The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Zen's Path to True Honesty

Serial: RB-00024 The talk emphasizes the expectation and delivery of Buddhism in Zen practice, highlighting the necessity to bring profound inquiries into one's spiritual journey. It explores the concept of "flesh and fantasy,"...
Ordination, Delusion, Samadhi, Pain
Jun 15 1976

Transcending Limits Through Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00647 The talk centers on the distinction between Buddhism and other religions, emphasizing Buddhism’s focus on human experience and logical limits, versus the divine revelations characteristic of other faiths. It highlights Zen...
Baso, Religion, Oneness, Concentration, Non-discrimination
Jun 13 1976

Finding Truth Within Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00023 This talk delves into the practice of sesshin and the essence of Zen practice, focusing on the realization that truth is not external but inherent. The discourse emphasizes the importance of objectless concentration in zazen (...
Truth, Concentration, Blue Cliff Record, Sesshin, Samadhi
Jun 12 1976

Zen and the Art of Non-Choosing

Serial: RB-00194 The talk examines the Zen teaching "The ultimate path has no difficulty, only avoid picking and choosing," attributed to Third Patriarch Sengcan and expounded by Joshu. Emphasis is placed on how this principle relates to non-...
Intention, Joshu, Concentration, Transmission, Dharma Transmission
Apr 18 1976

The Ultimate Path of No Choice

Serial: RB-00029 The talk explores the concept outlined in the saying, "The ultimate path has no difficulty, only avoid picking and choosing," emphasizing the philosophical and practical implications in Zen practice. Several stories involving...
Intention, Joshu, Concentration, Transmission, Dharma Transmission
Apr 18 1976

Embracing Your Inner Buddha Nature

Serial: RB-00193 This talk discusses the Zen philosophy's core teaching that all individuals inherently possess Buddha nature, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and cultivating this intrinsic potential. Using the analogy of road...
Manjushri, Intention, Dragons, Vow, Concentration
Apr 07 1976

Innate Enlightenment Interconnected Histories

Serial: RB-00028 The main thesis revolves around the interconnectedness of all beings and histories within the practice of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the innate Buddha nature inherent in every individual. It discusses the concept of...
Manjushri, Dragons, Intention, Concentration, Vow
Apr 07 1976

Transforming Suffering Through Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00191 This talk delves into the Eightfold Path, emphasizing right views, thoughts, speech, intention, concentration, mindfulness, conduct, action, and livelihood. The discussion interprets suffering not as something to be eradicated...
Community, Four Noble Truths, Fundraising, Intention, Chanting
Apr 06 1976

Mindful Precision in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00032 The talk delves into the Eightfold Path, particularly focusing on the nuances of "Right View," "Right Conduct," and "Right Livelihood." It is emphasized that suffering should not be seen merely as something to eliminate but as an...
Community, Fundraising, Intention, Chanting, Non-discrimination
Apr 06 1976

Live With Right Intention

Serial: RB-00197 This talk discusses the practice of taking personal responsibility and the futility of relying on external systems, highlighting the principles of Right Livelihood and the importance of intention in Buddhism. It underscores that...
Concentration, Intention, Right Speech, Humility, Joshu
Apr 05 1976

Questioning the Path to Enlightenment

Serial: RB-00196 This talk explores the relationship between questioning and enlightenment within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of persistent inquiry rooted in faith. It critiques the conventional understanding of Dharma and self,...
Vow, realization, Truth
Apr 04 1976

Awakening Through Faithful Questioning

Serial: RB-00033 The talk discusses the relationship between questioning and enlightenment in Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of questioning grounded in faith, explaining that questioning leads to realization, contrasting with...
Vow, realization, Truth
Apr 04 1976

Transcending Boundaries: True Meditation Unveiled

Serial: RB-00031 The talk focuses on the concept of rightly transmitted dharma and true meditation, primarily through the teachings of Dogen and Rojin. It discusses the non-dualistic nature of true meditation and contrasts it with externalized...
Chanting, Religion, Rinzai, Samadhi, Lineage
Apr 03 1976

