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.

Showing 1922 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Zen Beyond Illusion and Duality Serial: RB-00106 April 8th, 1973, Serial No. 00106 is a lecture and dialogue focusing on the Zen practice of seeing beyond dualistic thinking and recognizing the inseparability of self and reality. The discussion covers several critical Zen... *Ordinary Mind, Lay, Dragons, Doubt, Intention*	Richard Baker	Apr 08 1973
Ocean of Unwavering Zen Dedication Serial: RB-00107 The talk explores the importance of unwavering dedication to Zen practice and addresses the challenges of maintaining focus amidst distractions and temptations. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, as symbolized by... *Balance, resistance, Big Mind, Practice Period, Avalokiteshvara*	Richard Baker	Apr 08 1973
Enlightenment: Essence Beyond Practice Serial: RB-00116 The talk focuses on the concept of sudden enlightenment and its relation to continuous practice, emphasizing direct perception of the mind's essence rather than traditional practices like the ten bhumis. It reflects on stories... *Soto Zen, Ceremony, Rinzai, Kinhin, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
Direct Realization in Zen Essence Serial: RB-00117 The talk discusses the nature of sudden enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing direct realization of the essence of mind without the need for extensive preparatory practices. It references Dogen's "Genjo Koan," the concept of... *Soto Zen, Samadhi, Ceremony, Dragons, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
Mind Moves The Flag Serial: RB-00114 The talk focuses on the nature of thinking and perception in Zen practice, using a famous Zen story about the wind and the flag to illustrate key points. It delves into the distinction between mind and external phenomena, the... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Heart Sutra, Ego, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Inside the Mind's Untouched Reality Serial: RB-00115 The discussion focuses on the Zen practice of evaluating the movement of the mind, using the story of the Sixth Patriarch and the koan about the flag and the wind. The talk highlights the importance of understanding the mind... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Samadhi, training, Oneness*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Mind Over Matter: Zen Perception Serial: RB-00292 The talk explores the Buddhist conceptualization of the mind and its role in perceiving reality, emphasizing the deceptive nature of sensory information and how our ego prioritizes certain perceptions. It discusses the difference... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Ego, Heart Sutra, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Seizing Enlightenment Right Now Serial: RB-00113 The talk focuses on the continuous, integrated practice of meditation and the importance of ongoing commitment to Zen practice. The concept of "seizing the jewel" is highlighted, implying that enlightenment and clarity are... *Pain, Monastic Practice, Freedom, Bodhisattva Vow, Don't Know Mind*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1973
Unwavering Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00291 The talk discusses the central tenet of Zen practice focusing on unwavering meditation and enlightenment in everyday life. The metaphor of a "valiant man" in Hakun Zenji and Mumon Roshi's teachings underscores continuous... *Pain, Monastic Practice, Freedom, Bodhisattva Vow, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1973
Real Dragons in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00112 The talk emphasizes the importance of form in Zen practice as a means to ensure the transmission of teachings, referencing the historical Zen figures Nansen, Tozan, and their interactions. The discussion explores the contrasting... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Zen Beyond Doctrine and Illusion Serial: RB-00330 This talk focuses on the nature of Zen practice, its role in counteracting the complexities and distractions of civilization, and the importance of direct transmission in Zen Buddhism. The discussion addresses foundational Zen... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Zen: The Road to Ordinary Mind Serial: RB-00331 The discussion outlines Zen as an antidote to civilization, emphasizing its non-existence in conventional terms and its role in transmitting authentic teachings. Zen practice focuses on returning to one's original nature, and... