The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1909 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Practice To Be Like A Stone Serial: SF-06125 SR-70-02-28 Sesshin lecture #6 (last lecture) - followed by service #2 for Trudy DixonNB - is 1970 despite the year added to the photos The lecture focuses on the transformative yet often unexpected change in practitioners resulting from prolonged Zen practice, particularly during sesshins. The process involves cultivating a stillness akin to being "like a stone... Don't Know Mind, Composure, Diversity, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, training...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 28 1970 City Center
Non-Dualistic Practice Serial: SR-00260 Sesshin Lecture No. 3: Wednesday, February 25, 1970 San Francisco The discussion centers on the concept of non-dualistic practice within Zen, emphasizing the extension of zazen practice into everyday dualistic life. It explores the idea that practice is not about attainment but about diving... Sesshin, Big Mind, difficulty, zen, Duality, Karma, Anger, Mahayana, training, Emptiness,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 25 1970 City Center
Selflessness, Being and Non-Being: The Background of Shikantaza Serial: SR-00261 Sesshin Lecture No. 1: Monday, February 23, 1970 San Francisco This lecture discusses the practice of shikantaza and emphasizes the necessity of understanding the concept of shunyata, or emptiness, in Buddhist practice. It critiques practices rooted in self-centered efforts, highlighting the... Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Emptiness, Evil, Mahayana, Posture, Freedom, Continuous Practice,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 23 1970 City Center
The Background of Shikantaza Serial: SR-00256 The talk outlines the foundational aspects of shikantaza, emphasizing its essence as "just sitting" without attachment to the conceptual self. The relationship between objects and the integration of individual experience within... *Pain, Observe, Consciousness, Posture, sitting*	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 22 1970 City Center
“An Unsurpassed, Penetrating Buddha” Serial: SR-00257 The talk centers on the essential Buddhist teaching of selflessness and the importance of relinquishing the individual sense of self to achieve a perfect understanding of the Dharma. The discussion underscores the concept of... *Emptiness, Subject-and-Object, Interdependence, Observe, Community, Hate, Forms, reality,...*	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 08 1970
Embracing Pain Through Zen Calmness Serial: KR-00207 The talk focuses on the conceptualization of pain and existence within Zen philosophy, emphasizing that pain and suffering exist within a larger context or "big world" rather than within the individual. The discussion references... *Pain, Suffering, Compassion, Hate, Transmission, Ceremony, Meditation*	Katagiri Roshi	Feb 1970
Harmony in the Nature of Self Serial: KR-00208 The talk explores Zen practice through Dogen's teachings, specifically focusing on the concepts of "Igi Soku Buppo" (attitude and manner as foundational to Buddhism) and the idea of seeing things as they inherently are, expressed... *Bell, Discrimination, Hate, lecture, Subject-and-Object, Addiction, Interdependence, Offering...*	Katagiri Roshi	Feb 1970
Brown Rice is Just Right Serial: SR-00247 Morning Sesshin LectureSunday, February 1, 1970City Center The talk focuses on embracing the Zen practice of zazen through the metaphor of eating brown rice. The process of chewing brown rice, which represents engaging with reality fully, parallels the practice of zazen by illustrating... Sesshin, Emptiness, Discrimination, Buddha Nature, training, Hate, Suffering, Pain, reality,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 01 1970 City Center
Each One Of Us Is A Cook Serial: SR-00258 Afternoon Sesshin Tea Lecture Sunday, February 1, 1970 The talk discusses the practice of Zen through the metaphor of cooking, emphasizing the concept of renewal and transformation inherent in the Zen practice. The speaker explores "form is emptiness and emptiness is form" by... Sesshin, Emptiness, Forms, Compassion, Pain	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 01 1970 B
Our Effort In Our Practice Serial: SR-00248 The talk examines the concept of effort in spiritual practice compared to materialistic effort, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of spiritual arrogance. It highlights the Buddhist perspective of finding new meaning in the... *Instruction, lecture, Observe, difficulty, sitting*	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 31 1970 City Center
Caring for the Soil Serial: SR-00199 Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism Sunday, January 25, 1970 San Francisco The talk contrasts the approaches and attitudes of Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism, using metaphors of tending a garden (Mahayana) versus preserving teachings as given (Hinayana). It emphasizes that Mahayana values cultivating... Emptiness, Mahayana, Buddha Nature, difficulty, Greed, Gratitude, lecture, Hate...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 25 1970 City Center
