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 2468 talks

- Reset Search

Title	Speaker	Date
The Bodhisattva Grandmother Serial: SF-00942 Deshan and the old woman; the distortions of sexism, racism, others; the bodhisattva grandmother; devotion to zazen; bringing attention and support to the natural states/bodily conditions that are difficult The talk discusses the story of Deshan and the old woman from 9th century China, aiming to emphasize wisdom beyond established norms and literature. Deshan, a scholar of the Diamond Sutra, encounters an old woman selling dim sum... Deshan, Family Practice, Dragons, Offering, Delusion, Heart Sutra, Mindfulness, Vow, Suzuki...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Feb 17 2007 Green Gulch Farm
The Gift of Nothing Serial: SF-00929 Sunday Lecture Children's Lecture: one who is not busy, one reality; the gift of nothing; sesshin, from Suzuki Roshi; our mind is the same as Buddha's; all things are impermanent; illusion of self; desire based on... The talk elaborates on the story "The Gift of Nothing" and weaves it into the principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on impermanence and the illusion of self. Through a children’s story about a cat named Mooch who... Buddha's Enlightenment, Sesshin, Koan, Daowu, Keizan, Suzuki Roshi, Nirvana Sutra, Book...	Fu Schroeder	Dec 03 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Just Showing Up Serial: EB-00047 The talk discusses the nature of spiritual guidance and the pitfalls of authoritarianism, emphasizing trusting one's awareness to find the way rather than relying on specific instructions or techniques. Key references:- *Zen... Skillful Means, Gurus, Authoritarians, Big Mind, Instruction, Peace, Rumi, Don't Know...*	Edward Brown	Nov 12 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Seijiki Ceremony - Relating to Death and Dying Serial: SF-00029 Heading into winter; what is the most important thing at the end of your life? taking refuge; how are we also hungry ghosts; six realms. The discussion centers around the Seijiki Ceremony, addressing themes of death, dying, and the concept of "hungry ghosts." This ceremony is tied to a particular time of year when the veil between life and death is thought to thin... Ceremony, Six Realms, Death-and-Dying, Offering, Vow, Ordination, Sangha, Emptiness, Samadhi,...	Meiya Wender	Oct 29 2006
Breathing In, Breathing Out Serial: SF-01146 Sunday Lecture: simplicity; story of Prajnatara in Malawi; the sun comes up, the sun goes down; connections; the four foundations of mindfulness; Navajo rain dance The talk emphasizes simplicity through various anecdotes and teachings. A core story involves Prajñātara, an ancient Buddhist ancestor, who illustrates the principle of mindfulness through a simple breathing practice. The... Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Simplicity, Mindfulness, Book of Serenity, Four Noble Truths...	Fu Schroeder	Oct 08 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Right Speech Serial: SF-00037 The eight-fold path and its relationship to the precepts. The talk explores the concept of "right speech" within the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, linking it closely to the precepts, especially within the context of a lay ordination ceremony. By presenting two koans, it underscores the... Ummon, Koan, Right Speech, Suzuki Roshi, Conversation, Heart Sutra, Zazen, Buddha Nature,...	Marc Lesser	Sep 16 2006
Buddhas And Sentient Beings Are Not Two Serial: SF-01026 One-day sitting lecture: positive encouragement; nirvana; five hindrances; preliminary practices; three worlds; jhanas - benefits and ptifalls; Four Noble Truths; Mahayana This talk focuses on the duality of Buddhas and sentient beings through Zen practices, examining meditation and the path to enlightenment. It discusses the importance of bodily posture and mental composition in meditation,... Five Hindrances, Four Noble Truths, Mahayana, Dhyana, Hindrances, Nirvana, Concentration,...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 16 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Stopping and Listening Serial: SF-00945 Sunday Lecture Children's Lecture: Baby beluga; why are you here?; Dogen's Three Minds: joyful mind, kind mind, big mind; mother's love as essence of spirituality (Dalai Lama); parental mind as nourishing mind; karmic... The discussion begins with an invitation to children to engage in a listening exercise, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive. The talk then transitions into a discussion of nature, highlighting the journey of... Tenzo Kyokun, Big Mind, Birth-and-Death, Bell, Silence, Gratitude, Hate, Suzuki Roshi,...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Sep 03 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Teachers and Students Serial: EB-00046 The talk centers on the exploration of inner conflicts and the metaphorical 'ogres' that one faces in various relationships such as those between parents and children, teachers and students, and within oneself. It describes these... Hakuin, Suzuki Roshi, Cooking, Bell, Way-Seeking Mind, Silence, Demons	Edward Brown	Aug 27 2006
