The SFZC Audio Archive

You are currently logged-out. You can log-in or create an account to see more talks, save favorites, and more. more info

Showing 6372 talks
 

- Reset Search

Title Speaker Date

Shikantaza: The Path to Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00350 The talk explores the teachings of Zen Master Wanshi with an analysis of Bodhidharma's principle "vast emptiness and nothing holy," emphasizing its elusive nature and the relationship between attachments and liberation. It...
Attachment, Fasting, Consciousness, Bodhidharma, Funeral, Chanting, Posture, Breath,...
Nov 12 1972

Engaging Suffering Through Buddhist Practice

Serial: RB-00492 The talk explores the concept of suffering in Buddhism, emphasizing its central role in understanding the practice. It discusses the difference between Buddhist and ordinary thinking, highlighting the situational and actionable...
Suffering, Karma, Practice
Nov 11 1972

Embracing Emptiness: Beyond Illusion

Serial: KR-00357 The talk explores the concept of "no-self" or "emptiness" within Buddhism, emphasizing that the idea of a fixed, enduring self is misguided. This discussion includes references to Bodhidharma's exchange with Emperor Wu,...
Consciousness, Suffering, Anger, Don't Know Mind, Birth-and-Death, Silence, Mahayana,...
Nov 07 1972

Zen Practice: Interconnectedness and Form

Serial: RB-00491 The talk focuses on the practice and understanding of orioke, describing its evolution from informal observation of others to a more structured routine. It correlates this practice with Zen's broader spiritual teachings,...
Practice, Work, Buddhism
Nov 01 1972

Emptiness and Enlightenment Unveiled

Serial: KR-00344 The talk examines a famous Zen encounter between Emperor Wu and Bodhidharma, discussing the dialogue's implications on understanding the concept of value and enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. It emphasizes the notion of "vast...
Discrimination, Ego, Religion, Liberation, Hate, Duality, Building, Patience, Intention,...
Oct 31 1972

Embracing Emptiness as True Liberation

Serial: KR-00345 The talk explores the concept of Buddha and emptiness, emphasizing that everything, including ideal plans and nutrition, depends on one's perception and acceptance. It highlights teachings from the Dhammapada and Suttanipada...
Liberation, Delusion, Discrimination
Oct 31 1972

Transcending Karma Through Perception

Serial: RB-00490 The talk discusses the concept of karma in Buddhism, emphasizing that karma encapsulates one's existence and practice. It asserts that our sensory perceptions and familial attributes constitute karma, which should be observed...
Karma, Time, Practice
Oct 31 1972

Zen Practice in Everyday Life

Serial: RB-00489 The talk discusses the challenges and nuances of communicating Buddhism to different audiences. Emphasizing a non-traditional approach, there is reflection on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, who often gave introductory lectures...
Practice, Buddhism, Vow
Oct 26 1972

Zen Harmony Through Musical Being

Serial: KR-00343 The talk explores the concept of becoming one with music and performance as an embodiment of Zen practice. It emphasizes the dissolution of individual identity—where performer, audience, and instrument merge into a singular...
Realization
Oct 24 1972

Pathways to Enlightenment: A Zen Journey

Serial: KR-00346 The talk focuses on three types of enlightenment described by Dogen, emphasizing the progression from initial, everyday experiences (Satori), through self-awareness (Kaku or Jikaku), to the ultimate realization of oneness with...
Teacher-and-Student, Subject-and-Object, Discrimination, Realization, confusion, Silence,...
Oct 23 1972

Attaining Enlightenment Through Practice Paradox

Serial: RB-00488 The main thesis of the talk explores the practice of Buddhism, focusing on cultivating an enlightened attitude or bodhichitta. The discussion examines the paradox of requiring practice while asserting that Zen practice is...
Practice, Buddha, Enlightenment
Oct 21 1972

