The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1923 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Embracing Limitations for Zen Insight Serial: RB-00015 The talk explores the concept of limitations, particularly how they relate to understanding Zen. It begins with a famous kōan about a buffalo and shifts to discussing the challenge of intelligent individuals grasping Zen... *Composure, Suffering, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1975
Embrace Limitations for Zen Insight Serial: RB-00562 The talk explores the concept of limitations in Zen philosophy, emphasizing the limitations on intellectual understanding and personal capabilities and illustrating how these can lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of... *Suffering, Composure, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1975
Integrating Zen Into Everyday Life Serial: RB-00561 The talk examines the challenge of integrating Zen practice into lay life, emphasizing how practice often becomes mere therapy rather than addressing the root of suffering. It explores the importance of concentration and morality... *Practice, Intention, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1975
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00014 The talk on October 26, 1975, focuses on the application of Zen practice in ordinary life outside monastic settings. Emphasizing the necessity of concentration and morality, it explores how lay practitioners can integrate Zen... *Practice, Intention, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1975
Invisible Interconnectedness: Beyond Modern Illusions Serial: RB-00335 The talk argues that modern life, symbolized by the difficulties and dangers inherent in various societal agreements, contrasts sharply with historical periods where enlightenment was more common and less commodified. The... *Work, Consciousness, Vow*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Creating Your Mindful Path Serial: RB-00560 The talk primarily focuses on the significance of the participant's state of mind during Sashin practice. It emphasizes that participants should actively create their experiences rather than passively follow schedules or external... *Zazen, Greed, Delusion*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Mindful Sesshin: Create Your Insight Serial: RB-00568 The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively engaging with one's own mind during the sesshin practice. The central thesis revolves around not depending solely on the external structures of sesshin but creating... *Practice, Zazen, Greed*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Intrinsic Actions in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00558 The talk elaborates on the Zen principle that emphasizes spontaneous, intrinsic actions and reactions, using the example of "Why, when the bell rings, do you put on your robe?" It discusses the importance of dealing... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 08 1975
Zen Mastery in Everyday Details Serial: RB-00557 The talk emphasizes the significance of attention to details in Zen practice and warns against being misled by the superficial aspects of Buddhist practices. It explains that true understanding and mastery of Zen come not through... *Buddhism, Zazen, Hate*	Richard Baker	Oct 06 1975
Zen Posture and Inner Peace Serial: RB-00311 Summary: The talk emphasizes the importance of combining physical posture and relaxation in Zen practice, particularly through Zazen meditation. The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding oneself through suffering... *Practice, Posture, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 30 1975
Reviving Zen: Manzan's Reforms Unveiled Serial: KR-00082 The talk focuses on Manzan Zen Master's efforts in reforming Soto Zen's Dharma transmission practices and his emphasis on restoring Dogen Zenji's teachings. Manzan introduces reforms to prevent the nullification of Dharma lineage... *Transmission, Dharma Transmission, Ceremony, Addiction, Soto Zen, Lineage, realization, Evil,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 17 1975
Zen Manuscripts: Evolutionary Pathways Serial: KR-00080 The talk discusses the preservation and evolution of "Shobo Genzo" through various editions and contributions from significant figures at AHE Monastery and beyond, emphasizing the mimeographing efforts of Sogo and Taiyo Bonsai.... *Soto Zen, Rinzai, Vow, Ceremony*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 12 1975
Keizan Zenji: Catalyst of Soto Zen Serial: KR-00078 The talk focuses on the legacy of Keizan Zenji, emphasizing his pivotal role in expanding and formalizing the Soto Zen school, especially by popularizing Dogen's teachings. Keizan's efforts to balance original teachings, such as... *Soto Zen, Transmission, Dharma Transmission, realization, Lay, difficulty*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 11 1975