It's Just Food! Serial: EB-00045 The talk centers on the cultural attitudes toward food, especially in the context of waste and consumption. The discussion elaborates on the importance of treating food with care and reverence, reflecting Zen teachings,... Suzuki Roshi, Culture, Ordinary Mind, Money, Way-Seeking Mind, Lay	Edward Brown	Jul 16 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Buddhist Visions of American Independence Serial: SF-04351 The talk explores the synergy between American independence ideals and Buddhist principles, particularly focusing on liberty, justice, and cooperation as celebrated during the 4th of July. It also critiques the political climate... *Liberation, Interdependence, Freedom, Declaration of Independence, Happiness, Enemies...*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 02 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Have Some Tea Serial: SF-00965 Sunday Lecture: "Have you been here before? Have some tea"; judgment and conduct; Four Noble Truths; Eightfold Path; ethics and etiquette The talk delves into judgment and conduct within the framework of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, emphasizing the Buddhist teachings on suffering, ignorance, and the practices for liberation. The narrative is... Joshu, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Right Effort, Three Treasures, Right Speech,...	Fu Schroeder	May 07 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Genjo Koan as a Verb Serial: SF-04332 This talk explores Dogen's "Genjo Koan" as foundational to Soto Zen practice, contrasting self-manifestation of delusion with the awakening that occurs when all phenomena illuminate themselves. It emphasizes... Dogen, Delusion, Separation, Blue Cliff Record, Building, Practice Period	Taigen Dan Leighton	Apr 29 2006 City Center
The Great Matter Serial: SF-00085 How awareness of death, and our own mortality, spurs us to greater effort in practice. The talk at the Beginner's Mind Temple centers on awareness of mortality as a catalyst for deepening commitment to spiritual and ethical practice. It draws on various literary and philosophical sources to underscore the transient... Birth-and-Death, Impermanence, Suzuki Roshi, Gratitude, Heart Sutra, Ceremony, Mindfulness,...	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 11 2006 City Center
The Water of Life Serial: EB-00043 This talk discusses the philosophical and spiritual journey depicted through a story about a king's sons searching for the "water of life," symbolizing the internal exploration for fulfillment and enlightenment. It... Kids' Talk, Rumi, Personality Types, Enemies, Dragons, Silence, Bell	Edward Brown	Mar 05 2006
Practice Period Serial: SF-00034 Origins of PP, meaning of 'ango'; Dogen's essay; resistance; hermit Jim; Rumi poems. The talk explores the historical and spiritual origins of the Zen practice period known as 'ango', tracing its roots back to Varsha, the rainy season retreat established by Buddha to provide support for monks. It delves into... Practice Period, Dongshan, Dogen, Rumi, Buddha Ancestors, Zazen, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...	Kokyo Henkel	Feb 19 2006 Green Gulch Farm
The Robe of Liberation Serial: SF-00115 Taking refuge; our true place; funzo; placing robe on the head; story from vinaya about silk. This talk centers on the concept of taking refuge and the authentic transmission in Zen Buddhism, focusing on Dogen Zenji's criticisms of societal norms regarding status and religious attire, specifically the Okesa or Kashaya... Okesa, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Genzo-e, Discrimination, Doubt, Offering, Attachment, Peace,...	Shohaku Okumura	Feb 01 2006 AM
Alive or Dead? Serial: SF-01147 Sunday Lecture: Koan: "Alive or Dead" (Daowu's condolence call); mind fleas; confession; too busy; leap or die when at an impasse; story of Buddha and king - what else can I do but walk in righteousness; Dogen's... The talk explores the Zen koan "Alive or Dead?" from the Blue Cliff Record, focusing on the story of Buddhist master Dao Wu and his attendant Jin Wan, and the absence of definitive answers. It elaborates on keeping spiritual... Teacher-and-Student, Birth-and-Death, Practice Period, Anger, Don't Know Mind, Ego, Bell...	Fu Schroeder	Jan 29 2006 Green Gulch Farm
