The SFZC Audio Archive
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Showing 1909 talks
Title | Speaker | Date |
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Calmness of MindSerial: SR-00151 Sesshin Lecture No. 2
Sunday, June 7, 1971
San Francisco
Practice is to expose yourself as you are, express yourself fully. Accepting your teacher's words. Zen Center practice community offering mutual support for practice.
The talk focuses on the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing Shikantaza or "just sitting," and the continuous practice of true self-expression without expectations. It describes living in each transient unit of time and... Sesshin, Zazen, Breath, Community, Emptiness, Priest, Pain, Community, heart, Hate, zen, Death... |
Jun 07 1971 City Center |
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Okesa CeremonySerial: SR-00146 Ceremony of the okesa: chanting the fascicle Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku; ten virtues of the okesa. What is practice of zazen and practice of the okesa. Truth is beyond priest or layperson. Acknowledging Yoshida Roshi.
The talk discusses the ceremony of the okesa, emphasizing the ten virtues of this sacred garment as recorded in Dogen Zenji's "Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku." The okesa's virtues are explored in detail, highlighting its transformative... Priest, Ceremony, Okesa, Zazen, Dragons, Priest, Greed, Demons, Gratitude, Happiness, American... |
Jun 06 1971 City Center |
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The Teaching Just for YouSerial: SR-00147 Sesshin Lecture No. 1
Saturday, June 5, 1971
San Francisco
The talk examines the dual understanding of Zen practice, focusing on the concept of "just to sit." While practice traditionally aims for improvement over time, the true essence is experiencing the goal in each moment rather than... Sesshin, Precepts, Dragons, Bodhidharma, Truth, sitting, Buddha Nature, Politics, Transmission... |
Jun 05 1971 City Center |
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Embracing Life's Circle Through ZenSerial: KR-00296 The central theme of the talk revolves around understanding and applying the essence of Zen practice through mindfulness and intentionality, specifically through the metaphor of a circle and the concept of ‘opportunity’ or ‘kien... Attachment, lecture, Liberation, Lay, Ceremony, Meditation |
Jun 01 1971 |
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Eyes of Insight: Beyond PerceptionSerial: KR-00297 This talk explores the concept of the "five eyes" in Buddhism, as presented in the Daichi-doron Sutra: the physical eye, heavenly eye, wisdom eye, Dharma eye, and Buddha eye. The talk emphasizes the limitations and scope of each... Hindrances, Happiness, Suffering, Attachment, Discrimination, Building, Offering, realization... |
Jun 1971 |
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Seeing Beyond the Physical EyeSerial: KR-00302 The talk primarily explores the concept of the "five eyes" in Buddhism: the physical eye, heavenly eye, wisdom eye, Dhamma eye, and Buddha eye. It emphasizes the integration of worldly and spiritual perception, encouraging an... Meditation, difficulty, Anger, Happiness, Composure, American, Fox, Passions, Hate, Suffering... |
Jun 1971 |
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Nurturing Wisdom Through Dharma RainSerial: KR-00303 The talk discusses central themes from Chapter 5 of the Lotus Sutra, with a detailed exploration of the profound merits of the Tathagata, as described through a metaphor of rain nourishing various plants. The discussion... Attachment, Nirvana, Hate, Demons, Dragons, Offering, Ceremony, lecture, American... |
Jun 1971 |
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Mindful Movement in Zazen PracticeSerial: KR-00295 The talk focuses on precise techniques for physical positioning and breathing during zazen practice, emphasizing the integration and effect of these practices on internal and external tensions. Detailed guidance is offered on... Breath |
May 11 1971 |
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Wholehearted Sitting in StillnessSerial: KR-00293 The talk focuses on the practice of zazen, emphasizing the Soto school approach of Shikantaza, or "just sitting," distinct from the Rinzai school’s focus on koans. It delves into the concept of "wholeheartedness," or "shojin," as... Concentration, Right Effort, Instruction, Pain, Composure, Mindfulness, Observe, Posture,... |
May 08 1971 |
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Embracing the Ordinary: Dogen's Zen InsightSerial: KR-00333 The talk discusses the recent publication "Primo Soto Zen," a translation of Dogen's "Shobo Genzo Zuimonji" by Professor Masunaga, emphasizing its importance for both laypeople and priests. The teachings of Dogen on recognizing... training, Breath, Offering, Pain, Demons, Instruction, Composure, Interdependence, Bell,... |
