The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1930 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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
Zen Living: Embrace the Present Moment Serial: RB-00310 The talk focuses on the concept of living fully in the present moment by integrating Zen practice into everyday life. It emphasizes the relinquishment of attachment to future expectations and possessions, encouraging living... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Delusion*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Zen Wisdom in Everyday Interactions Serial: RB-00279 The talk explores the intertwined concepts of prajna (wisdom) and upaya (skillful means) within the practice of Zen, emphasizing how they relate to sharing one's realization. It delves into how skillful means involves expressing... *Practice, Buddhism, Hyakujo*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Upaya and Prajna: Interconnected Realizations Serial: RB-00309 The talk centers on the concept of Upaya, or skillful means, in Buddhist practice, and how it relates to the cultivation of Prajna (wisdom). Emphasis is placed on not overstepping in sharing one's spiritual insights and letting... *Practice, Buddhism, Hyakujo*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Embrace the Present: Intentionless Living Serial: RB-00280 The talk emphasizes the practice of living fully in the present moment by embracing and understanding the notion of "effort" in practice. It challenges the common perception of life's progression through distinct phases such as... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Silent Wisdom in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00308 This talk addresses the complexity of not depending on words and names in Zen practice, emphasizing deep perception of reality and the importance of transmission outside scriptures and ceremonies. It explores the concept of... *Practice, Compassion, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1975
Zen Lessons Beyond Words Serial: RB-00277 The talk explores the concept of non-dependence on words and names in Zen, emphasizing the transmission of teachings outside of scriptures and ceremonies. It underscores the importance of direct experience and engagement with... *Practice, Compassion, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1975
Intentionless Zen: Embrace the Ordinary Serial: RB-00275 The talk on April 5th, 1975, focuses on the concept of intentionless activity in Zen practice, using various parables and historical narratives to illustrate the point. The discussion includes reflections on bathing practices... *Time, Effort, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1975
Zen Intentionless Acceptance Unveiled Serial: RB-00312 The talk primarily explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing intentionless activity and non-discriminative acceptance. It incorporates several narratives to elucidate key Zen principles, referencing interactions between... *Time, Sixth Patriarch, Effort*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1975
Embodying Zen in Everyday Rituals Serial: RB-00306 The talk discusses the practices in Zen, particularly focusing on the posture and methods employed during walking meditation (kin-hin) and the rituals associated with bathing at monastic sesshins. It also delves into the... *Buddha, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1975
Walking in Zen's Quiet Harmony Serial: RB-00274 The talk primarily addresses the practice of kinhin (walking meditation) and bathing routines within a Zen monastery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity and effort in Zen practices. The discussion transitions... *Buddha, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1975
Engage Enlightenment Through Daily Practice Serial: RB-00273 The talk focuses on setting forth the mind and cultivating the way through practices like the six paramitas. It explores naming the unnameable, the distinction between activity and information, and emphasizes practical engagement... *Desire, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1975
Embodied Zen in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00305 This talk examines the practice of setting forth the mind and cultivating the way through the six paramitas and unnameable aspects of life. It discusses the differences between activity and information, emphasizing that Buddhist... *Practice, Time, Dogen*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1975
Every Day a Good Day Serial: RB-00272 The talk emphasizes the centrality of personal experience and realization in Zen, suggesting that true understanding cannot be taught but must be discovered individually. Referencing Blue Cliff Record case number six, the... *Time, Zazen, Observe*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1975
Realize Zen Beyond Words Serial: RB-00304 This talk emphasizes the fundamental Zen teaching that true understanding comes from personal realization rather than external instruction. Specific references include the Blue Cliff Records, the teachings of various historical... *Time, Zazen, Japan*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1975
Focus and Faith in Enlightenment Serial: RB-00303 This talk explores the importance of single-minded focus during Sesshin and the larger implications of such practice. It compares Pure Land Buddhism with Zen practice, suggesting Pure Land's emphasis on belief parallels Zen's... *Practice, Sangha, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1975
