baso, Koan, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Composure, Discrimination, difficulty, Buddha... |
Mar 09 1969 Sokoji |
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Zen Checkmate: Beyond Material MovesSerial: KR-00010 The talk explores the concept of contentment within Zen philosophy, emphasizing that true wealth is found in being satisfied with one's present state, regardless of material possessions or external circumstances. It draws... Anger, Composure, Delusion, Happiness, Hate, Lineage, Meditation, Suffering |
Mar 1969 |
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Transcending Ignorance Through Zazen InsightSerial: KR-00009 The talk delves into the concept of self-awareness and practice in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of observing oneself beyond mere verbal acknowledgment. It explores the deeper implications of ignorance, particularly its... Attachment, Causation, Realization, Consciousness, Breath, Happiness, Community, Meditation,... |
Feb 25 1969 |
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Transcending Cycles Through Zen MindfulnessSerial: KR-00008 The talk explores the concepts of suffering and mindfulness through the framework of Zen philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding perception in terms of the twelve chains of causation. The discussion highlights the... Causation, Suffering, Buddha Mind, Birth-and-Death, difficulty, Buddha Nature, Attachment,... |
Feb 18 1969 |
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Awakening Beyond DesireSerial: KR-00003 The talk explores the concept of "Jiggyu Horak," which represents the bliss of enlightenment, as articulated by Dogen Zenji, and its manifestation through practices like Zazen meditation. It emphasizes that true enlightenment... Delusion, Samadhi, Meditation, Nirvana, Subject-and-Object, Pain, Realization, Suffering,... |
Feb 1969 |
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Fewer Desires, Ultimate EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00004 The talk explores the concept of "less desires" in the context of achieving enlightenment and practicing Buddhism. The emphasis is on reducing desires to mitigate suffering and attain a peaceful state of mind, aligning with the... Repentance, Delusion, Happiness, Vow, Meditation, Suffering, Mindfulness, Passions, Enemies,... |
Feb 1969 |
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Embrace the Present, Transcend DesireSerial: KR-00005 The talk explores the concept of reducing desires to achieve contentment and enlightenment in Zen philosophy. Emphasizing the practice of "Ichigyo Zanmai," or single action Samadhi, it addresses how staying in the present moment... Passions, Delusion, Nirvana, Repentance, Diversity, Meditation, Intention, Building... |
Feb 1969 |
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Meditation as Living EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00002 The talk focuses on the significance of practicing meditation as a tribute to Buddha's death, emphasizing the transmission of enlightenment teachings from Dogen's "Shobogenzo" and Buddha's last sermon. The speaker delves into... Buddha Nature, Composure, Discrimination, Letting Go, Meditation, Pain, Suffering,... |
Feb 1969 |
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Embracing Unity: Beyond Duality in ZenSerial: KR-00006 The talk elaborates on the Zen Buddhist concept of "one plus one equals one," highlighting the intrinsic unity of tranquility and dynamic existence, or "suchness." The speaker describes Zen as not merely striving for tranquility... Anger, Consciousness, Discrimination, Pain, Realization, Suffering |
Feb 1969 |
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Zen's Path to Everyday ContentmentSerial: KR-00007 The talk examines the concept of contentment in Zen, specifically through the practice of "chi sok wa," which translates to learning of contentment. It emphasizes accepting circumstances beyond human speculation and describes how... Anger, Causation, difficulty, Fasting, Greed, Intention, Suffering |
Feb 1969 |
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Zen Dynamics: Embrace Tranquil ActionSerial: KR-00001 The talk emphasizes the importance of expressing and sharing one's Buddhist knowledge and inner experiences, aligning personal practice with enlightenment, and overcoming dualistic understanding through Zen philosophy. The... Beginners, confusion, Delusion, Discrimination |
1969 |
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Zen Chaos and Cultural AwakeningSerial: KR-00022 The talk explores the cultural dynamics of the 'buzoku' tribe, a Japanese counterculture movement, drawing parallels to Zen practice and Buddhist teachings, exemplified by Nagasawa's experiences in India and America. A key... Buddha Nature, Building, Chanting, Composure, difficulty, Don't Know Mind, Meditation,... |
1969 |
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Realizing Truth Beyond ReasonSerial: KR-00023 The talk explores the concept of "dhammata," a term translated into Japanese as "shokou jissou" and discusses its essential role in understanding the truth and reality as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. It elaborates on the idea... Buddha Nature, Causation, Ceremony, Chanting, Delusion, Happiness, Meditation, Passions,... |
1969 |