Zen Koans: Paths to Imperturbability

Serial: KR-00342 The talk primarily addresses the interplay between teacher and student roles during a training period while examining the complexities of Zen practice through the study of koans. The speaker discusses "Shouyou Roku" and its...
Ego, Consciousness, Lotus Sutra, confusion, Manjushri, Beginners, difficulty, Delusion...
Oct 17 1972

Living Zen: Essence and Practice

Serial: RB-00486 The principal thesis explores the essence of Zen practice, focusing on comprehending the actual situation of our lives and integrating faith in Zen without the dichotomy of doubt and belief. It elaborates on the Buddhist view of...
Practice, Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi
Oct 14 1972

Trusting Zen's Natural Flow

Serial: RB-00484 The talk primarily explores the essential role of faith and confidence in Zen practice, emphasizing the notion of abandoning the search for a "missing link" and instead developing trust in the world as described by...
Practice, Time, Buddha
Oct 11 1972

Sailing Life's Zen Waters

Serial: KR-00338 The talk delves into Zen philosophy, emphasizing life's intrinsic clarity and freedom through the metaphor of a man riding a boat, highlighting life as a continuous "transparent emancipation." It underscores Dogen's teaching that...
Three Treasures, Realization, Religion, Hate, Anger, confusion
Oct 08 1972

Discovering Zen in Daily Life

Serial: RB-00483 The talk, delivered on October 8, 1972, delves into the expansive nature of zazen beyond its traditional posture, encouraging a natural discovery of meditation practices amidst daily activities. It addresses the importance of...
Time, Practice, Suzuki Roshi
Oct 08 1972

Zen Pathways to Joyful Practice

Serial: RB-00482 The talk centers on the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing three main opportunities: the path or Sangha, the teacher and their instructions, and personal effort. It outlines three entrances into practice—vital energy (prana),...
Practice, Time, Zazen
Oct 06 1972

Zen Transparency: Living Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00337 The talk centers on Dogen's concept of "Transparent Emancipation" as articulated in the chapter "Zenki" from the Shobo Genzo. The discussion explores the distinctions between mere emancipation and transparent emancipation,...
Concentration, Realization, Hate, Breath, Patience, Oneness, confusion, Emotions, Meditation...
Oct 1972

Shaping Life's Transformative Journey

Serial: KR-00339 The talk centers on the concept of life as an "empty cup" or "boat," which are metaphors for potential and transformation. Essentially, the speaker emphasizes that life is inherently empty and formless, allowing individuals to...
Enemies, Religion
Oct 1972

Perception's Journey: Returning to Mountains

Serial: KR-00340 The talk explores the three stages of perception in Zen practice, drawing on the metaphor of "mountain is mountain" and examining how it shifts over the stages. Initially, the mountain and river are perceived as they are,...
Don't Know Mind, Silence, Lay, Delusion, Anger, Emotions, Hate
Oct 1972

Embracing Life and Death Dynamism

Serial: KR-00341 This transcript presents a complex discussion on the philosophical concepts of life and death as manifestations of total dynamism, drawing on Dogen's Zen teachings. The argument is made that both life and death exist within the...
Birth-and-Death, Oneness, Culture, Buddha Nature, Hate, Funeral, Realization...
Oct 1972

Beyond Stepladder Zen

Serial: RB-00481 The talk focuses on the challenges of scheduling and maintaining a rigorous Zen practice period at Tassajara, emphasizing the importance of overcoming self-involvement and anxiety to achieve genuine practice. It illustrates that...
Practice, Practice Period, Time
Oct 01 1972

Zen in Daily Community Life

Serial: RB-00480 The talk discusses the successful retention of Green Gulch Farm by the Zen Center after government intervention and highlights the significance of practicing Zen within community settings. The concept of interconnected practice...
Practice, Zazen, Time
Sep 26 1972

Embrace Discomfort as Your Teacher

Serial: RB-00479 The transcript discusses the intrinsic discomfort in Zen practice as a teaching tool and the importance of perceiving discomfort as guidance. Central to the talk is the idea that everything in life can serve as a teacher, and...
Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Buddhism
Sep 16 1972

