The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Zen Love: The Missing Paramita

Serial: SF-04334 This talk addresses the concept of love from a Zen Buddhist perspective, particularly emphasizing the potential integration of love within Buddhist practice. It proposes that love could be an overarching theme or missing element...
Passions, Priest, Non-attachment, Patience, Intention
Feb 14 2004

Trusting the Journey Within

Serial: EB-00021 The talk examines the transformative potential of meditation and Zen practice, questioning whether these practices lead to visible life changes and proposing that true liberation lies in recognizing and trusting one's inherent...
Chanting, Liberation, Heart Sutra, Peace, Interview
Feb 08 2004

Housekeeping

Serial: SF-01024 Sunday Lecture: Children's Program. The Indian children who used to live here. Indian story about how the world was made. Staying home and accomplishing the way. Gateway into enlightenment. Heart Sutra. The Buddha's enlightenment... The talk explores themes of creation, self-awareness, and the separation between self and other through storytelling, personal experiences, and Zen Buddhist philosophy. It includes a retelling of a Miwok Indian story about the...
New Year, Bodhisattva Precepts, Separation, Practice Period, Precepts, Mill Valley, Heart...
Feb 01 2004
Green Gulch

January Class

Serial: SF-03487 The talk explores the application of mindfulness within Zen practice, focusing on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as essential within Buddhist teachings to cultivate presence and awareness. It addresses the nature of...
Mindfulness, Posture, Instruction, Duality, Four Noble Truths, Four Foundations, Delusion,...
Jan 13 2004
Green Gulch

The Power of Ten

Serial: SF-00985 The silence of 'don't know'; outer space Vimalakirti Sutra; radiant vision of alternate universes. Motivation for literary inventiveness - world is not only what we think; first calm the mind, then open the sutras; ... (?) the... This talk explores transformative shifts in perception akin to those illustrated in the film "Powers of Ten" by Charles and Ray Eames, emphasizing this experience in Buddhist teachings, particularly from the Mahayana tradition,...
Vimalakirti, Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Mill Valley, Bell, Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra,...
Dec 14 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02750 The talk explores Zen stories where physical accidents lead to profound realizations, emphasizing the holistic reaction of the body during injury and the influence of positive verbal self-care on the healing process. Discussing...
Vow, causation, Faith, Six Realms, Passions, Bell, New Year, confusion, Birth-and-Death,...
Dec 06 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02751 Appreciation for the world happens. Don't go looking for heavenly sights. We get sticky around the beautiful. Master Heretung (?) letter - being in the world without misery (?) 1 - what has long been neglected, changing karmic... The discussion primarily explores the idea of appreciating the world and the concept of being in the world without misery, drawing on teachings from Zen and Buddhist traditions. It critically examines five insights from Master...
Family Practice, Emotions, Suzuki Roshi, Peace, Equanimity, Bowing, Dragons, Sangha, Greed,...
Dec 03 2003
Green Gulch

Zen Transformation: Living with Presence

Serial: SF-04329 The talk explores the transformative nature of Zen practice, specifically zazen or sitting meditation, in the context of reflecting on historical events like the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It discusses how such events...
Zazen Mind, Current Events, Buddha Mind, Bodhisattva Way, Bodhisattva Vow
Nov 22 2003

Zen and the Eco-Consumer Code

Serial: SF-00156 Wednesday talk. Ecopsychology; desires, needs, narcissism; nurturing through zazen. The talk explores the intersections of ecopsychology, consumer culture, and personal identity, delving into concepts of desires, needs, and the peril of narcissism tied to consumerism. The discussion highlights the transformative...
Karma, Buddha Nature, Practice Period, Ceremony, Buddha Ancestors, Ego, Precepts, Tassajara...
Nov 19 2003

Dogen Class: Miracles

Serial: SF-02733 The talk delves into the teachings of Dogen, particularly his views on time and miracles. Dogen's perspective emphasizes the comprehensive presence of time in each moment, offering endless possibilities for transformation...
Zazen, Intimacy, Lineage, Dream World, Lotus Sutra, Teacher-and-Student, Don't Know Mind...
Nov 17 2003
Green Gulch

