The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1918 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
November 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00228 Serial: RB-00228 The talk explores the relationship between Zen practice and the sociopolitical environment, particularly emphasizing the importance of understanding and defining Zen Center from both internal and external perspectives. It... *Practice Period, Hate, Samadhi, Tozan, Bodhisattva Vow*	Richard Baker	Nov 07 1973
November 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00227 Serial: RB-00227 This talk explores the analogy between Zen practice and inter-species communication, particularly with whales. It delves into the similarities between human self-awareness and whale consciousness, advocating the ideals of minimal... *Sangha, Community, Cultivation, Big Mind, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Nov 04 1973
October 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00644 Serial: RB-00644 This session primarily discusses the relationship between faith and doubt in Buddhist practice, focusing on the significance of faith in the path toward realization and wisdom. The discussion explores Zen practice as integral to... *Faith, Doubt, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1973
October 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00226 Serial: RB-00226 The talk focuses on the relationship between faith and doubt in Zen practice, the practice of the Six Paramitas, and the specific nature of Zen meditation (dhyāna). It examines the role of faith as foundational to Buddhist... *Faith, Doubt, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1973
Buddhism: Falling in Love with Reality Serial: RB-00225 The main thesis of the talk compares practicing Buddhism to the experience of falling in love, emphasizing the transformative realization and commitment involved in both. The speaker discusses how right concentration, or jhana (... *Love, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Manjushri*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1973
Love and Buddhism's Transformative Power Serial: RB-00641 The talk explores the parallels between practicing Buddhism and falling in love, emphasizing the transformative moment of recognition and acceptance in both processes. Right concentration, or jnana—the fifth paramita—is... *Love, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1973
Zen Paramitas: Embracing All Actions Serial: RB-00224 The talk emphasizes the idea that Zen is fundamentally a practice, particularly through the lens of the paramitas, with a special focus on samadhi or jnana. It assesses the misperception that Zen is solely about developing... *Concentration, Paramitas, Patience, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 24 1973
Zen and the Five Perfections Serial: RB-00642 The talk focuses on Zen as a practice integral to the first five paramitas, particularly emphasizing the fifth paramita, samadhi or jnana. The essence of Zen practice is detailed through the lens of non-possession, continuous... *Concentration, Paramitas, Patience, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 24 1973
Living Every Moment as Practice Serial: RB-00645 The main thesis of the talk is the importance of unwavering practice and trust in one's actions along the spiritual path, and the ultimate recognition that practice encompasses every aspect of life. The discussion emphasizes... *Paramitas, Tozan, Doubt, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 23 1973
October 23rd, 1973, Serial No. 00223 Serial: RB-00223 This talk focuses on the concept of continually confirming one's path in Zen practice, which enhances trust in one's actions and diminishes the fear of the consequences. Emphasis is placed on experiencing the interconnectedness... *Paramitas, Tozan, Doubt, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 23 1973
Beyond Duality: Entering Samadhi Serial: RB-00222 The talk centers on the concepts of consciousness, concentration, and the experiential path of Buddhism. It discusses the necessity of moving beyond conventional logic to embrace deeper meditative states, such as samadhi, which... *Evil, Concentration, Compassion, Paramitas, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 22 1973
Boundless Bliss Through Samadhi Serial: RB-00651 Summary The talk elaborates on the path of Buddhism, highlighting the interplay between personal experience and meditation. It discusses the fifth paramita of jhana and samadhi, emphasizing the importance of love, positive... *Evil, Concentration, Samadhi, Paramitas, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 22 1973