Practicing Patience Serial: SF-04353 The talk explores the concept of patience as an active, dynamic practice essential in various realms of life, from personal meditation to societal engagement. Emphasizing patience as one of the ten paramitas (kṣānti), it connects... Kids' Talk, Paramitas, Patience, Kshanti, Enthusiasm, Virya, Politics	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Practicing Patience Serial: SF-04352 The talk emphasizes the importance of patience in Buddhist practice, describing it as an active, dynamic process critical in personal and societal contexts. It highlights patience as one of the ten paramitas and aligns it with... Patience, Kids' Talk, Kshanti, Enthusiasm, Virya, Politics	Taigen Dan Leighton	Dec 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Zhaozhou's No Serial: SF-00963 Sunday Lecture: Milton's 'Paradise Lost'; myth of Narcissus; Four Noble Truths; Zhaozhou's "No": Marin Organizing Committee/Seniors for Peace This talk explores the interplay between self-obsession and spiritual enlightenment through the lenses of various texts and teachings. It begins with an examination of Eve's introspection in Milton's "Paradise Lost," likened to... Perfect Wisdom, Four Noble Truths, Buddha Nature, Peace, Freedom, Mill Valley, Commitment, Non...	Fu Schroeder	Nov 20 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Grounding In The Immediate Experience Serial: SF-03089A The talk focuses on the practice of mindfulness, both in the context of Zen and broader Buddhist teachings, highlighting its therapeutic effects, especially concerning depression. The practitioner is encouraged to pay attention... Mindfulness, Practice Period, Hindrances, Sesshin, Mindfulness, Practice, Time...	Ryushin Paul Haller	Nov 12 2005 Tassajara
The Activity of Sesshin Serial: SF-03152 The talk discusses the transformative process of sesshin as a form of deep meditative practice, emphasizing the integration of self and the world by acknowledging and skillfully working with the karmic flow of causes and... Sesshin, Suzuki Roshi, Work, Silence	Ryushin Paul Haller	Oct 12 2005 Tassajara
Morning, Noon, Evening Serial: EB-00056 The talk explores various teachings and perspectives on the practices of Zen and meditation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in practice and the concept of letting the 'flower of life force bloom.' It contrasts... *Katagiri Roshi, Charlotte Selver, Sensory Awareness, Instruction, Posture, Sangha...*	Edward Brown	Oct 09 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Settling Into Monastic Practice Together Serial: SF-03161 The talk explores the concept of "practice period" or "ango" in Zen Buddhism, tracing its origins from India through its integration into Chinese and Japanese traditions, and its current practice in the U.S. Emphasis is placed on... Practice Period, Shingi, Monastic Practice, Sangha, Global Warming, Buddha Ancestors, Mahayana...	Ryushin Paul Haller	Oct 02 2005 Tassajara
No Self Serial: SF-00971 One-day sitting lecture: Bodhisattva Initiation - dharma names; Buddha's second teaching - "No-self Characteristic Sutta"; shamata - posture instructions; Bodhisattva precepts - the scrimmage line The talk explores the concept of "no-self" and the path of the Bodhisattva as central to Buddhist practice. The speaker discusses the initiation ceremony for new Bodhisattvas and reflects on the teachings of the Buddha... Bodhisattva Precepts, Ceremony, Samatha, Precepts, Continuous Practice, Separation, Posture,...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 17 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Birth and Death Serial: SF-00970 Sunday Lecture - Children's Lecture: children's story - Amos and Boris; response to Hurrican Katrina; Story of king, knowing death is coming; vowing to live for the benefit of all; story of Buddha, a child's death and... The lecture explores themes of interdependence, the impermanence of life, and compassionate action, drawing from the children's story "Amos and Boris" by William Steig and Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the... Kids' Talk, Birth-and-Death, First Principle, Vow, Four Noble Truths, Lotus Sutra, Mill...	Fu Schroeder	Sep 04 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-01783 The talk explores themes of self-expression, authenticity, and practice in Zen, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self without imitation. The discussion highlights Suzuki Roshi's teachings from the book... Tassajara, Zen Mind Beginner's Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Practice Period, Tassajara Zen...	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 03 2005 Tassajara