Rules Serial: SF-06038 The talk explores the importance of monastic rules in Zen practice, interpreting them as frameworks that discourage egoistic behavior and promote selflessness. Through an analysis of Dogen Zenji’s seating dispute at Tendo... Dogen, Posture, Balance, Doubt, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 18 1970 City Center
Ordination Ceremony: Bill Kwong and Silas Hoadley Serial: SR-00069C The talk discusses the ordination ceremony for two individuals, emphasizing the fundamental Buddhist teaching that all beings, animate or inanimate, have intrinsic value and their own position within the Buddhist framework. The... Ceremony, Priest, Ceremony, American	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 11 1970 City Center
Respect for Things Serial: SR-00200 What Is Our Practice? Sunday, January 4, 1970 San Francisco Practice as taking care of everything. Not making a noise with the chairs. Practice with new people coming to City Center. Extending the spirit of the zendo to everyday... The talk focuses on the essence of practice in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the act of integrating zazen, or seated meditation, with everyday life through respect for all things. The discussion proposes that practice involves... Zendo, Bodhisattva Way, Big Mind, Building, Concentration, difficulty, Sutra, Bowing, Offering...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 04 1970 City Center
Awakening Within: Embrace Your Buddha Nature Serial: KR-00043 The talk explores the significance of the Buddha's enlightenment on December 8th, emphasizing the importance of personal experience of enlightenment, as understanding through texts is insufficient. It discusses the inherent... *training, New Year, Don't Know Mind, difficulty, Buddha Nature, Meditation, Chanting,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Dec 28 1969
Fundamental Buddhist Point: To Adjust Ourselves To Our Surroundings Serial: SR-00192 Adjusting to life at City Center. Cleaning and zazen. Do we need furniture to practice? The talk explores the fundamental Buddhist principle of adapting ourselves to our surroundings rather than altering environments to better suit personal convenience. It emphasizes the significance of simplicity and the mindful... Dogen, Eiheiji, Zazen, Culture, Building, sitting	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 21 1969 City Center
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SF-05964 Friday, December 5, 1969 Previously described as intranscribable - now clearer ----- File name: 69-12-05N: untitled level low. [Verbatim transcript not available. (Sound problem.)] The talk discusses various aspects of Zen practice, focusing on themes such as fear, selflessness, the nature of Buddha, and the practice of questioning. The exchanges emphasize the dissolution of ego, detachment from material... Ceremony, Shosan, Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Letting Go, Separation, Attachment, Dragons,...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 05 1969 Tassajara
Winter Sesshin Lecture No. 6 Serial: SR-00201 The lecture emphasizes the importance of integrating Zen practice into all aspects of life, equating the observance of "pure rules" in the zendo with the practice of zazen. This integration is crucial for maintaining and... Sesshin, Ceremony, Freedom, Observe, Wisdom, Oneness, Beginners, training, Precepts, zen...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 04 1969 Tassajara
Embracing Emptiness: Transformative Awakening Serial: KR-00041 The talk focuses on the Buddhist concept of transformation and the Buddha mind, emphasizing how human behavior and spiritual attitudes supersede societal systems for achieving happiness. The discussion includes the Buddhist... *Evil, Happiness, Religion, Addiction, Birth-and-Death, Delusion, Discrimination, Suffering...*	Katagiri Roshi	Dec 04 1969
Winter Sesshin Lecture No. 5 Serial: SR-00202 Winter Sesshin Lecture No. 5 Wednesday, December 3, 1969 Tassajara This talk explores the bodhisattva practices, emphasizing the importance of zazen and the six primary practices: keeping precepts, almsgiving, vigor, patience, and wisdom, with specific attention to Dogen Zenji's interpretation... Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Oneness, Ceremony, Precepts, Wisdom...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 03 1969 Tassajara
Practice Should Not Be Perfect, So Descendants Have Something To Do Serial: SR-00203 Winter Sesshin Lecture No. 4 Tuesday, December 2, 1969 The lecture emphasizes that the core of Zen practice is not about achieving perfection or completion but about the continuous effort, moment by moment, allowing successors to inherit the spirit of practice. It argues that true... Sesshin, Dogen, Building, difficulty, Monastic Practice, Transmission, Zazen, Breath, Anger,...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 02 1969 Tassajara
Infinite Wisdom: Emptiness in Practice Serial: KR-00040 The talk delves into the exploration of wisdom and the infinity of the world, examining the nature of subjectivity and objectivity through the lens of Zen teachings. The discourse discusses significant Buddhist principles like... *lecture, difficulty, Perfect Wisdom, Balance, Don't Know Mind, Meditation, Posture,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Dec 02 1969