Cooking Zen: Embrace Reality Authentically

Serial: EB-00020 The talk reflects on Zen practice through personal anecdotes from a time spent at Tassajara with Suzuki Roshi, focusing on the challenge of aligning one’s desires with reality. It emphasizes tasting the "true spirit" of things,...
training, zen meditation, Practice Period, Buddha Mind, Soto Zen
Nov 16 2003

Offerings

Serial: SF-00158 Sunday talk. Children's lecture. Legend of the blue bonnets; Seijiki, offering food and light; karmic life and emptiness. This talk explores the themes of offerings and the interconnectedness of karmic life and emptiness within a Zen context. Beginning with the story of "The Legend of the Bluebonnets," it emphasizes the concept of selfless giving...
Offering, Ceremony, Emptiness, Emotions, Intuition, Practice Period, Precepts, Karma,...
Nov 02 2003
Green Gulch Farm

Weaving Zen Through Life's Stages

Serial: SF-00055 This talk explores personal reflections on embodying Zen practice through various life stages and transitions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal history and spiritual experience. The speaker reflects on the symbolic...
Practice Period, training, Conversation, Dharma Transmission, Ordination, Commitment,...
Oct 08 2003

Meditation: Unraveling Reality's Illusions

Serial: EB-00054 The talk explores the nature of meditation as a means to observe and deconstruct the mind's construction of reality, emphasizing that during meditation, individuals have the chance to see how their habitual thoughts shape their...
Letting Go, Instruction, Buddha Mind, Don't Know Mind, Bodhidharma
Aug 13 2003

Beginner's Mind, Infinite Enlightenment

Serial: SF-00079 Zendo Lecture The talk explores the intimate experience of Zen practice at Tassajara, emphasizing the concept of 'way-seeking mind' and the embrace of a 'beginner's mind' in spiritual practice. It discusses how engagement and immersion in one'...
Birth-and-Death, Separation, Letting Go, Intimacy, Liberation, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center,...
Aug 10 2003

Living Fully with Zen Acceptance

Serial: EB-00019 This talk explores Zen practice, particularly through the concept of shikantaza as discussed by Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing living fully in each moment without expectation. It delves into personal reflections on familial...
Shikantaza, Emptiness, zen meditation, Mill Valley, Intention
Jul 13 2003

Zendo Lecture

Serial: SF-01787 The lecture explores the synergy between Zen and Daoism, emphasizing the inherent wisdom shared across various spiritual traditions. It underscores the practice of being present, drawn from teachings like Daoxin's Chan community...
Oneness, Religion, realization, Observe, Practice Period, Instruction, Repentance, Composure,...
Jul 02 2003
Tassajara

Ethics

Serial: SF-00984 Sunday lecture: Morality. Hedonists, perfectionists. College days. John Adams. Strawberry/cliff story. Wrong-doing = causing harm to oneself or others. Ten grave precepts. Gay rights. The talk explores the concept of morality, contrasting hedonism and perfectionism as articulated by classical philosophers like Epicurus, Aristotle, and the Stoics. It delves into the Zen Buddhist perspective on ethical living...
Precepts, Delusion, Freedom, Three Treasures, Bodhisattva Precepts, Humility, Commitment,...
Jun 29 2003
Green Gulch

Dogen - Being Familiar With The Entire Body

Serial: SF-00039 Sunday talk. Practice, realization, expression; Dogen's letters to nun Ryugen The talk focuses on Dogen's teachings, particularly the interconnectedness of practice, realization, and expression in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the immediacy and presence in meditation (zazen) and daily life. It references Dogen...
realization, Buddha Ancestors, Delusion, Precepts, true dharma, Lotus Sutra, Oneness,...
May 18 2003