Embodied Breath, True Nature Serial: RB-00221 The talk emphasizes the importance of deepening one's commitment to Zen practice, particularly during a Sashin retreat. A core theme is the realization of the oneness of mind through Zazen. The discussion also addresses the... *Sixth Patriarch, Perfect Wisdom, Breath, Aspects of Practice, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1973
Enlightenment Here and Now Serial: RB-00650 The talk addresses the concept of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that it is not something to be attained in the future but is realized in the present. It highlights the importance of practicing Zen with a deep... *Perfect Wisdom, Breath, Sixth Patriarch, Patience, Commitment*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1973
Mind's Field of Blessedness Serial: RB-00643 The discussion centers on understanding the Sixth Patriarch's statement that "your mind is a field of blessedness which does not stray and in which wisdom naturally arises." This notion is explored through the lens of recognizing... *Sixth Patriarch, Abhidharma, Anger, Perfect Wisdom, Ego*	Richard Baker	Oct 20 1973
Mind as Field of Wisdom Serial: RB-00220 The talk explores the Sixth Patriarch's assertion that the mind is a "field of blessedness" where wisdom naturally arises, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding and practicing this concept. The discussion transitions... *Sixth Patriarch, Abhidharma, Anger, Perfect Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Oct 20 1973
Awakening Through Zazen Practice Serial: RB-00219 The talk explores the realm in which Zen Buddhists live, emphasizing the persistent yet minor role of personal identity in causing suffering. Zazen practice, which comprises the paramitas, aims to transcend the notion of self and... *Perfect Wisdom, Sixth Patriarch, Paramitas, Daily Life, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 16 1973
Zen Paths of Impermanence Serial: RB-00217 The talk dissects the nature of knowledge and practice, emphasizing Zen Buddhism's approach to the impermanence of things. The notion of giving as the first paramita is explored deeply, evaluating what it means to possess and... *Mindfulness, Building, Patience, Vow*	Richard Baker	Oct 11 1973
Navigating Naturalness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00216 The talk discusses the challenge of finding reliable guidelines for actions, focusing on concepts of naturalness and appropriateness. The discussion probes whether actions are inherently natural and whether preferences guide... *Letting Go, Samadhi, Sesshin, resistance*	Richard Baker	Oct 01 1973
Absorbing Spirits in Society Serial: RB-00215 The talk on September 28, 1973, Serial No. 00215, explores the six paramitas, emphasizing their role as shock absorbers that adapt Buddhism to different societal contexts while maintaining the spirit of the bodhisattva. It... *Patience, Practice Period, Paramitas, Attachment*	Richard Baker	Sep 28 1973
Urban Mindfulness Mountain Wisdom Serial: RB-00151 The talk explores the distinction between metropolitan Buddhism and mountain Buddhism, highlighting how the geographical and societal settings impact practice and teaching methods. Key concepts include practicing selflessness,... *Patience, Practice Period, Anger, Equanimity, Separation*	Richard Baker	Sep 28 1973
Zen Harmony Through Patience Serial: RB-00150 This talk emphasizes the intertwining of satisfaction and resistance within Zen practice, highlighting the role of collective activities and unconscious behaviors in understanding oneself and others. The discussion draws... *Patience, Paramitas, Monastic Practice, Greed*	Richard Baker	Sep 21 1973
Zen Patience in Collective Practice Serial: RB-00214 The talk discusses the interrelation of individual practice and communal life in Zen monastic settings, emphasizing self-awareness through interactions with others and conscious conduct. The six paramitas (giving, conduct,... *Patience, Paramitas, Monastic Practice, Greed, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Sep 21 1973
Samadhi in Everyday Conduct Serial: RB-00145 The talk explores the integration of conduct and samadhi in practical life. It emphasizes that maintaining peace within activities, understanding and fulfilling precepts, and practicing the six paramitas are essential in Mahayana... *Samadhi, Big Mind, Religion, Precepts, Compassion*	Richard Baker	Sep 07 1973
September 1st, 1973, Serial No. 00144 Serial: RB-00144 The talk examines the essence of suffering in Buddhism and its causes, exploring the path to liberation by addressing these causes. The discussion highlights the importance of acceptance in Buddhism, balancing non-doing and... *Intuition, Lotus Sutra, Freedom, Big Mind, Anger*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1973
