The SFZC Audio Archive

Serial: SF-09505 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-12-29 The discussion addresses themes of attachment and non-attachment primarily through the lens of Zen teachings, specifically focusing on the concepts of oneness and duality as articulated by Suzuki Roshi and Dogen. The talk...

Serial: SF-08587 Talk by Furyu Schroeder at Green Gulch Farm on 2024-12-29 The talk focuses on the Zen tea ceremony, emphasizing wholehearted presence and the meticulous attention to detail that reflects broader practices in Soto Zen. The ceremony is not just a ritual but a form of practice embodying...

Serial: SF-09484 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-12-22 The talk explores the concept of "believing in nothing" as explained by Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing its distinction from nihilism and linking it to the Buddhist Middle Way. It discusses the idea that true composure arises from...

Serial: SF-08583 Talk by Kokyo Henkel at Green Gulch Farm on 2024-12-22 The talk examines the importance of setting and continually renewing one's intentions in Zen practice, particularly through the bodhisattva vows, which emphasize liberating sentient beings, ending delusions, entering boundless...

Serial: SF-08417 12/18/2024, Roger Hillyard, dharma talk at City Center. Roger Hillyard explores the idea of transmission — how it flows in all directions, how we experience it in our lives, and how Eihei Dogen wrote about it in “Twining Vines.” The talk primarily explores the concept of "transmission" within Zen Buddhism, focusing on its manifestation through the metaphor of the ten ox-herding pictures, particularly the ninth picture, which symbolizes returning to the...

Serial: SF-09514 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-12-15 The talk explores the Zen concept of "Readiness Mindfulness," referencing Suzuki Roshi’s notion that the readiness of the mind constitutes wisdom. This discussion extends into the teachings of emptiness in Buddhism, emphasizing...

Serial: SF-08313 12/14/2024, Zenki Mary Mocine, dharma talk at City Center. Zenki Mary Mocine asks: How should we practice with dis-ease, fear and even anger? Remember your connection with and compassion for all beings, including yourself. The talk centers on navigating the challenges and emotions following a politically charged period, emphasizing the importance of practicing presence and loving-kindness amidst societal darkness. It reflects on Zen teachings,...

Serial: SF-09550 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-12-08 The talk explores the teachings in the final section of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," focusing on concepts such as Prajna Paramita (wisdom beyond wisdom), dependent co-arising, impermanence, and emptiness. It discusses the...

Serial: SF-08590 Talk by Jiryu Rutschman Byler at Green Gulch Farm on 2024-12-08 The talk explores the Zen practice of cultivating intimacy with life, emphasizing being fully present and releasing mental distractions. It reflects on the Buddha’s awakening as an example of profound intimacy with one's...

Serial: SF-08423 Talk by Gengyoko Tim Wicks at City Center on 2024-12-06 The talk discusses the vital role of silence in Zen practice, emphasizing its tangible presence during shared silence and exploring its transformative and healing qualities. It then transitions into a discussion of Zen's "Ten...

Serial: SF-08452 Talk by Eli Brown Stevenson at City Center on 2024-12-05 The talk primarily addresses the significance of "affinity" in Zen practice, emphasizing how it establishes a connection grounded in acceptance and understanding, both with oneself and within a community or Sangha. It discusses...

Serial: SF-08387 Talk by Jisan Tova Green at City Center on 2024-12-04 The talk discusses the central theme that "everything changes," a concept derived from Jane Hirschfield's poem, as a fundamental aspect of Zen practice. The speaker reflects on the teachings and influence of Suzuki Roshi,...

Serial: SF-09552 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-12-01 This talk delves into the concept of "Naturalness" within Zen, drawing insights from Suzuki Roshi's teachings. It explores the intersection of wisdom teachings, emphasizing themes such as the two truths, emptiness, and dependent...

Serial: SF-08581 Talk by Jiryu Rutschman Byler at Green Gulch Farm on 2024-12-01 The talk explores the Zen practice of embracing stillness and silence as a pathway to recognizing the vibrance of life, emphasizing that sitting in stillness allows practitioners to perceive the brightness and wonder of existence...

Serial: SF-08354 11/24/2024, Kiku Christina Lehnherr, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Kiku Christina Lehnherr teaches that practicing and overtly expressing appreciation, gratitude and generosity towards all the people, situations and things,... The talk focuses on the concept of "silent illumination," highlighting the breath as a conduit to accessing stillness and presence. The speaker encourages breath awareness to cultivate peace amidst life's complexities, connecting...

Serial: SF-09754 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha on 2024-11-24 The talk explores Suzuki Roshi's teachings on transiency, as found in the final section of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," emphasizing the concept of "Right Understanding" from the Eightfold Path. The discourse touches upon how the...

Serial: SF-08460 11/20/2024, Jisan Tova Green, dharma talk at City Center. In this dharma talk by Fall 2024 practice period co-leader Jisan Tova Green, Tova investigates how it's possible to find inner freedom in a world in which so many beings... The talk, titled "Finding Freedom," explores the concept of freedom, focusing on both internal liberation and its relation to social justice. It reflects on the role of rest in sustaining activism and personal growth. Various...

Serial: SF-08499 11/17/2024, Abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk, closing a five day sesshin, Jiryu talks about the unborn, undying aspect of reality, opened to through the practice of stopping, dropping off... The talk at Green Gulch Farm covers meditation practices and the philosophy of being present and alive without unnecessary strain. Emphasizing a sense of stillness and simplicity, the discussion reflects on teachings from Zen...

Serial: SF-09747 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha on 2024-11-17 The talk delves into Zen teachings of transiency and the two truths, focusing on finding perfect existence through imperfect existence. It emphasizes avoiding extremes by finding the middle way, akin to balancing on a sailboat...

Serial: SF-08643 Talk by Eli Brown Stevenson at City Center on 2024-11-13 The talk examines the significance of staying true to one's intentions in uncertain times, reflecting on teachings from Suzuki Roshi and the symbolic role of bells in Zen practice as reminders of authenticity and purpose....

Serial: SF-09797 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha on 2024-11-10 The talk focuses on Zen practice as explored through Suzuki Roshi's teachings, emphasizing practicing without the goal of attaining enlightenment. It discusses how ambition and seeking personal gain can lead practitioners away...

Serial: SF-08319 11/06/2024, Gengyoko Tim Wicks, dharma talk at City Center. This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by tanto (head of practice) and practice period co-leader Gengyoko Tim Wicks. In the talk, Tim shares some of the... The main thesis of the talk centers around the practice period at the San Francisco Zen Center, focusing on themes of welcoming and practice as explored through texts and teachings. The speaker discusses the integration of...

Serial: SF-09538 Talk by Fu Schroeder Sangha Sessions Zen Mind Beginners Mind Kakuon on 2024-11-03 This talk centers on the exploration of Suzuki Roshi's teachings in the book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," specifically addressing the sections "Right Practice," "Right Attitude," and "Right Understanding." The discussion connects...

Serial: SF-08483 10/30/2024, Jisan Tova Green, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Jisan Tova Green describes the Sejiki Ceremony, in which hungry ghosts are cajoled and offered food, including the sweet dew... This talk explores the theme of "hungry ghosts" in Zen practice, emphasizing their symbolism of inner emptiness and suffering. The discussion centers on the Sajiki ceremony's role, which mirrors practices from both Buddhist and...