Just One Thing: Zen Focus Serial: RB-00271 This talk explores the practice of Sashin and Zen, focusing on the concept of doing "just one thing" to unravel deeper existential questions and reflect on human experiences. It contrasts Zen with Pure Land Buddhism, highlighting... *Practice, Sangha, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1975
From Self to Universal Enlightenment Serial: SF-00015 Morning; Buddha sitting to save all beings; difference between Bodhisattva stage and Buddha stage. The discussion centers on the distinction between the Bodhisattva stage and the Buddha stage, focusing on the transition and realization of Gautama Buddha. It explores the roles of Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas,... *Nirvana, Bodhisattva Way, Mahayana, Passions, Balance, Peace*	Nagasaki Sensei	Mar 28 1975
Zen Birth: Embracing Interconnected Presence Serial: RB-00270 The talk emphasizes the transformative nature of Zen practice, comparing it to a birthing process requiring care, trust, and humility. It discusses the importance of mutual participation in spiritual growth, highlighting the... *Practice, Zazen, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1975
Zen's Transformative Path: Trust and Unity Serial: RB-00288 This talk explores the transformative nature of Zen practice, emphasizing its role as an experiential journey akin to a birth or creation process requiring trust and humility. It underscores the importance of shared vision and... *Practice, Zazen, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1975
Unveiling True Self Through Zen Serial: RB-00287 The talk focuses on the core essence of Buddhism, emphasizing the stripping away of preconceived notions to understand the true self and achieve a form of enlightenment. It highlights specific Zen stories and koans to elucidate... *Practice, Time, Intention*	Richard Baker	Feb 20 1975
Zen Practice: Embodying Presence and Freedom Serial: RB-00553 The talk explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of transcending attachments and conceptual understandings of Buddhism. It reflects on traditional teachings, examining the notion of the "true man of no... *Practice, Time, Intention*	Richard Baker	Feb 20 1975
Embodying Eastern Wisdom in West Serial: RB-00552 The talk discusses the integration of Asian Buddhism into Western practice, emphasizing the importance of forms, symbols, and traditions in enhancing spiritual understanding and practice. Concepts such as Buddhist vows, non-... *Buddhism, Practice, Vow*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1975
Walking the Path of Zen Everyday Serial: RB-00551 This talk explores the integration of Zen practice into daily life, focusing on the inseparability of teaching and personal practice. The speaker emphasizes that practice itself is a form of teaching, highlighting the need for a... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1975
Buddhism Beyond Boundaries and Identities Serial: RB-00285 The talk focuses on Buddhist teachings and practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of teacher and student, the importance of daily life details in Buddhism, and the influence of cultural perspectives on the understanding and... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1975
Zen Embodied: Posture and Presence Serial: RB-00283 The talk centers on the importance of developing what is referred to as a "will-body" to sustain practice and understanding in Zen. It discusses the necessity of posture in meditation practice, cautioning against overly... *Practice, Zazen, Desire*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1975
Commitment in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00549 The talk centers on developing the "will body" crucial for consistent Zen practice, addressing practices like zazen postures and the limitations of using down jackets, which can impede proper energy and heat regulation. The... *Zazen, Practice, Desire*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1975
Embodied Zen: Beyond Thought and Form Serial: RB-00548 The talk outlines Suzuki Roshi's early life experiences and his perception of Buddhism's decline during the Meiji period. It addresses his motivation for becoming a priest, influenced by teacher Oka Sotan and the desire to... *Buddhism, Zazen, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 16 1975
Mindful Posture, Timeless Practice Serial: RB-00178 The talk focuses on the life and teachings of Suzuki Roshi, particularly his experiences growing up in the challenging socio-political environment of post-Meiji Japan and his dedication to revitalizing Buddhism. It discusses his... *Buddhism, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 16 1975
Transforming Desire into Enlightened Action Serial: RB-00547 The talk focuses on the complexity of desire, the pitfalls of spiritual practice, and the interplay between the practices of Manjushri and Samantabhadra in Buddhist traditions. The discussion emphasizes the provisional nature of... *Desire, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Feb 14 1975
Living Zen: Embodying Wisdom Daily Serial: RB-00545 The talk explores the integral role of posture, particularly the half or full lotus pose, in Zen practice, emphasizing its significance beyond mere physicality to embodying wisdom and the essence of Buddhist life. It also... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 06 1975
Ready Minds in Spiritual Practice Serial: RB-00176 This talk explores the readiness for commitment, the importance of preparation over immediate understanding, and the role of spirituality in perceiving the nature of life deeply. Key Zen stories such as those involving Seppo and... *Practice, Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1974