Way-Seeking Mind, Part III Serial: SR-00194 Winter Sesshin, Day 3, Lecture No. 3 Monday, December 1, 1969 Tassajara The talk explores the concept of "way-seeking mind" or "buddha-mind," emphasizing its essence as the bodhisattva-mind focused on aiding oneself and others. The discussion underscores the importance of confronting difficulties... Way-Seeking Mind, Sesshin, Bodhisattva Vow, Big Mind, difficulty, Vow, heart, Monks, Priest,...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 01 1969 Tassajara
Awakening the Inner Wellspring Wisdom Serial: KR-00039 The talk emphasizes the necessity of the way-seeking mind and wisdom, focusing on individual enlightenment derived from personal practice rather than borrowed teachings. The discussion compares this to drawing fresh water from a... *Ceremony, Delusion, American, Religion*	Katagiri Roshi	Nov 30 1969
Way-Seeking Mind, Part II Serial: SR-00266 Winter Sesshin Lecture No. 2 Sunday, November 30, 1969 Tassajara The talk explores the concept of the "way-seeking mind" within Zen practice, emphasizing that it is not something to be attained but is inherent within everyone. This mind is realized through acts done with pure motivation,... Way-Seeking Mind, Sesshin, Buddha Mind, Don't Know Mind, Big Mind, Intention, Beginners,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 30 1969 Tassajara
Way-Seeking Mind, Part I Serial: SR-00267 Winter Sesshin, Lecture No. 1 Saturday, November 29, 1969 Tassajara This talk explores the essence of "way-seeking mind" as critical to authentic Zen practice, emphasizing that practice without this mindset is merely mechanical. It cautions against relying on intellectual understanding alone,... Way-Seeking Mind, Sesshin, reality, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 29 1969 Tassajara
Pinch Hitter Serial: SR-00268 Tuesday, November 25, 1969 Evening Lecture City Center, San Francisco [Katagiri spoke before Suzuki. SR portion starts at 42:52. The brief talk expresses gratitude and joy over a successful event, metaphorically described using baseball terminology. The speaker reflects on recovering from an illness and the importance of rest after achieving one's goals.... Wisdom, zen, Truth, Zazen, Priest, American, Delusion, Meditation, Greed, heart...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 25 1969 City Center
Opening Lecture At Page Street Zendo: American Precepts Serial: SR-00264 Moving into the new space. Don't worry about success, practice in the present. Hyakujo's regulations, positive and negative sides of guidelines and precepts. The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing Zen in the present moment and introduces the concept of creating precepts specific to the context of American Zen practice, analogous to the Hyakujo Shingi established by Hyakujo... Precepts, Shingi, Precepts, Monks, Gratitude, zen, Building	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 22 1969 City Center
Epilogue: Zen Mind Serial: SR-00263 American practice different from Japanese practice. Enlightenment experience is beyond good and bad, beyond our usual way of thinking. Big mind is always with you, never outside of yourself. Discussion at Tassajara around sex.... The talk discusses the distinct nature of Zen practice in America, emphasizing that it differs from traditional Japanese practice. Central themes include the concept of "big mind," which transcends subjective experiences of good... Big Mind, Enlightenment, Passions, Big Mind, Don't Know Mind, Consciousness, Community,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 16 1969
Form Is Emptiness and Emptiness Is Form Serial: SR-00243 The talk focuses on elucidating the concept of "form is emptiness, and emptiness is form" from the Prajnaparamita Sutra, contrasting this Mahayana understanding against what is described as the more limited Theravadan view of... Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Big Mind, Forms, Don't Know Mind, Interdependence, heart, Monks,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 13 1969
Some Questions Serial: SR-00244 The talk examines key concepts from the Lotus Sutra, focusing on terms such as "no outflow" and "Buddha-seed," emphasizing the balance of desires and the socio-political analogies like communism versus human society in... Lotus Sutra, Time, Ego, Wisdom, Passions, Mindfulness, Buddha Nature, Culture, Oneness,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 11 1969