May 05 1971 |
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Wholehearted Bowing, Unveiling Buddha WithinSerial: KR-00334 The talk elucidates the principle of interdependence in Zen practice through the act of bowing with wholeheartedness to recognize the intrinsic Buddha in daily life. It emphasizes the importance of Dogen's teachings, particularly... Hate, Interdependence, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Breath, Attachment, training, Pain... |
May 05 1971 |
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Zen Breathing: Harmonizing Mind and BodySerial: KR-00294 This talk investigates the intricate practice of regulating breath in Zen, highlighting essential teachings from Dogen on harmonizing body and mind for spiritual tranquility. It emphasizes the detailed attention needed in... Breath, Oneness, training, Right Effort, Emotions, Discrimination, Consciousness, Pain,... |
May 03 1971 |
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Catching Space: Zen's Living WisdomSerial: KR-00331 This talk explores the Zen concept of space, as illustrated by a story involving Sekkyo, a Zen master, and the symbolic interaction of "catching space," critiquing preconceived notions of space and existence. The discussion... Breath, Compassion, Observe, Posture, Buddha Nature, Consciousness, Precepts, Silence,... |
Apr 27 1971 |
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Living the Experience of WisdomSerial: KR-00330 The talk explores the challenge of grasping and teaching the concept of "prajnaparamita" or "perfect wisdom" as narrated in the Sutra of Perfect Wisdom. A conversation unfolds between Shakyamuni Buddha and Shakra, where... Breath, Perfect Wisdom, Building, Instruction, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Lay, Ceremony,... |
Apr 25 1971 |
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From Osaka Roots to Zen WisdomSerial: KR-00328 The talk details a personal journey from growing up in a religious Buddhist family in Osaka, Japan, to becoming a Zen priest. Emphasis is placed on transitional phases, such as post-World War II experiences, working briefly for... Ceremony, lecture, Teacher-and-Student, Chanting, Transmission, training, American, Ordination... |
Apr 11 1971 |
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Balancing Sutras and Service DutiesSerial: KR-00329 The talk focuses on the challenges and responsibilities of practicing and teaching Buddhism both in the West and Japan. It emphasizes the importance of studying sutras despite the vast number, highlighting daily efforts to... Hate |
Apr 11 1971 |
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Zen Symbols: Path to True SelfSerial: KR-00327 The talk explores the symbolic meaning of Buddha's birthday ceremony and its connection to Zen practice. Emphasizing the symbolism of sweet tea and flowers, it underscores the importance of realizing Buddha nature through direct... Birth-and-Death, Ego, Gratitude, Zendo, Subject-and-Object, Buddha Nature, Evil, Suffering,... |
Apr 10 1971 |
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Rooting Zen: Beyond Ego IllusionsSerial: KR-00325 The talk discusses Zen master Dogen's teachings on the "attainable root" versus the "lamentable branch," emphasizing the dangers of inserting extra thoughts in practice, which can lead to illusions and ego conflicts. The... Happiness, Consciousness, Don't Know Mind, Buddha Nature, Delusion, stubbornness, Bell,... |
Apr 05 1971 |
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Breaking Free: Effort and MindfulnessSerial: KR-00324 The lecture centers on the metaphor of a bird hatching from an egg to illustrate the importance of relying on others, especially in spiritual practice, while emphasizing the necessity of individual effort in breaking free from... Breath, difficulty, Consciousness, Buddha Nature, training, Obstacles, Posture, Ceremony,... |
Apr 04 1971 |
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Breathe Life with Mindful ActionSerial: KR-00323 The talk titled "Mindful Living Beyond the Cushion" emphasizes the urgency of practicing Zen Buddhism by focusing on immediate, mindful actions rather than seeking abstract concepts like happiness or enlightenment. The speaker... Breath, Mindfulness, stubbornness, Don't Know Mind, Evil, Bell, Ego, Happiness... |
Apr 03 1971 |
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Breath, Mind, and Zen HarmonySerial: KR-00321 The talk explores the Zen concept of breath regulation, known as Chosoku, emphasizing the integration of mind and respiration with meticulous attention. Breathing, seen as a bridge between self and mind, should be moderate and... Breath, Posture, Buddha Nature, Evil, Instruction, Meditation, lecture |
Apr 02 1971 |