Moonlit Path to Zen Enlightenment

Serial: SF-04330 The talk begins with an accessible explanation of Zen teachings through Dogen's reflections on the full moon, emphasizing the importance of perceiving natural beauty and connecting with the essence of Zen Buddhism. Transitioning...
true dharma, Cultivation, Buddha Ancestors, Oneness, training
May 03 2003

Embodied Zen: Transcending Ego Mindfulness

Serial: EB-00018 The talk discusses the practice of Zen meditation in the context of cultivating one's body and mind to express true nature, moving beyond ego, and emphasizes experiential learning over theoretical understanding. It references...
Ego, Freedom, Culture, War, Emotions
Apr 27 2003

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00983 First part of lecture children's program. Read story, "Play with Me". Impatient with world situation. Look at causes. Patience. Path of peace. Dog story. MLK Jr The lecture explores the themes of patience, peace, and nonviolence, using the children's story "Play with Me" as a metaphor for understanding silent contemplation and acceptance. The discussion highlights personal development...
Hate, Anger, Non-violence, Mill Valley, Peace, Greed, Evil, Demons, Concentration, Separation...
Apr 06 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03586 The lecture explores the concept of embodied practice during sesshin, emphasizing physical mindfulness and self-care amidst discomfort. It also discusses the relatability and humility of Zen masters through anecdotes, examines...
Fox, Practice Period, Precepts, Teacher-and-Student, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Attachment...
Mar 2003
Tassajara

Bell of Awareness: Finding Inner Peace

Serial: EB-00017 The talk primarily focuses on meditation practice and self-awareness, using the ringing of a bell as a meditative anchor. It also reflects on broader themes such as finding peace amidst global and personal turmoil and the...
Bell, War, Evil, Letting Go, Peace
Feb 02 2003

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00982 The lecture explores the theme of achieving harmony and peace within oneself and the community, drawing on Buddhist teachings. The talk emphasizes the importance of monitoring one's mind to overcome ignorance and delusion, as...
New Year, Hate, Bodhidharma, Vow, Peace, Delusion, Cultivation, Harmonizing, Offering, Suzuki...
Dec 29 2002
Green Gulch

Passions

Serial: SF-00057 The talk explores themes of passion and suffering as pathways to enlightenment in Zen, challenging traditional Western views that consider passions negative and must be subdued. References to Zen teachings, such as Dogen's...
Passions, Priest, Evil, Enemies, Heart Sutra, Hate, Birth-and-Death, Nirvana, Vimalakirti,...
Dec 01 2002
Tassajara

Not Always So Class

Serial: SF-01786 This talk examines the interplay between Buddhist teachings, particularly the instructions of Bodhidharma and Dogen Zenji, on the theme of non-attachment and the concept of continuous practice. It explores Suzuki Roshi's...
Buddha Nature, Emptiness, Bodhidharma, Zazen, Suzuki Roshi, realization, Religion, Chanting,...
Nov 18 2002
Tassajara

Not Always So Class

Serial: SF-01785 The talk examines Buddhist teachings on restraining desires and understanding karma, emphasizing the non-dualistic acceptance of sustenance as medicine and reflecting on the interconnectedness of actions and consequences. Key...
Karma, Suzuki Roshi, Offering, Anger, Teacher-and-Student, Demons, Continuous Practice,...
Oct 30 2002
Tassajara

Embrace Openness Through Zazen Practice

Serial: SF-00059 The talk centers on a passage from "Not Always So," a collection of Suzuki Roshi's talks, focused on the essence of Zazen practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of practicing Zazen without the pursuit of personal gain...
Suzuki Roshi, Buddha Nature, Zazen, Manjushri, Practice Period, Buddha Ancestors, Tassajara...
Oct 19 2002
City Center

Smile Within: Finding Inner Peace

Serial: EB-00016 The talk explores the dynamics of emotional responses, emphasizing the futility of attempting to control external circumstances to achieve happiness. It suggests practicing smiling as an alternative to anger, honing internal...
Peace, War, Priest, Bell, Diversity
Oct 06 2002