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Eternal Flow of Zen Practice Serial: RB-00111 The thesis of the talk revolves around the idea that Zen practice should be continuous and free of the pursuit of progress or accomplishment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of persistence and mindfulness, suggesting that... *Baso, Obstacles, Zendo, Practice Period, Vinaya*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Endless Zen: Persistent Practice Serial: RB-00328 The talk emphasizes the nature of Zen practice as continuous and without attachment to traditional notions of progress or accomplishment. The idea is to engage fully in the present moment, without preconceived ideas or... *Yaoshan, Baso, Hyakujo, Obstacles, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Presence Through Persistent Practice Serial: RB-00329 The talk emphasizes the concept of persistent practice in Zen Buddhism, stressing the importance of practicing without a fixed goal or expectation. It argues against the idea of measuring progress or seeking specific outcomes,... *Baso, Hyakujo, Obstacles, Zendo, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00323 The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice, specifically zazen or "just sitting," into everyday life, highlighting that the essence of practice is found in ordinary activities and that true understanding transcends both... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Seigen Gyoshi, Gutei*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1973
Living Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00324 This talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice with everyday life, stressing the importance of consistent practice without expectation or distraction. The narrative weaves through various historical anecdotes and teachings... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Gutei, Seigen Gyoshi*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1973
Pathways to Zen Mastery Serial: RB-00109 This talk explores the intricate practices and philosophies behind preparing for and engaging in zazen. It addresses the fundamental stages of preparation, focusing on the six paramitas—generosity, morality, patience, energy,... *Sixth Patriarch, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Silence, Zendo*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Zen Preparation Through Deep Resolve Serial: RB-00301 The discourse emphasizes the significance of preparation in Zen practice, detailing stages such as zazen posture, establishment of good habits, and the critical importance of individual resolve. Key points include the practice of... *Silence, Balance, Soto Zen, Kinhin, Breath*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Pathways to Zen Equanimity Serial: RB-00322 The talk explores the stages of preparation for zazen in Zen practice, emphasizing the six paramitas sequence: giving, morality, patience, energy, samadhi, and wisdom. The preparation involves creating favorable conditions, like... *Sixth Patriarch, Silence, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Balance*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Living Beyond Ego Through Zen Serial: RB-00105 The talk delves into the nature of Zen stories, emphasizing that their meaning is tied to their practical use and understanding through personal practice. It explores the concept of 'giving up life' not in terms of physical death... *Letting Go, Death, War, Balance, Separation*	Richard Baker	Mar 28 1973
Unfolding Zen Through Practice Serial: RB-00300 The talk explores the notion that Zen stories serve a practical teaching purpose rather than holding inherent meaning. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using these stories in practice to uncover their true significance... *Letting Go, Death, War, Separation*	Richard Baker	Mar 28 1973
Zen and Non-Discriminative Thinking Serial: RB-00104 The talk discusses the third patriarch of China’s statement on non-discriminative thinking and how it compares with the Blue Cliff Record #35 and Dogen's teachings. It emphasizes the importance of zazen (meditation) as a practice... *Doubt, Ego, Lay Ordination, Heart Sutra, Shuso Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Mar 25 1973
Transcending Thought: Zen's Supreme Way Serial: RB-00299 The talk discusses key Zen concepts, focusing on non-discriminative thinking and its significance in practice as illustrated by the statements of the third Chinese patriarch and the teachings of Dogen. The idea that "the supreme... *Doubt, Ego, Blue Cliff Record, Lay Ordination, Heart Sutra*	Richard Baker	Mar 25 1973
Mindful Preparation in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00103 The talk focuses on the concept of preparation in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of mindful engagement with daily activities and maintaining continuous awareness. Various aspects of preparation are discussed, from the... *Zendo, Aspects of Practice, Ceremony, Balance, Silence*	Richard Baker	Mar 18 1973