Zen Meditations and Mystical Insights

Serial: RB-00195 The talk delves into the concept of "rightly transmitted dharma" as discussed by various Zen teachers. It explores the essence of true meditation through the teachings of Rojin, Hakuin Zenji, and Rinzai, emphasizing direct...
Chanting, Religion, Rinzai, Samadhi, Dragons
Apr 03 1976

Seamless Unity in Zen Meditation

Serial: RB-00030 The main thesis revolves around the non-dual nature of existence and the concept of seamless samadhi as understood within Zen and referenced through works like Blake’s poetry and Dogen’s teachings. The discussion emphasizes the...
Sixth Patriarch, Samadhi, Joshu, Religion, Nirmanakaya
Apr 02 1976

Embracing Non-Dual Cosmic Unity

Serial: RB-00199 The talk emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and the dangers of externalizing nature, drawing parallels between Blake's symbolism and Buddhist teachings. It connects Albion's fall in Blake's works to Buddhist concepts of...
Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, Joshu, Religion, Nirmanakaya
Apr 02 1976

Illusions of Daily Existence

Serial: RB-00034 The talk delves into the exploration of identity, decision-making, and the illusion of form. It emphasizes the ephemeral nature of decisions and physical embodiment through metaphoric contemplation of getting up in the morning...
Freedom, Sesshin, Bell
Apr 01 1976

Ephemeral Identity in Zen Existence

Serial: RB-00198 The talk explores the nature of self-identity and the interplay between the physical and ephemeral aspects of existence, particularly within the context of Zen practice. It discusses the decision-making process behind actions...
Sesshin, Bell, Freedom
Apr 01 1976

Living Zen in Every Moment

Serial: RB-00200 The talk from February 22, 1976, centers on the concept of "everyday mind" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its simplicity and complexity. The discussion further explores the moral and political queries practitioners face,...
Joshu, Transmission, Four Noble Truths, causation, Tozan
Feb 22 1976

Engaging Life Through Zen Mindfulness

Serial: RB-00064 The talk focuses on the concept of everyday mind in Zen Buddhism and its integration into daily life. It explores the paradox of Zen practice as a form of engagement rather than escapism, emphasizing the importance of sincerity...
Joshu, Transmission, Four Noble Truths, causation, Vow
Feb 22 1976

Unveiling Zen Through Stories

Serial: RB-00351 The talk centers on elucidating complex Zen concepts by discussing well-known Zen stories, emphasizing the nature of form and emptiness, everyday mindedness, and the integration of primary and secondary consciousness. Key Topics...
Dragons, Sesshin, Silence, Tozan
Feb 21 1976

Living on the Edge of Mindfulness

Serial: RB-00204 The talk delves into the concept of "everyday mindedness," which, in Buddhist thought, resembles facing a precipitous cliff, symbolizing the challenge of grasping such a deeply ordinary yet profound state. The discussion draws on...
Intention, Death, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Zendo
Feb 20 1976

Zen in the Everyday Moment

Serial: RB-00203 The talk delves into the concept of Zen practice focusing on the "everyday mind" and the notion that the path is what lies directly in front of oneself. It includes a significant discussion of U Mon's teachings, emphasizing that...
Avalokiteshvara, Joshu, Mindfulness, Compassion
Feb 19 1976

Zen in Everyday Moments

Serial: RB-00062 The talk explores the Zen concept of "everyday-mindedness," emphasizing the importance of present-focused awareness. Key stories and discussions illustrate how true understanding and practice involve embracing what is directly...
Avalokiteshvara, Joshu, Compassion, Buddha Nature
Feb 19 1976

Serendipity and Sincerity in Zen

Serial: RB-00202 The talk explores the profound intricacies of understanding Buddhism, particularly through the lens of Tozan's Five Ranks and various Zen teachings. It highlights the role of sincerity and serendipity in comprehending the vast...
Dragons, Five Ranks, Tozan, Soto Zen, Lineage
Feb 18 1976