Zen Leadership: Tradition and Transformation Serial: KR-00077 The talk examines historical leadership changes and ideological conflicts within the Soto Zen lineage at Eheji Monastery. It discusses the differing approaches to dharma transmission, the tension between progressive and... *Transmission, Building, Dharma Transmission, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Bell, lecture, Bodhidharma,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 10 1975
Zen Power Struggles at Ehe-ji Serial: KR-00086 This talk explores the complex history of the Zen tradition in Japan, focusing on leadership changes and doctrinal conflicts within Ehe-ji Monastery. The discussion covers the tenure of several abbots, including Gikai and Ejo,... Transmission, Bell, Building, Soto Zen, Rinzai, difficulty, lecture, Bodhidharma...	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 10 1975
Silent Illumination and Zen's Path Serial: KR-00074 The talk discusses the history and nuances of Zen Buddhism, specifically focusing on the Sōtō Zen lineage and teachings of Dōgen Zenji. It explores the roots of Japanese Sōtō Zen through figures such as Tomyo Enji, Toyo Eiyo, and... *Transmission, Soto Zen, Discrimination, Buddha Nature, realization, Separation, Silence,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 08 1975
Dynamic Interconnections in Zen Philosophy Serial: KR-00072 The talk explores the concept of "nowness" in Zen philosophy, emphasizing its non-solid, dynamic nature that exists as a possibility of interconnection rather than as a tangible entity. This idea aligns with findings in modern... Interdependence, Teacher-and-Student, Religion, Attachment, Interview, American...	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 05 1975
Living Zen Through Shikantaza Serial: RB-00556 The main thesis of the talk emphasizes the practice of Shikantaza as both an experiential and experimental approach to Zen, focusing on the lineage and teachings passed down through generations. The discussion highlights the... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1975
Living Zazen Every Moment Serial: RB-00333 The talk emphasizes the principles of Shikantaza practice, focusing on the complete involvement in everyday activities as a form of Zazen. It describes the dual aspects of practice: perfecting oneself for enlightenment ("way... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1975
Experiencing Zen Beyond Thought Serial: RB-00332 The talk centers on the concept of emptiness in Zen Buddhism, specifically its elusiveness and its relationship to direct experience beyond intellectual understanding. The narrative highlights the story from Blue Cliff Records... *Zazen, Emptiness, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Sep 04 1975
Embodied Emptiness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00555 The talk focuses on the concept of emptiness in Zen Buddhism, contrasting it with the tendencies to control or seek the mysterious. Emptiness is approached as an experiential reality, beyond rational comprehension. Key teachings... *Emptiness, Zazen, Practice*	Richard Baker	Sep 04 1975
Interwoven Existence: Life as Zen Journey Serial: KR-00069 The talk explores the notion that life and the self are dynamically interconnected with the universe, emphasizing that a mistake or an action is not isolated but pervades everything. The concept is illustrated through metaphors... *Heart Sutra, Subject-and-Object, Sanctuary, Separation, Lay, realization, Hate*...	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 03 1975
Echoes of Stillness in Zen Serial: RB-00347 The talk explores the challenges and strategies of chanting in a Zen context, emphasizing the difficulties posed by the acoustics of a specific zendo compared to others like those at Tassajara or the Buddha Hall. It also delves... *Time, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 03 1975
Zen Moments and Eternal Now Serial: RB-00554 The talk primarily explores difficulties in chanting in different zendos, elaborates on the concept of time in Zen practice, and discusses the importance of understanding and integrating this perception into one's Zazen practice... *Time, Practice, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Sep 03 1975
Zen Dynamism: Embracing Oneness and Liberation Serial: KR-00067 This talk explores the concept of "Zen Dynamism" by examining the teachings of Dogen Zenji around emancipation and realization as the culmination of the Buddhist quest. Central to the discussion is the idea of "zenki," or total... *realization, Birth-and-Death, Oneness, Meditation, Nirvana, Happiness, Separation,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 02 1975
