The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1918 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
May 5th, 1973, Serial No. 00122 Serial: RB-00122 The talk focuses on the rearrangement of the Buddha and Dharma Hall and delves into deeper Zen teachings, emphasizing the impermanence of physical objects and the essence of true Zen practice which transcends words and... *Faith, Mindfulness, Right Speech, Practice Period, Intuition*	Richard Baker	May 05 1973
Unlocking Enlightenment Through Inner Clarity Serial: RB-00121 The talk emphasizes the necessity of developing the "eye of wisdom" or "eye of enlightenment" to practice Buddhism effectively. The journey towards enlightenment involves understanding and accepting one's weaknesses, enduring... *Right Speech, Right Effort, Concentration, Community, War*	Richard Baker	Apr 22 1973
Path to Wisdom and Clarity Serial: RB-00325 The talk emphasizes achieving the "eye of wisdom" or enlightenment through Buddhist practice. It explores the limitations of merely correcting one's weak points and highlights the importance of enduring criticism and transcending... *Right Speech, Right Effort, Concentration, Community, War*	Richard Baker	Apr 22 1973
Buddhism: Engaging Life's Incompleteness Serial: RB-00120 The talk centers on the purpose and practice of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of self-observation without relying on external explanations like God or psychedelics. It highlights Buddhism's unique stance on exploring the... *Truth, Beginners, Observe, Balance, Nirvana*	Richard Baker	Apr 21 1973
Buddhist Practice: Seeking Beyond Answers Serial: RB-00294 The talk explores the motivations behind Buddhist practice, emphasizing that such practice arises from a fundamental desire for it and the recognition of incomplete explanations of life provided by conventional societal,... *Truth, Observe, Balance, Nirvana, Religion*	Richard Baker	Apr 21 1973
Zen Awareness Beyond Ego Serial: RB-00119 The talk discusses the significance of awareness in Zen practice and the importance of separating subject and object in one's perception. Explains that true Zen practice involves transcending ego through Zazen to reach a state of... *Tozan, Emotions, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Apr 15 1973
Mindfulness Through Zen Stillness Serial: RB-00295 The talk primarily explores the relationship between Zen practice and awareness, emphasizing the significance of achieving a thoughtless state through Zazen. It stresses that Zen differs from other religions in that each... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Emotions, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Apr 15 1973
Zen Practice Across Environments Serial: RB-00118 The talk centers on the distinctions between different practice environments, specifically contrasting urban practice at Green Gulch and Tassajara against the more isolated practice at Pasahara. Themes include the essence of Zen... *Practice Period, Sekito Kisen, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch, Samadhi*...	Richard Baker	Apr 14 1973
Unity in Diverse Zen Practices Serial: RB-00293 The talk addresses the differences in practice between Tassajara, Green Gulch, and urban settings, and emphasizes the underlying unity of these practices despite their varied outward forms. It explores the challenges and benefits... *Practice Period, Sekito Kisen, Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, Observe*	Richard Baker	Apr 14 1973
Zen: The Eternal Shared Gift Serial: RB-00108 The thesis of the talk revolves around the nature of Zen practice as a communal and continuous gift that transcends personal possession, emphasizing interconnectedness and the practice of even-mindedness. Key discussions include... *Practice Period, Letting Go, Samadhi, Concentration, Balance*	Richard Baker	Apr 10 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
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
April 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00117 Serial: RB-00117 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the concept of sudden enlightenment, emphasizing direct awareness of the essence of mind without extensive preparatory practices. The talk references several classical Zen teachings and... *Soto Zen, Samadhi, Ceremony, Dragons, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
April 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00116 Serial: RB-00116 The talk discusses the concept of sudden enlightenment and the necessity of continuous practice to fully comprehend and embody the essence of mind, bypassing more intricate stages like the ten bhumis or the jhanas. It includes a... *Soto Zen, Ceremony, Rinzai, Kinhin, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
April 6th, 1973, Serial No. 00292 Serial: RB-00292 The talk discusses the Buddhist concept of mind, differentiating between awareness and thinking, emphasizing the deceptive nature of sensory information and the importance of prioritizing mental state over ego. It delves into the... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Ego, Heart Sutra, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
April 6th, 1973, Serial No. 00115 Serial: RB-00115 The talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the mind itself rather than the objects of the mind. Using the famous Zen story of the flag and the wind, it illustrates the necessity of... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Samadhi, training, Oneness*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 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
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
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
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
April 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00330 Serial: RB-00330 The primary thesis of this talk is that Zen does not exist as an abstract concept but serves as an antidote to civilization and a means to return to one's original nature. The discussion emphasizes the importance of form in Zen... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
April 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00112 Serial: RB-00112 The talk delves into the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the necessity of structured forms for transmitting teachings and living in the world. It illustrates through several classical Zen stories, particularly those involving... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	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
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
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
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
March 11th, 1973, Serial No. 00100 Serial: RB-00100 The main thesis of the talk highlights the essence of Buddha’s teaching as universally accessible wisdom rather than a divine prescription. The discussion encompasses faith in Buddhism, the significance of the precepts, the... *Faith, Right Effort, Precepts, Anger, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 11 1973
March 10th, 1973, Serial No. 00097 Serial: RB-00097 The central focus of the talk addresses the inevitability of death and the importance of letting go of attachments and preconceptions to fully engage in the present moment. Emphasis is placed on the practice of zazen to attain a... *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
March 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00098 Serial: RB-00098 This talk discusses the integration of Zen practice in everyday life, contrasting it with Western contemplative traditions. Points include the concept of a calm mind through Zazen, differences in monastic and spiritual practices... *Avalokiteshvara, Sangha, Manjushri, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 04 1973
March 3rd, 1973, Serial No. 00095 Serial: RB-00095 The talk discusses the three modes of existence—gross, subtle, and their combination—highlighting the importance of experiencing the subtle through zazen. The practice of zazen facilitates understanding bodhicitta with its three... *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
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
The Monastic Tradition Serial: SF-00131 How to deal with peak experiences in our lives. The talk delves into the monastic tradition, exploring how peak experiences and the monastic dimension intersect as paths towards meaning in life. It posits that these peak experiences, which embody moments of complete presence... *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
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
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
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

The SFZC Audio Archive

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