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Transcending Perceptions Through Zazen PracticeSerial: KR-00024 The talk centers on the concept of Buddha as manifesting in various forms, specifically delineating the transition from Sambhogakaya to Nirmanakaya Buddhas, emphasizing the experiential nature of practicing Zazen and the... Anger, Birth-and-Death, Causation, Ceremony, Delusion, difficulty, Greed, Lay, Nirvana... |
1969 |
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At The End Of The Year We Clean Up Our HouseSerial: SF-05970B Dec 1968 New Year Lecture
This lecture discusses the theme of renewal, both physically and spiritually, at the end of the year, drawing parallels between the annual Japanese tradition of house cleaning and the Zen practice of remaining adaptable in life.... Beginner’s Mind, Dogen, Japan, New Year, Beginners, Transmission, Instruction, Priest, Faith... |
Dec 29 1968 Sokoji |
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Shariputra In The Lotus SutraSerial: SR-00007 Newly reprocessed recording should be a little clearer
The talk delves into the pivotal moment when the Buddha acknowledged Shariputra's wisdom and the significant moral of the burning house parable from a Buddhist sutra. It explores themes of understanding karma, the illusion of... Lotus Sutra, Monks, Breath, Building |
Dec 24 1968 Sokoji |
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True Happiness and Renewal of Practice at Year's EndSerial: SF-05970A Newly uploaded recording of this talk.
The talk explores the concept of true happiness within the framework of Buddhism, emphasizing that lasting happiness must be understood in the context of impermanence and should not rely on non-changing conditions. It highlights... Happiness, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Composure |
Dec 21 1968 Sokoji |
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Shosan CeremonySerial: SR-00075 The primary focus of the talk is to explore the deeper aspects of Zen practice and the challenges practitioners face in understanding concepts such as buddha-nature, compassion, emptiness, and the duality of human existence. The... Shosan, First Principle, Compassion, confusion, Demons, Emotions, Emptiness, Lotus Sutra,... |
Nov 11 1968 Tassajara |
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Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-2Serial: SR-00233 Monday Morning, October 21, 1968Zen Mountain Center
The talk delves into the complex development of the understanding of Buddha, illustrating a journey from viewing Buddha solely as a historical figure to recognizing Buddha as a manifestation of universal truth, reflected in the... Lotus Sutra, Attachment, Doubt, Enemies, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Offering, Precepts, Separation... |
Oct 21 1968 Series 2, Talk 2 Tassajara |
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Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-1Serial: SF-05681 [Second Lotus Sutra series in 1968]
Sunday Evening, October 20, 1968
Zen Mountain Center
The talk examines the intricacies and origins of the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing its philosophical and doctrinal significance beyond its historical attribution to Shakyamuni Buddha. The discussion delves into the concepts of... Lotus Sutra, Buddha, Nirmanakaya, Buddhism |
Oct 20 1968 Tassajara |
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Shikantaza, Tenryu's One FingerSerial: SR-00236 Sesshin LectureSaturday, October 12, 1968Sokoji, San Francisco
The talk centers on the practice of shikantaza, emphasizing the importance of sitting without any gaining idea or objective, akin to the famous Zen stories of Tenryu's one finger and Yakusan's silent sermon. Shikantaza is... Sesshin, Gutei, Yaoshan, Community, Instruction, Monks, Obstacles, Pain, Precepts... |
Oct 12 1968 A Sokoji |
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The True DragonSerial: SF-05239 The talk discusses the necessity of practicing authentic Zen meditation (zazen) by exploring Dogen Zenji’s teachings on avoiding superficial practice. It warns against practicing like a "blind man" or Seiko, who admired dragons... Dogen, Baso, Dragons, Freedom, Soto Zen, Emptiness, Bodhidharma, Instruction, Zazen... |
Oct 12 1968 B Sokoji |
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Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-5Serial: SR-00100 Fall, 1968
The talk examines key concepts from the "Lotus Sutra," emphasizing the view of the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya worlds as central to understanding life and reality in the Mahayana tradition. It highlights the... Lotus Sutra, Wisdom, Discrimination, Perfect Wisdom, Monks, Mahayana, Buddha Nature, Balance,... |
Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 5 Tassajara |
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Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-4Serial: SF-05255 Fall 1968
Zen Mountain Center
The talk focuses on interpreting the Lotus Sutra and its relevance to the understanding of Buddhism's evolving nature. It emphasizes the distinction between historical Buddha teachings and the teachings developed by Mahayana... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Passions, Attachment, Vow |
Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 4 Tassajara |