Internal Wellspring of Wisdom and Love Serial: EB-00042 The talk discusses the "perfection of wisdom" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not keeping track of personal progress or seeking external validation, such as love and approval. The discussion... *Book of Serenity, Suzuki Roshi, Tassajara, Cooking, Buddha Nature, Evil, Desire...*	Edward Brown	Aug 18 2005 Tassajara
Awakening Wisdom Beyond The Self Serial: EB-00041 The talk discusses the concept of the "Perfection of Wisdom" in Zen Buddhism, beginning with meditation instructions based on Eric Schiffman's teachings. It delves into the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, focusing on... Sariputra, Patience, Impermanence, Sutra, Delusion	Edward Brown	Aug 15 2005 Tassajara
Embracing Imperfection, Cultivating Wisdom Serial: EB-00040 The talk examines the nature of wisdom within the Buddhist tradition, emphasizing the importance of accepting impermanence, suffering, and the absence of self. It uses an allegory of dented teapots and personal anecdotes to... Tassajara, Paramitas, Patience, Addiction, Way-Seeking Mind, Impermanence	Edward Brown	Jul 31 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Embracing Impermanence in Everyday Wisdom Serial: EB-00055 The talk explores Buddhist wisdom, focusing on impermanence, suffering, and the concept of no-self. Through the metaphor of aging teapots and various anecdotes, it examines the nature of human attachment to ideals of perfection... *Patience, Addiction, Way-Seeking Mind, Impermanence*	Edward Brown	Jul 31 2005
Zendo Lecture Serial: SF-03593 The talk intertwines various themes and anecdotes to illustrate principles of Zen practice, mindfulness, and community. Zen and Yoga workshop experiences are shared, noting the importance of approaching familiar practices with... Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Mindfulness, Offering, Sanctuary, Obstacles, Impermanence,...	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jul 23 2005 Tassajara
Bodhidharma and Buddha Nature Serial: SF-06992 The talk focuses on the concept of Buddha Nature, exploring its meaning through the teachings of Dogen, particularly the interpretation of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra and Tathagatagarbha. It highlights Dogen's re-reading of key... *Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Hongzhi, Practice Period*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 11 2005 Tassajara
Bodhidharma and Buddha Nature Serial: SF-07015 The talk focuses on the concept of Buddha nature, exploring Dogen's teachings not just as philosophical doctrine but as a practice of expression and realization. Through texts like Dogen's "Extensive Record" and the "Busho" essay... Genjokoan, Book of Serenity, Buddha Mind, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Nirvana, Practice...	Taigen Dan Leighton	Jul 10 2005 Tassajara
Natural Liberation Serial: SF-00035 Sunday talk.Buddha teaches liberation; methods of liberation; birth and death is itself nirvana. The talk explores the Buddhist notion of liberation through different traditions, focusing on Shakyamuni Buddha's Four Noble Truths as a path to freedom from suffering. It examines the methods used in the Buddhist tradition:... Birth-and-Death, Freedom, Dogen, Liberation, Renunciation, Nirvana, Letting Go, Samsara,...	Kokyo Henkel	Jun 25 2005
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-03125 This talk examines Zen practice through the lens of breathing techniques, the concept of "settling into the moment," and the profound koan of "alive or dead." It underscores the practice of zazen as a means of exploring... Daowu, Koan, Posture, Practice, Zazen, Time	Ryushin Paul Haller	Jun 24 2005 Tassajara
Experiential Union in Zen Yoga Serial: EB-00039 The talk centers on the intertwining paths of Zen and Yoga, emphasizing the importance of experience over rigid form. Yoga is presented as a practice of union and meditation as inner listening, encouraging less thinking and more... *Letting Go, Oneness, Faith, Obstacles, Hindrances*	Edward Brown	Jun 18 2005
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-03122 This talk reflects on Zen practices and the perennial questioning inherent in spiritual life, focusing on the nature of life's repetitive queries and the nurturing of one's spiritual being. It explores how habitual patterns... *Buddha, Work, Practice*	Ryushin Paul Haller	Jun 06 2005 Tassajara
Presence in Everyday Acts Serial: EB-00038 The talk explores the Zen philosophy of fully engaging with and experiencing life through direct actions rather than consuming pre-packaged experiences. Emphasis is placed on the significance of performing small, mindful acts... *Dragons, Global Warming, Lay, Don't Know Mind*	Edward Brown	May 16 2005