Zen in Everyday Awareness Serial: RB-00102 The main thesis of the talk is the integration of Zen practice into daily life with a focus on overcoming discrimination and karma through mindful awareness of one's consciousness and activities. Key Points Discussed: Zen... *Non-discrimination, Discrimination, Observe, Karma, Dragons*	Richard Baker	Mar 17 1973
Faith in Dharma, Not Deities Serial: RB-00100 The talk discusses the essence of Buddhist practice, emphasizing the importance of faith in the Dharma rather than in gods or even the Buddha. It critiques traditional Hinduism while introducing the Buddhist focus on wisdom and... *Faith, Right Effort, Precepts, Anger, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 11 1973
Liberation Through Present Moment Awareness Serial: RB-00097 The talk centers on the inevitability of death as a unique opportunity for liberation through letting go and detachment from the ongoing narratives of life. An exploration of the practice of zazen reveals the importance of effort... *Precepts, Sangha, Freedom, War, Faith*	Richard Baker	Mar 10 1973
SF Seminar Serial: SF-00023 The Three Bodies of Buddha; comparison between Eastern and Western thought; Greek tradition and Puritan tradition. The talk explores the concept of the Three Bodies of the Buddha, comparing the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmankaya within the framework of traditional Buddhist teachings. The explanation includes a discussion on cosmic and... *Faith, Mahayana, confusion, Religion, Passions, Doubt*	Dr Edward Conze	Mar 09 1973 1
SF Seminar Serial: SF-00024 The problems with celibacy The talk critiques celibacy and its psychological impacts, suggesting that enforced celibacy can intensify negative instincts like sadism, with a reflection on how different cultures and religions handle such practices. It... Current Events, Politics, Fasting, Demons, Obstacles, Patience, Attachment, Religion...	Dr Edward Conze	Mar 09 1973 2
Zen's Thousand Arms Embrace All Serial: RB-00098 The talk explores Zen Buddhist practice, contrasting it with Western religious and scientific perspectives as expressed through dialogues with a physicist, Ted Baston, and reflections on Brother David's teachings. It highlights... *Avalokiteshvara, Sangha, Manjushri, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 04 1973
Pathways to Enlightenment Through Zazen Serial: RB-00095 The talk focuses on the practice of Zazen and its role in understanding the three modes of existence—gross, subtle, and combined. The discussion emphasizes the importance of physical composure during Zazen, the necessity of... *Precepts, Building, Passions, Kinhin, Composure*	Richard Baker	Mar 03 1973
Pathways to Mindful Liberation Serial: RB-00094 This talk from March 1, 1973, discusses the essence of Buddhist practice, focusing on the core concepts of non-attachment and the significant distinctions between the conditioned and unconditioned worlds. It elucidates the three... *Anger, Passions, Conversation, Freedom, Aspects of Practice*	Richard Baker	Mar 01 1973
Zazen and the Pursuit of Tranquility Serial: RB-00093 The talk primarily addresses the life of Rudy, an influential figure in Buddhism in America, his contributions to Buddhist practice, and the significance of zazen in maintaining one's practice. It also explores Suzuki Roshi's... *Money, Offering, Religion, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Feb 28 1973
The Monastic Tradition Serial: SF-00131 How to deal with peak experiences in our lives. The discussion primarily explores the concept of the monastic dimension in life, arguing that this dimension, characterized by experiences of meaning and purpose through detachment, solitude, and obedience, is inherent in every... *Monastic Practice, Silence, Gratitude, Evil, Cultivation, Conversation, Lay, Happiness,...*	Brother David	Feb 26 1973
The Monastic Tradition Serial: SF-00132 Monastic experience across religious traditions. The talk delves into the monastic experience as a universal human dimension, extending beyond specific religious traditions. It examines how the Christian monastic experience finds profound meaning in the 'word' within biblical... Silence, Monastic Practice, Don't Know Mind, Emptiness, Religion, Bell, Anger...	Brother David	Feb 26 1973 2
Zen Practice: Beyond Physical Boundaries Serial: RB-00092 This talk discusses the importance of precepts in Zen practice, how zazen creates clarity of mind and activity, and the necessary conditions for effective practice, as described by the Tendai school. Emphasis is placed on the... *Doubt, realization, Letting Go, Precepts, Bell*	Richard Baker	Feb 26 1973
Living the Precepts in Zen Serial: RB-00091 The talk addresses the importance of understanding and integrating the Buddhist precepts in daily practice. It emphasizes how initial societal precepts shape one's approach to Zen practice and how zazen (meditation) helps align... *Precepts, realization, Sangha, Don't Know Mind, confusion*	Richard Baker	Feb 23 1973