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Aligning Breath with True NatureSerial: KR-00322 The talk discusses the practice of realizing one's capabilities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal habits and the environmental influences that shape them. It refers to the Zen concept of understanding and... Breath, Buddha Nature, Delusion, Ego, lecture, Building |
Apr 02 1971 |
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Breathing into Zen HarmonySerial: KR-00320 The talk explores the Zen practice of breathing as outlined by Dogen Zenji, emphasizing the importance of meticulous attention to breath for understanding the principles of transiency and regulation of the mind. Despite the... Breath, Posture, Don't Know Mind, Instruction, Building, confusion, Delusion, Evil,... |
Apr 01 1971 |
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Zen's Path to Foundational ClaritySerial: KR-00326 The talk explores the significance of understanding the foundational aspects of life through Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the 'bedrock' of human existence rather than being caught up in the... Happiness, Enemies, Meditation |
Apr 1971 |
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Beyond Dualities: Effort in ZenSerial: KR-00318 The talk explores the concept of effort in Zen practice, emphasizing its dichotomous nature between seeking enlightenment and avoiding delusion. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between effort, dichotomous... Dragons, lecture, Delusion, resistance, Anger, Suffering |
Mar 30 1971 |
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Embracing Reality Beyond DualismSerial: KR-00319 The talk delves into the profound concepts of emptiness and self-realization within the framework of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the notion of "big self" versus "small self." It stresses the futility of seeking peace in dualistic... Dragons, Ego, Evil, realization, Consciousness |
Mar 30 1971 |
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Finding Completeness in Each StepSerial: KR-00317 The talk emphasizes the "essence of completeness" found in the practice of Zen, particularly through the act of taking a single step rooted in the present moment. The speaker elucidates that genuine happiness and understanding of... Religion |
Mar 27 1971 |
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Navigating Uncertainty with Zen ClaritySerial: KR-00316 The talk explores the Zen Buddhist philosophy of accepting the present moment's reality amid life's uncertainties and challenges. It uses the allegory of Pindola Bharadwaja's story from the "Sutra of Sermon" or "Seppo Kyo" in... Effort, Zazen, Happiness |
Mar 27 1971 |
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Transcending Duality Through Continuous PracticeSerial: KR-00315 The talk focuses on the Buddhist concept of cultivating and practicing good without cessation, emphasizing the need to transcend the conventional discrimination between good and bad. The discussion explores the existential... Discrimination, Liberation, Religion, Building |
Mar 23 1971 |
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Endless Effort Beyond DualitySerial: KR-00336 The talk focuses on the interpretation of "effort" as emphasized in Shakyamuni Buddha's last words, particularly in the "Shobo Genzo" by Dogen Zenji, who describes it as practicing "good things" without ceasing. The discourse... training, American, Mahayana, Patience, Building |
Mar 20 1971 |
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Changing Our KarmaSerial: SR-00116 The talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, emphasizing a continuous, attentive engagement with one's actions to mitigate and transform karma. Through illustrative anecdotes such as the Zen master's... Baso, Concentration, Karma, Suffering, difficulty, Ceremony |
Mar 09 1971 City Center |
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Why We Have So Many ProblemsSerial: SR-00153 Tuesday, March 2, 1971
8 am Tuesday Morning
San Francisco
This talk addresses the root causes of human problems from both Buddhist and psychological perspectives, questioning the fundamental life structures and desires leading to dissatisfaction and distress. It emphasizes the Buddhist... difficulty, Ceremony, Concentration, reality, Addiction, sitting, Ego, confusion, Building... |
Mar 02 1971 City Center |
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The DriverSerial: SR-00119 The talk discusses the concept of "mumyo" or delusion, emphasizing the importance of having a clear understanding and guidance (a "driver") to progress toward enlightenment. Obstacles such as misidentifying the spiritual... Anger, difficulty, Karma, Freedom, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Peace, confusion, Posture,... |
Feb 27 1971 City Center |
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Be Kind with YourselfSerial: SR-00112 Warm-hearted practice. Breathing and posture in zazen. We all have different circumstances, but in the monastery, we have one practice. Rules give freedom to practice.