Embracing Zen Through Stories Serial: RB-00013 This talk explores a story from the "Blue Cliff Records" concerning Wong Po, emphasizing the importance of developing a feeling and understanding of Zen tales rather than overanalyzing them. It discusses common human tendencies... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 02 1975
Intuitive Embrace of Zen Truths Serial: RB-00346 The talk examines the story of Wong Po from the Blue Cliff Records, emphasizing the importance of developing an intuitive understanding rather than analytical comprehension when studying Koans. It explores themes of inherent... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 02 1975
Zenki: Living the Eternal Moment Serial: KR-00066 This talk focuses on the philosophical concept of "Zenki," which refers to the totality and dynamic function of life and death as propagated by Dogen Zenji. Central to the discussion is the idea that Zenki represents life's... *Birth-and-Death, Concentration, realization, American, Happiness, Separation, Beginners,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 01 1975
Embracing the Continuum of Existence Serial: KR-00068 The talk explores Zen Buddhism's concept of life and death, emphasizing that these are not distinct entities but manifestations of a continuous dynamic process with the universe. It discusses the idea of "immense" and its... *Separation, Gratitude, Zendo, Enemies, Transmission, Nirvana, Emotions, difficulty, Pain...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Eternal Harmony of Dynamic Existence Serial: KR-00070 The talk discusses the intrinsic harmony between life and death, emphasizing that neither obstructs the other. It centers on the concept of "total dynamism," a state where all things exist in balance without impeding one another... *Oneness, Birth-and-Death, Heart Sutra, Subject-and-Object, Separation, Discrimination, Pain...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Zen Practice Beyond Judgment Serial: KR-00073 The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing Zen under the guidance of a right teacher, focusing on Dogen Zenji's interpretation of Zazen and the concept of "Shikantaza" as an undefiled practice beyond criticism. It... *Silence, realization, Bodhidharma, Discrimination, Transmission, Oneness, Rinzai, Separation,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Zen Lineage: From Bodhidharma to Dogen Serial: KR-00075 The talk focuses on the lineage and historical developments in Japanese Zen Buddhism, highlighting the transitions within the Bodhidharma school and its influence on Dogen Zenji's teachings. The discussion delves into the roles... *Transmission, Dharma Transmission, Bodhidharma, New Year, Ceremony, Soto Zen, Building, Rinzai...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Zen Lineage: Echoes of Dogen Serial: KR-00076 The talk primarily addresses the historical lineage and disciples of Dogen Zenji, focusing on the succession of abbots at Eheji Monastery and the influence of the Bodhidharma school. It details the relationships between key... *Transmission, Ceremony, Building, Bodhidharma, Addiction, Demons, Rinzai*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Zen Ranks Through Gassan's Lens Serial: KR-00079 The main thesis of this talk is the exploration of Zen teachings through the lens of the Five Ranks theory, tracing its historical development and the role of various Zen masters in its interpretation and dissemination. Emphasis... *Soto Zen, Rinzai, Transmission, lecture, Zendo, Enemies, Greed, Vow*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 1975
Embodied Zen Through Sincere Practice Serial: RB-00012 The main thesis of this talk centers on the profundity of Zen practice, specifically emphasizing the essential qualities necessary for true understanding and realization as exemplified by the Zen master Obaku (Wang Po). The talk... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1975
Rediscovering Zen's True Essence Serial: RB-00345 The talk references the Blue Cliff Record, specifically case number 11, to illustrate the profound yet simple teachings of Obaku, also known as Huang Po. The discussion focuses on the true essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1975
Embracing Zen's Multidimensional Presence Serial: RB-00011 This talk delves into the complexities of Zen practice, focusing on the presence, relaxation, and the multiplicity of consciousness. It explores how true presence is not simply a cognitive state but an experiential whole where... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Aug 31 1975