Zen Readiness and Spiritual Clarity Serial: RB-00543 The talk focuses on the process of understanding and developing spiritual and philosophical insights through Zen practice, using various Zen stories and analogies. Emphasis is placed on commitment, readiness, and observation as... *Practice, Commitment, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1974
Zen and Modern Tools Serial: RB-00625 The talk discusses the history and practical uses of down in outdoor equipment, highlighting the shift from traditional heavy materials to modern down products influenced by developments around WWII. This introduction sets the... *Dogen, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1974
Zen and the Art of Warmth Serial: RB-00542 The talk focuses on the use and history of down in camping equipment, the comparison of Japanese and Western clothing for maintaining body heat, and various Zen teachings and practices. It examines the adoption of modern hiking... *Dogen, Time, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1974
Embracing Reality Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00289 The talk explores the concept of real choice and the importance of encountering genuine circumstances to better access personal strength and understanding. It emphasizes the significance of facing realities, emotional honesty,... *Practice, Desire, Anger*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1974
Embracing Instincts Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00540 The talk delves into themes of real choice, the nature of personal strength, and the experience of consciousness within Zen practice. It highlights how isolating oneself from experiences, such as the environment or emotions,... *Practice, Anger, Desire*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1974
Roots of Enlightenment Practice Serial: RB-00286 The talk focuses on the preparation for enlightenment and the importance of having a real context of choice. It discusses Zen practice, monastic life, and their roles in fostering a connection with the roots of culture and... *Practice, Community, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1974
Zen Roots for Modern Life Serial: RB-00539 This talk delves into the importance of returning to fundamental sources in spiritual practice and daily living, highlighting the influence of Zen teachings and monastic life. It emphasizes the preparation necessary for... *Practice, Community, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1974
Title: Refining Impulses Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00537 This talk discusses themes related to Zen practice, particularly focusing on the five skandhas and the significance of impulses. It underscores the conditioned nature of perception and the importance of recognizing and refining... *Practice, Sangha, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1974
Reimagining Society through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00212 The talk delineates how our thought processes are conditioned by the five skandhas (form, feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness) and the transformative potential when perceiving space over form. Emphasis is placed on... *Sangha, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1974
The Unborn Path to Realization Serial: RB-00211 The talk emphasizes the dual nature of self-realization as both exceedingly simple and exceedingly difficult, discussing human weaknesses and societal influences. It references Banke's teachings on the "unborn" and argues that... *Time, Culture, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1974
Pathways to Natural Realization Serial: RB-00536 This talk explores the complexity and ease of realizing one's nature, emphasizing the duality inherent in human efforts and limitations. It provides an in-depth examination of the analogical thinking underpinning our existential... *Time, Culture, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1974
Crossing Boundaries in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00175 The talk delves into how "pivotal attitudes" influence one's approach to Zen practice, beginning with language analysis and extending into cultural norms such as clothing and human interactions with the environment. The... *Time, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1974
Transcending Boundaries in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00535 The talk explores pivotal attitudes and the concept of boundaries within Zen practice. It begins by discussing deeply ingrained beliefs and their influence on our actions and perceptions. This is followed by an examination of... *Time, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1974
Wholehearted Living Through Sesshin Serial: RB-00534 The talk discusses the concept of sesshin and challenges commonly held perceptions about it. Rather than striving for concentrated zazen or reaching a highly focused state, sesshin should be seen as an integrated experience of... *Zazen, Time, Posture*	Richard Baker	Nov 30 1974
Sesshin as Continuous Practice Serial: RB-00174 The talk on November 30th, 1974, primarily challenges conventional understandings of sesshin and zazen practice. It emphasizes that sesshin should not be viewed as fragmented periods of concentrated zazen but as a continuous... *Zazen, Time, Posture*	Richard Baker	Nov 30 1974
Zen and the Craft of Choice Serial: RB-00532 The talk, dated November 21st, 1974, addresses the crucial themes of awareness, failure, and the intersection of Zen practice with cultural and disciplinary contexts. The discussion begins with a reference to a poem by Cavafy,... *Time, Practice, Japan*	Richard Baker	Nov 21 1974

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