The main thesis of the talk centers on the significance of embodying warmth and kindness in one's zazen practice, emphasizing that following instructions alone is insufficient without infusing them with compassion and a... Dogen, Zazen, Tatsugami, Freedom, Instruction, Monks, Posture, Priest, American... |
Feb 23 1971 Tassajara |
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It Is Actually Buddha's PracticeSerial: SF-06114B The main thesis of the talk emphasizes that true practice in Zen involves embodying Buddha's practice rather than perceiving it as a personal endeavor. This concept suggests that selfless practice leads to liberation from... Sesshin, Tatsugami, Zazen, Karma |
Feb 20 1971 Tassajara |
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Calmness of your MindSerial: SR-00079 Saturday Morning, February 13, 1971
San Francisco
The talk addresses the concept of achieving true calmness of mind through Zen practice, particularly zazen, emphasizing the oneness with surroundings and experiences, rather than simple physical seclusion or the avoidance of... Sesshin, Pain, New Year, Suffering, confusion, Oneness, Beginners, Community, Attachment... |
Feb 13 1971 City Center |
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Not Sticking to EnlightenmentSerial: SF-05445B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #26, by Shundo David Haye =====
It's not completely clear how this talk dropped off the radar, as the tape had been copied and transcribed previously – indeed, it features in Not... The talk centers on the challenges of transitioning from sesshin to everyday life, emphasizing non-attachment to 'enlightenment' as a fixed goal. It highlights the teachings of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, particularly the notion... Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Emptiness |
Feb 12 1971 B City Center |
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Just Enough ProblemsSerial: SR-00273 Sesshin Lecture, Lecture 7: Page Street Apples
Friday Morning
February 12, 1971
San Francisco
The talk discusses the acceptance and appreciation of life's problems in the context of Zen practice, emphasizing the idea that one is always presented with just enough problems by Buddha to foster growth and understanding. It... Sesshin, War, Enemies, Hate |
Feb 12 1971 A City Center |
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Humor Is More Real Than ReallitySerial: SR-00274 Sesshin Lecture No. 5
Tuesday, February 9, 1971
San Francisco
The talk explores the role of humor in Zen practice, suggesting that true humor requires a deeper understanding beyond normal reality. It illustrates how Zen teachings often use humor to convey serious insights, drawing on... Sesshin, Discrimination, Dragons, Observe, Emotions, Instruction, confusion |
Feb 09 1971 City Center |
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Wherever You Go, You Will See YourselfSerial: SR-00271 Sesshin Lecture No. 3
Sunday Afternoon or Evening
February 7, 1971
San Francisco
The lecture explores the concept of self-discovery in Zen practice, emphasizing the futility of pursuing a self-centered understanding of 'self' and highlighting the importance of encountering oneself through authentic practice.... Sesshin, Tozan, Sandokai, zen, Discrimination, Precepts, reality, Freedom, Death... |
Feb 07 1971 City Center |
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Resuming Big MindSerial: SR-00272 Sesshin Lecture No. 1
Friday, February 5, 1971
San Francisco
[”For this seven-day sesshin, there are only transcriptions for lectures given on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and the closing words. I don't know if those were the only lectures... The talk focuses on the practice of sesshin and the distinction between Big Mind and Small Mind in Zen meditation. The purpose of sesshin is highlighted as resuming Big Mind by controlling the Small Mind, with a metaphor drawn... Sesshin, Big Mind, Hate, stubbornness, Zoom, sitting, Zazen, Anger, Ceremony, heart, Pain... |