Zen Practice: Relaxation Through Presence Serial: RB-00344 This talk centers on the intricacies of Zen practice, focusing on the concepts of presence, relaxation, suffering, and the essential nature of having no fixed observer. It examines how various Zen teachings and historical... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Aug 31 1975
Serenity Through Balanced Zazen Serial: RB-00010 The talk focuses on the practice of zazen, emphasizing a balance between straight posture and complete relaxation. It uses the analogy of grooming both the horse and the cart to illustrate the need for awareness and self-... *Practice, Zazen, Posture*	Richard Baker	Aug 30 1975
Dynamic Unity of Life and Death Serial: KR-00104 This talk explores the concept of universal life as a manifestation of "total dynamic working," a central theme in Dogen Zenji's teachings. The discussion emphasizes that life and death are not separate phenomena but rather... *realization, Birth-and-Death, Precepts, Compassion, Enemies, Oneness, Silence, Delusion,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 28 1975
Interconnected Harmony in Zen Practice Serial: KR-00103 The talk explores the concept of universal emptiness and the doctrine of dependent origination, emphasizing that all entities are an interplay of conditioned elements without a single substance. It discusses tranquility as... *Bell, Subject-and-Object, Concentration, Interdependence, Buddha Nature, Suffering,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 27 1975
Living Death: Embracing Non-Duality Serial: KR-00102 The talk examines Zen Buddhist teachings on the nature of death and life, emphasizing the principle that death is 'no death' and life is 'no life' through the lens of non-duality. This understanding is paralleled with teachings... *Precepts, Compassion, Oneness, Silence*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 26 1975
Mindful Karma and Spiritual Freedom Serial: RB-00007 The talk delves into fundamental questions of Zen practice, focusing on the relationship between karma, free will, and consciousness. It explores the integration of right inquiry with zazen practice, discusses the concept of... *Practice, Fox, Time*	Richard Baker	Jul 12 1975
Embodied Awakening in Collective Practice Serial: RB-00009 The talk discusses the challenges and insights gained from the experience of Sesshin (intensive meditation practice), emphasizing the importance of collective practice and the realization of one's fundamental desire through... *Desire, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 13 1975
Journey to Zen Mastery Serial: RB-00005 The main thesis of the talk focuses on guiding beginners through the initial stages of Zen practice, emphasizing breath counting, mind-body integration, and the progression through the four trances towards a deeper state of... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 11 1975
Embodying Zen Beyond Signs Serial: RB-00004 The talk discusses the responsibilities of a Zen practitioner, emphasizing the importance of practicing Zazen and maintaining a supportive environment for fellow practitioners. It highlights the inherent signlessness of true... *Practice, Buddhism, Perfect Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Jun 10 1975
Zen Patience Through Sitting Challenges Serial: RB-00002 The talk primarily addresses the significance of maintaining patience in Zen practice, specifically through the physical and mental challenges of sitting postures. The discussion elaborates on different sitting methods—such... *Practice, Patience, Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1975
Baking Souls: Zen's Path to Wisdom Serial: RB-00282 The talk discusses the intricate relationship between questioning and faith in Zen practice, elaborating on how persistent questioning combined with faith leads to enlightenment. Key themes include the metaphor of "baking a jar"... *Perfect Wisdom, Effort, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 08 1975
Zen Alchemy: Questions Fuel Wisdom Serial: RB-00281 The talk emphasizes the theme of cultivating perfect wisdom through persistent questioning combined with faith, particularly within the context of a seven-day Sashin. The discussion explores how Zen practice during Sashin... *Faith, Perfect Wisdom, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 07 1975
Seminar on Prajna Serial: SF-00019 Prajna is beyond words and inexpressible; Joshu, Daishi and the broom; achieving the knowledge of not-knowledge. This talk explores the concept of Prajna, emphasizing its inexpressibility and its depiction as knowledge of not-knowledge. Through Zen anecdotes and texts, the speaker discusses the synthesis of Daoist and Buddhist thought,... Duality, Mahayana, Lay, Cultivation, Concentration, Attachment, Vow, Freedom, Doubt...	Chang-Chung Yuan	May 24 1975

The SFZC Audio Archive

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