The SFZC Audio Archive

Serial: SF-11307 Talk by Ryushin Paul Haller on 2020-05-25 The central thesis of this talk examines the interplay between structure and spontaneity in Zen practice, particularly in the context of the disorienting unpredictability enforced by the pandemic. It emphasizes the fundamental...

Serial: SF-11264 Talk by Zazen Instruction Anshi Zachary Smith at City Center on 2020-05-23 The talk focuses on zazen, a form of seated meditation central to the Soto Zen tradition, emphasizing single-pointed concentration and absorption in sitting. It details the practical aspects of zazen, including posture, breath,...

Serial: SF-11391 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-05-21 The talk centers on the importance of maintaining a calm mind to perceive virtue and fundamental goodness in others, drawing from Zen teachings to navigate interpersonal interactions during challenging times such as the COVID-19...

Serial: SF-11302 Talk by Ebmc Thank You Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-05-19 This talk expresses gratitude from the San Francisco Zen Center to the East Bay Meditation Sangha for their donation to the Zen Center's emergency relief fund. The speaker highlights the admiration and respect felt for the East...

Serial: SF-11151 In a live call on May 18, 2020, Abbot Ed shared SFZC’s financial situation with the community and answered questions. Please consider making a donation to the Emergency Fund (sfzc.org/emergency-fund) The talk discusses the financial challenges faced by the San Francisco Zen Center due to the pandemic. Acknowledgment of the significant emergency fundraising efforts and strategies to mitigate financial strain are highlighted,...

Serial: SF-11215 Point #3: Atisha's Seven Points of Mind Training- Lojong Teachings 05/16/2020, Dojin Sarah Emerson, dharma talk at City Center. The talk centers on integrating Lojong teachings into Zen practice, highlighting patience and compassion as key themes. It addresses the importance of foundational meditation, the privilege of grounding in absolute and relative...

Serial: SF-11201 05/14/2020, Onryu Mary Stares, dharma talk at City Center. The talk centers on the Lojong teachings, specifically focusing on point three of the mind training slogans, which involves transforming adversity into the path of awakening. The discussion covers slogans 11 through 16, offering...

Serial: SF-11392 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-05-12 The talk addresses the practice of letting go and embracing the present moment, especially in times of uncertainty. It highlights the significance of trust in the process of letting go, suggesting that cultivating resilience...

Serial: SF-11189 Zazen Instruction Shundo David Haye at City Center on 2020-05-09 The talk provides comprehensive instructions on the practice of Zazen meditation, emphasizing posture, awareness, and the non-judgmental observation of the present moment. The speaker discusses different meditation postures, such...

Serial: SF-11365 5/6/2020, Onryu Mary Stares, dharma talk at City Center. The talk focuses on understanding and practicing bodhicitta, with an emphasis on absolute and relative bodhicitta through Lojong slogans, and introduces the practice of Tonglen planned for future sessions. An analogy is made with...

Serial: SF-11164 The talk delves into the personal and spiritual challenges faced during tumultuous times, emphasizing the balance between self-compassion and the rigorous pursuit of self-improvement. References are made to Pema Chodron's book "...

Serial: SF-11208 Talk by Zazen Instruction Shosan Vicki Austin at City Center on 2020-05-02 This talk provides comprehensive guidance on Zazen meditation, emphasizing the creation of a conducive environment at home for practice during times of isolation. It delves into various meditation postures—sitting in a chair,...

Serial: SF-11395 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-30 The talk explores the theme of embracing groundlessness and impermanence within Zen practice, drawing upon meditation as a tool for grounding in an ever-changing world. The discussion references Suzuki Roshi's "Zen Mind, Beginner...

Serial: SF-11389 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-28 In this discourse, the central theme emphasizes the practice of Zen, specifically the meditation practice of Zazen, as a means to cultivate presence, attentiveness, and resilience during challenging times, such as the COVID-19...

Serial: SF-11330 Yogachara, non-duality, self and selflessness. 4/25/2020, Jay Garfield, dharma talk at City Center. The talk delves into the Yogacara tradition's insights on non-duality, self, and selflessness, highlighting its profound influence on Chan and Zen Buddhism. Central to the discussion are the Samdhinirmocana Sutra and Vasubandhu's...

Serial: SF-11227 Impermanence, creativity, generosity, and transformation. 4/22/2020, Zenshin Greg Fain, dharma talk at City Center. The talk addresses impermanence, creativity, and generosity, focusing on how these concepts apply in the current global context. The discussion emphasizes Eihei Dogen's teachings on the thought of enlightenment and its connection...

Serial: SF-11347 04/19/2017, Furyu Schroeder, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk discusses the teachings of the Buddha, particularly focusing on human suffering, its causes, and paths to its cessation as outlined in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The discussion highlights the...

Serial: SF-11190 4/18/2020, Myoju Erin Merk. The talk provides detailed instruction on Zazen meditation practice, with a strong emphasis on correct posture using easily accessible props at home. It covers the physical setup for Zazen, including chair sitting and alternative...

Serial: SF-11394 04/15/2020, David Loy, dharma talk at City Center. The talk focuses on the cultivation of patience, referred to as Kshanti Paramita, within Buddhist practice, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion emphasizes patience as an active...

Serial: SF-11390 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-14 The talk centers on navigating the uncertainties of life with Zen practices, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects on the metaphor of 'mind waves' and the analogy of a 'duck riding the...

Serial: SF-09749 Talk by Fu Schoreder Sangha at Green Gulch Farm on 2020-04-11 The talk focuses on Zen teachings and their transmission from India to China and beyond, detailing the role of key figures like Bodhidharma and the evolution of practices over generations. It explores foundational principles like...

Serial: SF-11387 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-09 The talk focuses on the practice of Zazen meditation and discusses the Brahma Viharas, or the four divine abodes in Buddhist teachings: Metta (loving-kindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Upekkha (...

Serial: SF-11385 Talk by Sangha Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-07 The talk discusses the practice of zazen (seated meditation) and emphasizes the importance of cultivating presence through the teaching of Tilopa's Six Words of Advice. This guidance encourages practitioners to engage in radical...

Serial: SF-11263 Talk by Sr Servic Tenzen David Zimmerman at City Center on 2020-04-04 The talk centers on the theme of "Harmony of Difference and Equality," a significant Zen teaching. It explores the intimate transmission of wisdom from India to China and emphasizes the non-dualistic nature of enlightenment where...