Sincerity Over Intellect in Buddhism

Serial: RB-00061 The talk delves into the challenges and nuances of understanding Buddhism, emphasizing that true comprehension arises through intense sincerity rather than mere intellectual effort. It highlights Tozan's Five Ranks, illustrating...
Dragons, Five Ranks, Tozan, Soto Zen, Lineage
Feb 18 1976

Zen in Every Moment

Serial: RB-00201 The talk primarily explores the notion of integrating Zen practice into daily life, emphasizing "bearing" as an active principle synonymous with form, intention, and presence. Drawing on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and various...
Silence, Joshu, Intention, Truth, Demons
Feb 17 1976

Tea and the Zen Way

Serial: RB-00060 This talk explores the essence of Zen practice as experienced through daily routine and emphasizes the teachings from Suzuki Roshi and the lineage of Zen masters. Central to the discussion is the story of Joshu's "go have a cup...
Silence, Joshu, Intention, Truth, Demons
Feb 17 1976

Engage Zen in Every Moment

Serial: RB-00059 This 1976 talk examines the intricacies of Zen practice, focusing on primary consciousness, personal experience, and integration of minute particulars. Key themes include the story of the Lotus, the causal nature of experience,...
Tozan, Fox, Posture, causation, Blue Cliff Record
Feb 15 1976

February 15th, 1976, Serial No. 00302

Serial: RB-00302 The main thesis addresses the profound implications of Zen Buddhist practice, particularly focusing on cause and effect, individual and collective experiences, and the stages of Zen practice that transform personal consciousness...
Posture, causation, Tozan, Fox, Blue Cliff Record
Feb 15 1976

February 14th, 1976, Serial No. 00058

Serial: RB-00058 This talk explores the Blue Cliff Records case number 21, specifically focusing on Chimon's responses to the monk's questions about the lotus flower in different stages of its growth. The discussion delves into themes of...
Hyakujo, causation, Fox, Seigen Gyoshi
Feb 14 1976

Zen Pathways to Non-Discrimination

Serial: RB-00343 The talk explores the concepts of causation, consciousness, and enlightenment within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing historical anecdotes and koans to illustrate these principles. It discusses the story of Chimon and the lotus,...
Hyakujo, causation, Fox, Buddha Nature
Feb 14 1976

Awakening Through Sound and Self-lessness

Serial: SF-00130 Changes that occur during practice period; sutra story of monk retrieving his mother from hell; composing concrete music; This talk explores the transformation experienced during a Zen practice period, emphasizing the dissolution of the individual self through continuous meditation and ceremonies, including contrasts with Western concepts of a fixed...
Practice Period, Ceremony, Mahayana, Nirvana, Karma, Manjushri, Addiction, Samsara, Bowing,...
Dec 10 1975

Zen Realization in Everyday Life

Serial: RB-00051 The talk focuses on the central column of consciousness and various Zen stories, particularly those of Gutei and Avalokiteshvara, to illustrate deeper philosophical insights. Key themes include the necessity of transcending...
Avalokiteshvara, Truth, Discrimination, Dragons, Continuous Practice
Dec 07 1975

Zen Effort and Mindful Presence

Serial: RB-00050 The talk explores themes of effort and mindfulness in Zen practice, focusing on the story of Gutei's one finger to illustrate profound Zen teachings. It discusses the misconception about effort, suggesting that true concentration...
Gutei, Mindfulness, Concentration, Evil, Love
Dec 06 1975

Compassion in Unpredictable Reality

Serial: RB-00035 The talk delves into the unpredictable nature of reality as aligned with Buddhist principles, focusing on the teachings about Avalokiteshvara and their implications for practice. It underscores how the differences and sameness...
Avalokiteshvara, First Principle, Lotus Sutra, Sixth Patriarch, Tozan
Dec 05 1975

Zen Perception and Equidistant Action

Serial: RB-00049 The talk examines Zen Buddhist principles with a focus on the difficulty in expressing profound truths, the concept of equidistance, and the teachings of Avalokiteshvara. Emphasis is placed on the inherent challenges in...
Avalokiteshvara, Liberation, Demons, Equanimity
Dec 04 1975