August 27th, 1973, Serial No. 00143 Serial: RB-00143 This talk explores the tension between accepting things as they are and the responsibility to help others. It references the concept of "accepting everything" in Buddhism, challenging whether this approach truly benefits those... *Big Mind, Religion, Love, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Aug 27 1973
August 16th, 1973, Serial No. 00141 Serial: RB-00141 The talk focuses on the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent zazen practice to penetrate daily life and reach a state of detachment while retaining commitment. Critical points include the... *Buddha Nature, Greed, Love, Daily Life, Hindrances*	Richard Baker	Aug 16 1973
August 10th, 1973, Serial No. 00140 Serial: RB-00140 This talk explores the concept of "ascension" as a continuous and undifferentiated flow from the mind, emphasizing non-discrimination and patience in practice. Daily activities, including extensive bowing, symbolize embracing... *Bowing, Chanting, Discrimination, Bell, Big Mind*	Richard Baker	Aug 10 1973
Living Buddha Mind in Action Serial: RB-00139 The talk emphasizes the direct practice and experience of mind itself as the core of Zen practice, pushing beyond the dualities of good and bad through presence and identification with one's activity. It explores the states of... *Samadhi, Vow, Lineage, Bell, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Aug 09 1973
Awakening Joy Through Selflessness Serial: RB-00138 The talk explores the core Buddhist principle of selflessness and compassion for all beings, emphasizing the practical transformation of conflicting emotions into states of joy through dedicated practice. It discusses the... *Samadhi, Daily Life, Priest, Imperturbability, Posture*	Richard Baker	Aug 08 1973
August 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00137 Serial: RB-00137 The talk focuses on key aspects of Zen practice and interpersonal relationships within the context of spiritual practice. It underscores the importance of developing the ‘thought of enlightenment’ as a catalyst for practice, and... *Anger, Emotions, Compassion, Instruction, Bodhisattva Vow*	Richard Baker	Aug 07 1973
August 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00136 Serial: RB-00136 The main thesis of the talk is the exploration of Zen practice as an experiential journey beyond conceptual thinking and identity, emphasizing the importance of abandoning fixed notions and embracing a state of "no marks" or non-... *Pain, Sangha, Posture, Concentration, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Aug 04 1973
July 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00135 Serial: RB-00135 The talk delves into the nature and function of the sangha within Buddhism, asserting that the sangha is a manifestation of Buddhism in the world. The speaker emphasizes that commitment to zazen practice and participation in the... *Sangha, Hate, Commitment, Culture, realization*	Richard Baker	Jul 26 1973
Pathways to Spiritual Enlightenment Serial: SF-00125 The third great religious awakening in America. This talk explores the dynamics between esoteric and exoteric approaches in religious and philosophical traditions, particularly focusing on how these concepts relate to American religious awakenings. The discussion highlights... *Emptiness, Religion, Manjushri, Interview, Conversation, Karma*	Huston Smith	Jul 18 1973 2
Beyond Belief: Unveiling Hidden Truths Serial: SF-00124 Differences between exoteric and esoteric religious traditions. The talk explores the distinctions between exoteric and esoteric religious traditions, focusing on various modes of understanding God, the nature of religious knowledge, and the roles of faith and personal discernment. Exoteric... *Religion, Evil, Suzuki Roshi, Subject-and-Object, Intuition, Nirvana, Separation, Liberation,...*	Huston Smith	Jul 18 1973 1
July 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00134 Serial: RB-00134 The talk explores the concept of "not-knowing" and its significance in Zen practice. It addresses the balance between attempting to understand one's destiny and accepting the inherent uncertainty of life. The discussion... *Right Effort, Chanting, Mindfulness, Karma, Anger*	Richard Baker	Jul 07 1973
Zen in the Urban Jungle Serial: RB-00133 This talk addresses the practice of Zen in the context of city life and delves into the intricacies of Siddhi practice. Key discussions focus on the differences between merit and karma, the concept of ultimate reality, and the... *Separation, Practice Period, Breath, training*	Richard Baker	Jun 13 1973