Seven Principles for Preventing Decline

Serial: SF-00935 Dhammapada, 9/11, we are not well, cause of great peace, Huey Johnson, the soldiers will have their way, dogs of war, Dalai Lama, pinpoint causes, 'Guns, Germs, and Steel', leadership, fanaticism, family, brothers, Buddha... The talk delves into the causes of violence and interdependence among humans, referencing significant historical and philosophical insights. Reflections center on the aftermath of September 11th, exploring leadership, fanaticism...
Nirvana Sutra, Precepts, Daily Life, Religion, Interdependence, Renunciation, Politics,...
Sep 15 2002
Green Gulch

Translating Zen: Beyond Words

Serial: EB-00015 The talk primarily explores the process of translating and editing the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, particularly for the book "Not Always So". It emphasizes the intricacies involved in adapting his lectures from Suzuki's unique...
Big Mind, Monkey Mind, Kinhin, Emptiness, Heart Sutra
Aug 14 2002

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00981 Buddhist culture rooting in California, purpose of ZC, banana in his back pocket, Puccini, motherhood, livelihood, Buddhahood, statuary invoking our higher purpose, Bodhisattva hatchery, sitting on black cushions, Jizo, Tara,... The talk explores the development of a Buddhist culture in California, emphasizing the San Francisco Zen Center's purpose of embodying and expressing Buddhist wisdom and compassion. It reflects on the "Bodhisattva hatchery"...
Bodhisattva Precepts, Ceremony, Precepts, Suzuki Roshi, Perfect Wisdom, Three Treasures,...
Jul 21 2002
Green Gulch

Discovering Your Own Zen Path

Serial: EB-00014 The talk explores the teachings and influence of Suzuki Roshi, particularly emphasizing his unique approach to Zen, which involves encouraging practitioners to discover their own path rather than relying solely on prescribed...
Dragons, Instruction, Sengai, Lotus Sutra
Jul 03 2002

Fear, Failure, and Spiritual Leadership

Serial: SF-00154 Wednesday talk. Poem; anxiety about things finishing; expressing ourselves, failure, resentment. The talk discusses themes of failure, fear, and leadership in spiritual practice, using poetry and personal anecdotes to explore these ideas. The speaker reflects on the fear of things ending and the failure to meet expectations...
Happiness, Monastic Practice, Don't Know Mind, Practice Period, Conversation, Samsara,...
Jun 19 2002

Interwoven Time: Zen and Responsibility

Serial: SF-04337 The talk explores the concept of time, lineage, and responsibility through the lens of Zen practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. The discussion delves into the concept of "deep time" as...
Evil, Peace, Zendo, Politics, Ceremony
Jun 16 2002

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-01019 Work week: work practice, SFZC Mission Statement, two forms of Buddha's teaching: texts, etc, and common sense. Up to us to find satisfying relationship to Buddhist teaching, "Wisdom of Buddha" sutra - mind-only school, middle-... The talk examines the integration of work and spiritual practice within the framework of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing the mission of the San Francisco Zen Center to embody Buddha's wisdom and compassion. The discourse explores...
Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Dependent Origination, realization, Perfect Wisdom, Monastic...
Jun 05 2002
Green Gulch

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01018 Lotus Sutra (Heart Sutra), seals our mind with Buddha's mind, basics of the middle way are covered (in the Sutra of Innumerable Meanings), power of joy and compassion, devotion to the welfare of all living beings, Book of... The lecture delves into interpretations of the Lotus Sutra and its significance in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the power of compassion, joy, and dedication to the welfare of all beings. Using the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra as...
Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Nirvana, Four Noble Truths,...
May 11 2002
Green Gulch

Embracing Vulnerability Through Zen Connection

Serial: EB-00013 The talk contemplates the feeling of being a fraud juxtaposed with the external validation of being a Zen teacher, exploring themes of authenticity, societal expectations, and inherent suffering. The narrative transitions into...
Priest, Big Mind, Money, Buddha Nature, Faith
Mar 24 2002