Zen's Dance with Time

Serial: RB-00342 The talk explores the challenge of conveying Zen philosophical concepts, emphasizing the need for personal engagement and interpretation. The discussion touches on themes like mindfulness, action without delay, equidistance, and...
Avalokiteshvara, Liberation, Demons, Equanimity
Dec 04 1975

Zen Path: Consistency and Balance

Serial: RB-00048 This talk underscores the importance of a sincere and consistent approach to practicing faith, particularly within Zen Buddhism, while addressing the potential pitfalls of excessively strict or lax discipline. It further delves...
Tozan, Sixth Patriarch, Intimacy, Way-Seeking Mind
Dec 03 1975

Balancing Zen: Seriousness Without Strictures

Serial: RB-00341 This talk addresses the intricate nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining seriousness without becoming overly dependent on strict enforcement. It explores themes such as the balance between ascetic...
Intimacy, Way-Seeking Mind, Priest, Tozan, Truth
Dec 03 1975

Embracing Zen Beyond Words

Serial: RB-00047 The talk revolves around the Zen koan of Tozan and the phrase "three pounds of flax," exploring its meaning and implications in Zen practice. Instead of traditional teaching methods, Tozan's response encourages practitioners to...
Posture, Tozan, Shuso Ceremony, Practice Period, Pain
Dec 02 1975

Buddha in Everyday Awareness

Serial: RB-00340 The talk highlights the significant question in Zen philosophy: "What is Buddha?" using Tozan's remark, "three pounds of flax," as a central example. It discusses the life-giving and life-taking sword techniques of teaching,...
Tozan, Shuso Ceremony, Posture, Hate, Breath
Dec 02 1975

Consciousness and Unconditional Being

Serial: RB-00046 The talk emphasizes the significance of approaching Sashin with an open mind and staying aware of one's consciousness. It discusses how physical postures and muscles relate to mental states, advising to focus attention on organs...
Posture, Concentration, heart, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch
Dec 01 1975

Zen Awareness and Body Consciousness

Serial: RB-00339 The talk from December 1st, 1975, focuses on the continuous awareness and presence during sesshin without drifting into thoughts about past, future, or distractions. It delves into the importance of maintaining a soft and...
Posture, Concentration, heart, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch
Dec 01 1975

Silent Harmony in Zen Practice

Serial: RB-00021 The talk addresses the challenge of overcoming ingrained cultural ideas in Zen practice, emphasizing direct perception over accumulated knowledge. It explores the concept of "silence" as an active acceptance, not merely the...
Silence, Mindfulness, Religion, Ceremony, realization
Nov 26 1975

November 22nd, 1975, Serial No. 00043

Serial: RB-00043 The talk discusses the current social and financial uncertainty, the influence of Buddhism on Western thought, and the economic challenges faced by the speaker's community. It underscores the significance of the Buddhist sangha...
Money, Building, Community, Sangha, Intimacy
Nov 22 1975

**Budgeting Harmony for Zen Center**

Serial: RB-00044 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the financial overview and budgeting for a Zen Center, addressing the costs of residency for students, the allocation and calculation of scholarships, and strategies to sustain the...
Money, Community, Tenzo, Balance, Offering
Nov 22 1975

November 22nd, 1975, Serial No. 00045

Serial: RB-00045 The talk on November 22, 1975, centers around the financial challenges of running the Zen center and explores strategies to manage expenses and raise funds. Key topics include potential budget cuts, especially in food and...
Money, Community, Fundraising, Building, Balance
Nov 22 1975

November 13th, 1975, Serial No. 00020

Serial: RB-00020 The talk from November 13th, 1975, addresses the relationship between society and sangha in contemporary Buddhist practice, emphasizing that ancient Buddhist communities lived in more stable societies where wisdom was more...
Concentration, Practice Period, Chanting, Vow
Nov 13 1975

Sangha: Interconnected Path to Enlightenment

Serial: RB-00019 This talk focuses on the "three treasures" in Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, with a particular emphasis on understanding Sangha. It discusses various stages of comprehending Sangha and the spiritual practice of realizing...
Vow, Sangha, Thich Nhat Hanh, Priest, War
Nov 11 1975

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