SF Seminar Serial: SF-00022 Myths and legends in religious traditions; natural and supernatural language. The talk addresses the concept of "karma obstacles" in relation to finding competent spiritual teachers, highlighting the role of karma in determining the quality of leaders in different communities. It further delves into the... *Attachment, Heart Sutra, Religion, Emptiness, Buddha Nature, Transmission, Enemies, Intuition...*	Dr Edward Conze	Feb 22 1973
Awakening Through Bodhicitta Practice Serial: RB-00129 The central thesis of this talk revolves around the transformative power of recognizing and realizing the "bodhicitta" or the mind of enlightenment, as well as the practical implications of maintaining a vow to enlighten all... *Vow, Right Speech, Dharmakaya, Samadhi, Mandala*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1973
Zen Practice: Integrating Precepts and Zazen Serial: RB-00090 The talk primarily focuses on the practical application of Zen teachings, emphasizing the importance of practicing zazen and precepts as foundational to Buddhist practice. The discussion addresses the transitions in the state of... *Precepts, Greed, Equanimity, Hate, Patience*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1973
Collective Journey to Zen Clarity Serial: RB-00089 The talk discusses the advantages of practicing Zen in a collective setting, emphasizing the importance of shared routines and agreements that mitigate individual confusion. It addresses the complexity of practicing Zazen... *Nirvana, Sixth Patriarch, Happiness, Suffering, confusion*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1973
Desires Extinguished: Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00088 The talk explores the concepts of nirvana and enlightenment, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of desires in Buddhist practice. It discusses the importance of relinquishing dominating desires to achieve serenity and... *Nirvana, Vow, Suffering, Separation, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Feb 11 1973
Embracing Reality Through Zen Simplicity Serial: RB-00086 The talk explores the theme of a non-repeatable universe alongside the practice of Zazen in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the receipt and acceptance of everything "as it is" without alteration. It contrasts Zen practice with... *Manjushri, Vimalakirti, Tozan, Rinzai, Don't Know Mind*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
Embracing Zen: Presence Over Perception Serial: RB-00298 This talk explores Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of sessions (sesshin) and Zazen for achieving a state of imperturbable mind and interconnectedness. The discussion elaborates on the nuances of Zen teachings, such as... *Lotus Sutra, Bodhidharma, Nirvana, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
Zen Silence and Reflective Awareness Serial: RB-00084 The talk focuses on two main aspects of Zen practice: accepting one's present state and being ready for the world beyond thinking. It explores the Pali scriptures' guidance on understanding different mental states without... *Manjushri, Tozan, Silence, Anger, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1973
Zen: Embrace Self and Unpredictability Serial: RB-00297 The talk revolves around the dual aspects of Zen practice: acceptance of oneself without interference and readiness for life's unpredictabilities, in relation to both personal development and understanding of deeper philosophical... *Manjushri, Tozan, Silence, Anger, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1973
Zazen: Beyond Sleep and Duality Serial: RB-00085 The discussion explores the practice of zazen and its transformative impact on experiencing sickness, emphasizing its contrast with sleep in relaxing the mind and body. The notion of practicing beyond understanding, especially... *Don't Know Mind, Anger, Liberation, Faith, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Jan 27 1973
Zazen Beyond Rational Boundaries Serial: RB-00296 The talk begins with a discussion on the personal experience of dealing with illness and its impact on the practice of Zazen. It then delves into the philosophical contrasts between the "world of light" and the "world of darkness... *Don't Know Mind, Faith, Liberation, Discrimination, Anger*	Richard Baker	Jan 27 1973
Zen Practice: Individual and Irreplaceable Serial: RB-00083 The talk revolves around the concept of practice in Zen Buddhism, highlighting its individuality and non-repeatability. It critiques the modern Western inclination to seek verifiable and universal truths in spiritual practice,... *Samadhi, Faith, Vow, Priest, heart*	Richard Baker	Jan 23 1973

The SFZC Audio Archive

Pages