Transcending Perception Through Meditation Serial: RB-00132 The central thesis of the talk examines the limitations of preconceived ideas about the world and the necessity of transcending them through meditation practice, situating one's experience within a broader understanding of... *Big Mind, Hindrances, Pain, heart, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Jun 12 1973
Beyond Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00131 The talk emphasizes the importance of returning to one's own experience in practicing Buddhism, shedding light on how subjective and objective perceptions can be misleading. It delves into the concepts of form and emptiness,... *Karma, Mindfulness, Heart Sutra*	Richard Baker	Jun 10 1973
Cultivating Depth Through Zazen Serial: RB-00130 The main thesis centers on understanding "big mind" or "essence of mind" through the practice of zazen and sasheen, illustrating the elusive nature of Dharmakaya and the necessity for practical, disciplined practice to cultivate... *Big Mind, Dharmakaya, Religion, Sambhogakaya, Mindfulness*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1973
May 20th, 1973, Serial No. 00149 Serial: RB-00149 The talk on May 20th, 1973, focuses on the concept of "intimate enlightenment" as articulated by Dogen Zenji, emphasizing that enlightenment is inherent but often not recognized due to its profound intimacy. The discussion... *Samsara, Anger, Buddha Nature, Intimacy, Big Mind*	Richard Baker	May 20 1973
May 20th, 1973, Serial No. 00127 Serial: RB-00127 The talk emphasizes the concept of "intimate enlightenment" as introduced by Dogen Zenji, suggesting that enlightenment is inherently too close to be recognized and should be approached with deep familiarity. Discussing anger,... *Samsara, Anger, Buddha Nature, Intimacy, Suffering*	Richard Baker	May 20 1973
Urban Zen: Intimacy Amid Chaos Serial: RB-00148 The central theme of the talk focuses on the difficulty of delivering meaningful lectures on Buddhism in a city setting where intimate connections and understanding among participants are limited. The discussion weaves through... *Anger, Delusion, Practice Period, Freedom, Greed*	Richard Baker	May 19 1973
Deep Engagement in Saturday Lectures Serial: RB-00126 The talk addresses how to deliver effective Saturday lectures focused on deep, meaningful engagement rather than introductory or superficial information. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intimate knowledge of oneself and... *Anger, Delusion, Practice Period, Freedom, Greed*	Richard Baker	May 19 1973
Nurturing Zen's True Practice Serial: RB-00125 The talk delves into developing a genuine "feeling for practice" in Zen, which transcends mere experiential learning or initial insights. It emphasizes that such a feeling evolves slowly through ongoing practice and tradition, as... *Obstacles, Mindfulness, Letting Go, Greed, Delusion*	Richard Baker	May 13 1973
Effortless Engagement with Reality Serial: RB-00147 The primary focus of the talk is on developing a genuine feeling for Zen practice, emphasizing that this feeling evolves gradually and cannot be solely based on insights or experiences. The discussion goes into the nature of... *Obstacles, Letting Go, Greed, Delusion, Discrimination*	Richard Baker	May 13 1973
Mindfulness in Every Moment Serial: RB-00124 The talk centers on the theme of practice within the Zen community and the integration of mindfulness in daily life. It addresses misconceptions about Zen practice, emphasizing that taking refuge in the sangha doesn't require a... *Mindfulness, Big Mind, Practice Period, Sangha, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	May 12 1973
Zen Living Beyond The Zendo Serial: RB-00146 The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the Sangha and mindfulness practice in Zen Buddhism. The speaker explains that taking refuge in the Sangha does not equate to holding a position within a Zen... *Mindfulness, Big Mind, Practice Period, Sangha, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	May 12 1973
Mastering Mind for Zen Enlightenment Serial: RB-00123 The talk revolves around understanding and practicing Zen Buddhism by emphasizing the importance of observing and controlling the mind to achieve enlightenment. The focus is on the teachings of the sixth patriarch, the practice... *Suffering, Pain, Delusion, Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch*	Richard Baker	May 06 1973
Mindfulness and the Sufficient Present Serial: RB-00326 The lecture emphasizes the principles of Buddhist practice, with a focus on mindfulness and the Eightfold Path. Key themes include the rejection of strategic thinking in favor of appreciating the present moment and accepting the... *Faith, Mindfulness, Right Speech, Practice Period, Intuition*	Richard Baker	May 05 1973

The SFZC Audio Archive

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