Feb 05 1971 City Center |
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Wherever I Go, I Meet MyselfSerial: SR-00123 The talk elaborates on the concept of self-awareness and criticizes modern and religious notions of self-improvement. It challenges the notion of self-knowledge through objective observation and highlights the futility of... Liberation, Culture, Freedom |
Jan 23 1971 City Center |
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Advancing Towards Everyday EnlightenmentSerial: KR-00311 The talk focuses on the nature of enlightenment through the lens of Zen teachings, specifically discussing the concept of Bukkojo—the continuous advancement towards Buddhahood—and how it applies to everyday practice. It examines... lecture, Bell, Community, Buddha Nature, Discrimination, Dragons, Mahayana, Conversation,... |
Jan 19 1971 |
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The Boss of EverythingSerial: SR-00204 The talk examines the purpose of zazen practice, emphasizing the concept of being the "boss of everything" by transcending delusional ideas of self and surroundings. It critiques the misunderstanding of self-control and explores... Zazen, Big Mind, confusion, Precepts, Bodhidharma, Zazen, Suffering, Observe... |
Jan 16 1971 City Center |
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True ConcentrationSerial: SR-00078 Right Concentration
Sunday, January 10, 1971
San Francisco
The talk focuses on the concept of "Right Concentration" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm, clear, and open mind through zazen meditation. This approach contrasts with focusing solely on attaining... Avalokiteshvara, Freedom, Concentration, zen, Commitment, Posture |
Jan 10 1971 City Center |
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What Is Self?Serial: SR-00077 This talk explores the concept of self in the context of Zen practice, emphasizing that understanding one's true self is crucial for authentic zazen practice. The speaker distinguishes between "universal self," often associated... Ceremony, Observe, sitting |
Jan 03 1971 City Center |
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Enlightenment: A Journey Beyond AttainmentSerial: KR-00314 The talk delves into the essence of Zazen practice, highlighting the importance of proper posture and mindful attention akin to a mother's care for a newborn. It discusses the concept of Buddha and non-Buddha, focusing on the... Discrimination, Pain, Beginners, Buddha Nature, Religion, Interdependence, Lineage, Intention... |
1971 |
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Breath and Being in HarmonySerial: KR-00332 This talk discusses the practice of breath regulation in Zazen, focusing on the teachings of Keizan Zen Master and the concept of "Makaseru," which implies trusting and relying on one's breath with mindful attention. It... Breath, Observe, Interdependence, Emotions |
1971 |
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No Practice Will Destroy PeopleSerial: SR-00074 The talk articulates the concept that without a dedicated practice, individuals can lose their sense of purpose in life, more so than they might from physical sickness. Through an exploration of Dogen Zenji's teachings, it... Dogen, Dogen |
Dec 27 1970 City Center |
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Teisho (Introduced by Jakusho Kwong)Serial: SF-05452B Mill Valley Zendo, talk by Suzuki Roshi
The talk emphasizes the importance of zazen practice in countering the detrimental karmic effects caused by human actions that harm the environment. It distinguishes between the greater opportunity for starting anew in America... Emptiness, Precepts, Observe, Ego, Evil |
Dec 23 1970 Mill Valley Zendo |