Zen Living Through Everyday Practice

Serial: KR-00335 The talk emphasizes three core practices of Buddhism: Zazen, bowing, and conduct at mealtime, urging practitioners to understand Zen practice within the broader context of Buddhist teachings. The speaker discusses the nature of...
Nirvana, Three Treasures, Posture, Discrimination, Bowing, Causation, Greed, Patience,...
Aug 12 1972

Embracing Existence Through Shared Life

Serial: KR-00249 The talk emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and death within all beings, as articulated through the concept of "sharing life in common" among incalculable dharmas. It discusses the intrinsic essence underlying individual...
Patience, Pain, Suffering, Vow, Realization
Aug 11 1972

Unveiling the Essence of Life Force

Serial: KR-00247 The talk explores the concept of life force as explained by Dogen, emphasizing its attributes of transparent emancipation and manifest completeness. Life force is presented as the essential basis of life, which must not be viewed...
Dharma Transmission, Gratitude, Delusion, Transmission, Hindrances, Realization, Hate...
Aug 09 1972

Living Zen: Embracing Each Moment

Serial: KR-00248 The talk discusses the essential Zen teaching on the presence and the nature of life and death as manifestations of dynamic working, referencing the concepts of Buddha nature and the practice of Shikantaza as elucidated by Dogen...
Silence, Rinzai, Pain, Duality, Bell, Ceremony, Community, Realization, Suffering...
Aug 09 1972

Embracing Stillness: Zen's Triple Refuge

Serial: KR-00246 This talk explores the significance of the triple refuge in Zen Buddhism: taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The discussion emphasizes the concept of "stillness" as a profound state beyond the ordinary dichotomy of...
Patience, Realization, Pain, Three Treasures, Suffering, Enemies, Hate, Chanting, Anger...
Aug 08 1972

Transparent Emancipation of Ceaseless Effort

Serial: KR-00245 This talk explores Dogen's explanation of "transparent emancipation," which posits that life emancipates life and death emancipates death, thereby transcending the cycles of birth and death. The metaphor of "pouring water into a...
Birth-and-Death, Suffering, Happiness, Community, Realization, Instruction, Pain...
Aug 07 1972

Zen and the Dance of Being

Serial: KR-00243 The talk explores the concept of "Zenki" or "total dynamic working" from the Shobo Genzo, emphasizing the integration of contemplative insight and dynamic activity in understanding human nature through Buddha's teachings. It...
Realization, confusion, Buddha Nature, Pain, Silence
Aug 06 1972

Embrace the Bottomless Effort

Serial: KR-00244 The talk focuses on the Zen concept of "transparent effort" and examines life's unfathomable nature through the metaphor of a "bucket with no bottom." The speaker emphasizes the continual action of engaging in life without...
Funeral, Happiness
Aug 06 1972

Embodying Buddha Nature Through Presence

Serial: KR-00242 The talk focuses on the Zen practice of Shikantaza, emphasizing its distinction from the Rinzai Zen approach, and highlights the belief that all beings are inherently Buddha. The speaker recalls teachings from Shakyamuni Buddha...
Buddha Nature, Ceremony, Building, Rinzai, confusion
Aug 05 1972

Seed of Enlightenment Revealed

Serial: RB-00485 The talk explores the teachings of Seppo, particularly his comparison of the world to a seed from the Blue Cliff Records. It emphasizes the theme of understanding enlightenment as an intrinsic state rather than an external...
Practice, Enlightenment, Suzuki Roshi
Jul 08 1972

Zen's Cross-Cultural Wisdom Journey

Serial: RB-00477 The talk discusses the relationship between East Coast intellectuals and Zen practice, noting a sociological contrast with West Coast practitioners drawn to Zen through direct engagement with Zazen. It emphasizes the importance...
Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism
Jul 06 1972

Embracing Desires in Buddha Nature

Serial: RB-00476 The talk addresses the concept of Buddha nature, focusing on distinguishing subjective and objective self-awareness. The central thesis emphasizes that desires—often regarded as evil—are integral to one's Buddha nature when...
Evil, Bodhidharma, Time
Jul 04 1972