Wheel of Birth and Death Serial: SF-00969 Sunday Lecture: Children's stories: earth moving around the sun is one year; "stone soup"; thinking and not thinking; Tibetan wheel of birth and death - six realms, twelve-fold chain of causation; Marin organizing committee -... The talk explores Zen Buddhism's philosophical aspects, emphasizing interconnectedness between thinking and not thinking, as taught by Master Dogen in his sermon "Uji." The discussion incorporates children's explanations of time... *Peace, Dependent Origination, Six Realms, Demons, Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Silence,...*	Fu Schroeder	Apr 10 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Embodiment of Everyday Enlightenment Serial: SF-04331 The talk explores Dogen's philosophy, specifically his teachings on "dropping off body and mind" as an essential practice of Zazen, emphasizing everyday practical application. It highlights the complex path to enlightenment and... *Bodhisattva Way, Monkey Mind, Mahayana, Global Warming, Karmic Consciousness*...		Mar 26 2005
Zendo Lecture Serial: SF-03123 The talk explores Zen practice as an immersion into the present moment and the interconnectedness of all things, using the metaphor of an ecosystem to describe the dynamic interaction of personal and collective experiences. It... *Practice Period, Impermanence, Balance, Five Ranks, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Letting Go...*	Ryushin Paul Haller	Mar 21 2005 Tassajara
Zen Of Business Administration Serial: SF-00036 Sunday Talk.Life at Green Gulch in the 1970s; giving, fearlessness; improv; no mistakes; parenting. The talk explores the integration of Zen principles, particularly the practice of generosity, fearlessness, and flexibility, into business and daily life. Drawing from personal experiences, including time spent at Green Gulch and... *Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Interview, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Daily Life, Koan,...*	Marc Lesser	Mar 20 2005 Green Gulch Farm
Way Seeking Mind Serial: SF-00044 The route to becoming a zen monk; growing up Jewish and hanging out with the beats; meeting Suzuki Roshi. The central theme of the talk explores the journey to becoming a Zen monk, interweaving personal experiences of growing up Jewish and interacting with the Beat Generation, ultimately leading to significant relationships with... Monastic Practice, Japan, Way-Seeking Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Monastic Practice, Priest,...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Mar 13 2005 2 Tassajara
Unveiling Universal Buddha Nature Serial: SF-04378 The talk delves into the concept of Buddha nature, emphasizing its intrinsic presence in all beings and the practice needed to express it. It highlights the teachings of Dogen, particularly his interpretation from the... *Impermanence, Attachment, Rumi, Letting Go*		Mar 13 2005
Two Paths to the Dharma Serial: SF-00080 The talk explores personal journeys within the Dharma, focusing on the distinct paths of practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism and Japanese Zen Buddhism. It reflects on cultural and institutional influences associated with these... *Practice Period, Liberation, Bodhidharma, Mahayana, Study Period, Lineage, Letting Go, Four...*	Ryushin Paul Haller, Acharya Gaylon Ferguson	Mar 04 2005
Embracing Ordinary: Zen's Path Within Serial: EB-00037 The talk explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the concept of "everyday mind is the way," and critiques the common pursuit of self-improvement as a form of spiritual practice. The discussion highlights the notion of... *Buddha Nature, Don't Know Mind, Ordinary Mind, confusion, Religion*	Edward Brown	Jan 30 2005
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-00940 World's largest ball of twine, snobbery, insight, calming our minds, shamata - tranquility practce, Dhammapada, monuments to warfare, GGF farm and kids, hate crime and Tam High, Harvey Milk, It's Elementary Sutra (?), sew... The talk explores the profound teaching that our life is shaped by our thoughts and emphasizes the essential practice of calming the mind through Shamatha, promoting tranquility as a foundational Buddhist practice. It stresses... *Vow, Precepts, Hate, Non-violence, Bodhisattva Precepts, Intimacy, Interview, Mindfulness,...*	Fu Schroeder	Dec 19 2004 Green Gulch Farm
Lotus Sutra Class Serial: SF-03557 Dining Room Class The talk explores the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, particularly focusing on the recitations by individuals and the dialogue between the Buddha and Shariputra. The central theme is the importance of understanding and... *Lotus Sutra, Intimacy, Vow, Manjushri, First Principle, Ordinary Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Monastic...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Dec 03 2004 Tassajara

The SFZC Audio Archive

Pages