The SFZC Audio Archive

Sozan Michael McCord considers the deeper purpose of monasteries—not only as places of study and community, but as spaces that preserve and sustain collective practice, creating lasting impact beyond the moment of gathering... The talk explores the role of monasteries as settings for grounding and sustaining collective practice, emphasizing their importance in fostering presence, awareness, and adaptability. Practical examples highlight how rituals...

Serial: SF-12452 Shosan Victoria Austin and Mary Mocine speak about Blanche Hartman and Zen sewing, and conduct an eye-opening ceremony for a statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva in the SFZC sewing room. The talk primarily discusses the practice and symbolism of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva within the context of Zen practice, highlighting the teachings of wholehearted practice and the Ten Vows of Samantabhadra. Additionally, it...

Serial: SF-12375 08/23/2025, Myles Cowherd, dharma talk at City Center.Myles Cowherd explores the transformative power of sincerity and acceptance as a counterpoint to a life of seriousness and fear. The talk explores the transformative role of sincerity and acceptance in overcoming seriousness and fear. The discussion highlights sincerity as a way of bearing witness to one's reality without judgment, promoting self-...

Serial: SF-12424 Talk by Paul Haller Jonah Willihnganz at Tassajara on 2025-08-16 This talk centers on the integration of Zen practice with mythopoetic traditions, exploring their combined potential to foster a sense of wholeness and spiritual awakening. Two primary aspects of Zen practice are discussed: the...

Serial: SF-12447

Serial: SF-12415 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller at City Center on 2025-07-26 The talk discusses the practice of shikantaza in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the present moment fully and the challenge of maintaining non-reactivity amidst life's uncertainties and discomforts. The...

Serial: SF-07287 07/13/2025, Gengyoko Tim Wicks, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Gengyoko Tim Wicks explores cultivating joyful energy in times of crisis, with reference to Eihei Dogen Zenji and the Dhammapada. The talk addresses the significant impact of "hyper-normalization," a term from Soviet scholar Alexei Yurchak, referring to the normalized acceptance of societal dysfunction during the Soviet Union's decline, and how it parallels...

Serial: SF-12438 Talk by Michael McCord at Tassajara on 2025-07-12 The talk explores the significance of retreats like Tassajara in providing a transformative space for developing presence, awareness, and adaptability. The speaker examines using Zen rituals and practices for grounding oneself...

Serial: SF-07259 06/21/2025, Chikudo Catherine Spaeth, dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk delves into the theme of spiritual growth as a deepening of vows within the context of a five-day retreat at Tassajara. Emphasizing transformation and interconnectedness, it reflects on the symbolic journey of personal...

Serial: SF-07270 06/15/2025, Gyokuden Steph Blank, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm.Gyokuden Steph Blank shares her experience of grief and gratitude arising through the intimate process of accompanying her father during his recent transition from... The talk focuses on the themes of fatherhood, grief, and Zen practice, exploring the speaker's personal experiences with a deceased father, touching on the importance of humor and guidance provided by father figures. Reflections...

Serial: SF-07272 Talk by Michael Gelfond at Green Gulch Farm on 2025-06-08 This talk explores the Satipatthana Sutta and its significance in Buddhist practice, specifically concerning mindfulness. It discusses mindfulness as a path to liberation by emphasizing attention to inner and outer experiences,...

Serial: SF-08183 Talk by Michael Gelfond at Green Gulch Farm on 2025-06-08 The talk explores the Satipatthana Sutta, focusing on the foundational Buddhist teaching of mindfulness as a direct path to liberation. The speaker emphasizes mindfulness as essential in experiencing moment-to-moment existence,...

Serial: SF-09504 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Inside Vasubandhus Yogacara Kakuon on 2025-06-01 This talk explores the Yogacara, or Mind-Only school, focusing on Vasubandhu's "30 Verses on Consciousness Only," specifically verses 5, 6, and 7. The discussion centers on the transformation of consciousness, particularly the...

Serial: SF-07278 05/31/2025, Teah Strozer, dharma talk at City Center. Teah Strozer explores the ways that our assumptions and fixed ideas about people or situations can blind us to change and to what’s actually in front of us. The talk emphasizes the importance of maintaining a beginner's mind and the practice of "not knowing" as integral to Zen philosophy. Several stories illustrate the pitfalls of holding rigid views and the liberation found in...

Serial: SF-08086 Monitsu Pamela Weiss explores the theme of True Refuge as reorientation and wholehearted dedication to awakening, truth and love. The talk discusses the theme of "finding true refuge" in the context of societal upheaval, drawing parallels between the current era and the time of the Buddha. It emphasizes that refuge is not a withdrawal from life's challenges...

Serial: SF-08177 Talk by Jiryu Rutschman Byler at Green Gulch Farm on 2025-05-18 The talk focuses on embodying Zen practices through physicality and mindfulness, emphasizing presence and openness to the present moment. It includes guided meditation exercises for the body and breath, fostering an appreciation...

Serial: SF-09809 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha on 2025-05-18 The talk primarily discusses the intricacies of the mind and consciousness as understood in Zen philosophy, focusing on the teachings of Vasubandhu's "Thirty Verses" and their interpretation in Ben's book. The discussion...

Myogen Kathryn Stark talks about Shantideva, his work on the Way of the Bodhisattva, and how we apply this to our own lives. The talk explores Shantideva's "The Way of the Bodhisattva" and its application in contemporary practice. It emphasizes the dual aspects of bodhicitta—intention and action—and the importance of refraining from harmful behaviors,...

Serial: SF-09558 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Inside Vasubandhus Yogacara Kakuon on 2025-05-11 The talk delves into the Yogacara tradition with a focus on the teachings of Vasubandhu, particularly examining the transformation of consciousness and the concept of "mind-only." The discussion includes analysis of the "store...

Jisho Lisa Hoffman reflects on Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, and her teacher Darlene Cohen. The discussion centers on the theme "What Is The Most Important Thing?" with reflections on pivotal teachings from "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki, and the influence of the speaker's mentor, Darlene Cohen. Key...

Serial: SF-09503 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Inside Vasubandhus Yogacara Kakuon on 2025-05-04 The talk explores the practice and complexities of the Yogacara teachings, focusing on Vasubandhu's "Thirty Verses" to understand the mind's workings. It compares the experiential aspect of mind practice to understanding and...

Peter van der Sterre reflects on his years of practice at Zen Center, the people who particularly inspired him, and the value of sitting in community. The talk explores the themes of understanding, appreciation, and the significance of community within Zen practice. The speaker reflects on personal experiences at Zen Center, emphasizing the transformative power of Zazen and the...

Serial: SF-08157 04/27/2025, Myoju Erin Merk, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Myoju Erin Merk reflects on the yogic power of simplicity in Zen practice, emphasizing how grounding ourselves in the present moment can restore steadiness and... The talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice into daily life amidst modern challenges, emphasizing simplicity and grounding techniques to manage feelings of overwhelm. The speaker discusses the concept of "yoking"...

Serial: SF-09532 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Inside Vasubandhus Yogacara Kakuon on 2025-04-20 The talk focuses on the intersection of Yogacara philosophy and traditional Buddhist teachings, particularly responding to aspects of the Heart Sutra and Prajnaparamita teachings. It delves into Vasubandhu's 30 Verses on the...