Beyond Seclusion: Embracing Zen Stillness

Serial: RB-00475 The talk focuses on the practice of Zen meditation as a path to achieving a profound mental calmness that transcends physical seclusion. It explores themes such as the relationship between posture and breath, the significance of...
Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi
Jun 10 1972

Everyday Enlightenment through Zen Routine

Serial: RB-00474 The talk primarily addresses the psychological and practical aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of commitment, the challenges of adhering to monastic rules, and the intricate understanding of koans. It highlights...
Buddha, Practice, Buddhism
Jun 07 1972

Zen in Each Moment

Serial: RB-00473 The talk discusses the practice and philosophy of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the necessity for a continuous and self-sustained practice without relying on external validation or rigid instruction. It outlines how Suzuki Roshi,...
Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Culture
Jun 06 1972

Commitment in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00472 The talk discusses the importance of commitment in Zen practice, emphasizing three phases akin to the three refuges: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The focus is on maintaining commitment during tough phases of practice without...
Practice, Zazen, Commitment
Jun 05 1972

Zen Wholeness Through Zazen

Serial: RB-00471 The talk emphasizes the practice of Zazen and the idea of wholeness in Zen practice. It discusses how thoughts and actions should arise spontaneously and naturally without the interference of deliberative thinking. This natural...
Practice, Time, Zazen
Jun 04 1972

Embracing Calm Through Daily Zazen

Serial: RB-00470 The talk explores the concept of achieving calmness of mind through Zazen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this tranquility amidst distractions and daily activities. It underscores the necessity of consistent...
Practice, Zazen, Effort
Jun 03 1972

Facing the Absolute in Zen

Serial: RB-00469 The talk centers on the question "What is the Absolute?" and how one can face it. Drawing on various Zen texts and historical accounts, the discussion delves into stories involving Seppo and his disciples to illustrate the...
Practice, Tassajara, Time
May 27 1972

Embracing the Absolute with Zen

Serial: RB-00468 The talk analyzes Zen teachings by exploring the themes of the Absolute and the unreliability of tangible concepts through Zen stories like one from the Hekigan Roku (Blue Cliff Record) about Seppo and the appearance of a snake...
Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi
May 26 1972

Embracing Ignorance: The Zen Response

Serial: RB-00467 The talk discusses Blue Cliff Record case number 18, focusing on the Zen concept of an "untiered monument" and the significance of the response "I don't know" in interactions with emperors and political figures. The discussion...
Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism
May 20 1972

Eternal Echoes of Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00465 The talk explores the lineage of Zen practice and the intricate, often ineffable nature of teachings passed down from one teacher to another. It emphasizes living each moment fully without conceptualizing time and the challenges...
Practice, Time, Buddha
May 17 1972

Zen Moments: Breathing and Being

Serial: RB-00464 The talk delves into the historical lineage and the continuity of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of moment-to-moment awareness in practice. Key points include the analogy of time and practice, the significance of...
Time, Practice, Consciousness
May 13 1972

Zen and Tantra: Deep Relationships

Serial: RB-00463 This talk delves into the examination of Zen and Tantric Buddhism, specifically drawing comparisons between Zen koans and Tantric meditation techniques. Emphasis is placed on the themes of relationship, question and answer...
Practice, Buddhism, Wisdom
May 10 1972

Zen Gardens as Living Memorials

Serial: RB-00466 The talk discusses the creation of a cemetery for Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing the symbolic importance of his garden at Tassajara as a living monument. The speaker reflects on the relevance of history and tradition in Zen practice,...
Suzuki Roshi, Japan, Time
May 10 1972

Echoes of Practice, Voices of Zen

Serial: RB-00462 This talk centers on the practice and philosophy of Zen, emphasizing the significance of repetitive practice, the teaching of non-sentient beings, and the importance of community and mutual support in Zen practice. It outlines...
Practice, Time, Zazen
May 09 1972

Pages