Genzo-e

Serial: SF-00116 The talk explores Dogen's "Shobo Genzo Sansui-kyo" (Mountains and Waters Sutra) and its significance in understanding Dogen's teachings. It discusses the challenging nature of translating Dogen's work, emphasizing the...
true dharma, Transmission, Nirvana, Karma, Ceremony, Monastic Practice, Fox, Passions, Vinaya...
Mar 09 2002
1

The One Who's Not Busy

Serial: SF-04338 The talk focuses on the Zen story of two brothers, highlighting the theme of busyness versus awareness. One brother, Yun Yan, responds to his brother Da Wu's comment about being too busy by stating there is "one who's not busy,"...
Duality, Manjushri, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Faith
Feb 03 2002

Whispers of Awakening: The Zen Path

Serial: SF-04357 The talk explores the concept of "bodhicitta," or "mind of the way," in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the initial spiritual impulse towards awakening and compassion for all beings. This theme is illustrated through a traditional Zen...
Religion, Mill Valley, Shosan, Desire
Feb 02 2002

Embracing Divine Dialogue in Relationships

Serial: SF-00067 The talk explores the spiritual and poetic depth of the Psalms, proposing a reinterpretation where God is addressed as "you" to emphasize personal relationship. It transitions to discuss Martin Buber's "I and Thou" philosophy,...
Commitment, Intimacy, Absolute-and-Relative, Impermanence, Monastic Practice, confusion, Peace...
Jan 11 2002
City Center

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01017 The talk explores the symbolic figure of Mara in Buddhist teachings, emphasizing the struggle to transcend personal desires and illusions during the pursuit of enlightenment. The narrative of Shakyamuni Buddha's meditation under...
Two Truths, Four Noble Truths, Humility, Buddha Ancestors, New Year, Liberation, Renewal,...
Dec 30 2001
Green Gulch

Lotus Sutra's Zen Ecology Awakening

Serial: SF-04345 The talk offers an in-depth exploration of the Lotus Sutra's profound influence on Zen Buddhism, particularly through the teachings of Eihei Dogen. It discusses the Zen Buddhist perspective on the Earth and space, emphasizing the...
Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Evil, Blue Cliff Record, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...
Oct 13 2001

Transforming Hate Into Global Compassion

Serial: SF-00051 Sunday talk. The talk analyzes a transformative journey from hatred to understanding and compassion, primarily reflecting on historical cycles of violence through vivid personal and historical examples, culminating in a call for global peace...
Hate, Current Events, Mill Valley, Peace, Bell, Interdependence, Sanctuary, Chanting,...
Sep 16 2001

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01033 The talk explores the transformation from hatred to compassion, using personal reflections and historical events to emphasize the importance of understanding and confronting human suffering and ignorance. It stresses the urgency...
Hate, Current Events, Mill Valley, Peace, Bell, Interdependence, Sanctuary, Commitment,...
Sep 16 2001
Green Gulch

Mindfulness Over Materialism in America

Serial: SF-04339 The talk focuses on the intersection of Buddhism with American culture, particularly critiquing consumerism as a prevailing "religion" in contrast to Buddhist values. By outlining the adaptation of Buddhism through historical...
Religion, Happiness, Desire, Addiction, Faith
Sep 09 2001

Zen and the Art of Liberation

Serial: EB-00012 The talk explores themes of fear, trauma, and existential questioning, juxtaposed with the teachings of Zen, emphasizing the fluidity of reality and the importance of mindfulness in the present moment. The narrative weaves...
War, Freedom, Letting Go, Peace
Sep 03 2001

Walking in Beauty Through Zen Farming

Serial: SF-00073 Wednesday night. The talk primarily explores the close relationship between Zen practice and agricultural efforts at Green Gulch Farm, emphasizing the themes of interconnectedness with nature, the importance of persistent learning, and adapting...
Anger, Mill Valley, Zendo, Suzuki Roshi, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Bowing, Heart Sutra,...
Jul 25 2001

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