Miss Ransom Was A Teacher Of Conversation Serial: SR-00242 [Not an interview I think, but a question Peter asks at the beginning of the lecture, possibly pre-arranged with Suzuki. Got labeled as an interview because I had it grouped with Peter’s interviews long ago and maybe I was the... The talk revolves around the influence of Miss Ransom on Suzuki Roshi and her significant role in shaping his views regarding teaching Buddhism to Westerners. Initially skeptical of non-Buddhist practices, Miss Ransom's eventual... Japan, Komazawa University, Buddhism, Shobogenzo, Obon, Conversation, Building, Offering,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 09 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-7 Serial: SR-00042 Third Lotus Sutra Series Friday Evening, November 7, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The main thesis of the talk centers on interpreting the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra, especially in terms of the distinction between skillful means in Buddhist teaching and the ultimate understanding of emptiness, which... Lotus Sutra, Emptiness, Passions, Lotus Sutra, Concentration, Evil, Sutra, Mahayana, Precepts...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 07 1969 Series 3, Talk 7 Tassajara
Zen Beyond Borders Serial: RB-00416 The discussion explores the challenges and cultural differences faced by Westerners practicing Zen in Japan. It highlights the barriers due to linguistic, cultural, and traditional differences, as well as how these affect... *Priest, American, Rinzai, Soto Zen, training*	Richard Baker	Nov 05 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-6 Serial: SF-06005 Third Lotus Sutra Series Thursday Evening, October 30, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk analyzes a section of the Lotus Sutra and discusses its translation by Kumarajiva, emphasizing the accessibility and popularity of his rendition in China and Japan. The discussion includes the significance of certain... Lotus Sutra, Beginner’s Mind, Politics, Interview, Concentration, Precepts, Freedom, Doubt...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 30 1969 Series 3, Talk 6 Tassajara
Navigating Japan's Cultural Landscape Serial: RB-00418 The central thesis revolves around sharing insights about navigating Japanese culture, especially concerning the distinctions between American individualism and Japanese collectivism. Practical advice is provided for prospective... *Culture, Study, American, Religion, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 29 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-5 Serial: SF-06006 Third Lotus Sutra Series Tuesday Evening, October 28, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk explores the distinction between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the divergent interpretations and approaches to Buddha's teachings over time. It outlines how the Theravada (Hinayana) tradition focused on... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Skandas, Balance	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 28 1969 Series 3, Talk 5 Tassajara
October 28th, 1969, Serial No. 00415 Serial: RB-00415 The talk examines the intrinsic bodily knowledge and cultural rhythms embedded in Japanese society, juxtaposing it with Western tendencies towards conscious awareness and endpoint emphasis. Employing examples from daily practices... *Big Mind, Mandala, Priest, Peace, Money*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Zen and Western Intersections Serial: RB-00419 The discussion revolves around the intersection of Buddhist practice, Japanese cultural mindset, and Western American socio-cultural perspectives. It explores distinct ways of thinking and perceiving, rooted in different... *Buddha Nature, American, Building, Money, zen meditation*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-4 Serial: SR-00038 [Third Lotus Sutra Series]Saturday Evening, October 25, 1969Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on the central teachings of the Lotus Sutra, particularly emphasizing the profound nature of Buddha's wisdom which can only be fully comprehended by Buddhas themselves. The discussion highlights the concept of "... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Wisdom, Buddha Nature, Sutra, Priest, Mahayana, Suffering,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 25 1969 Series 3, Talk 4 Tassajara
Living Authentically Amid Tradition Serial: KR-00038 The talk primarily discusses the complexities of respecting traditions and individual choices in life, focusing on the significance of living respectfully in the present rather than being bound by principles, especially those... *Greed, Funeral, training, Observe, Ceremony, lecture, Suffering, American*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 25 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-2 Serial: SR-00037 Third Lotus Sutra SeriesThursday Evening, October 23, 1969Zen Mountain Center [The recording starts with Suzuki reading from: Saddharma Pundarika or The Lotus of the True Law, translated by H. Kern, New York: Dover, 1963 (an... The talk revolves around interpretations of Chapter II, "Skillfulness," from the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing the profound but often underestimated importance of skillful means in Buddhist practice. The discussion highlights the... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, First Principle, Don't Know Mind, Consciousness, Sutra,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 23 1969 Series 3, Talk 2 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-1 Serial: SR-00212 [Third Lotus Sutra Series]1 Monday Evening, October 20, 1969 Zen Mountain Center Introduction to third series of talks on the Lotus Sutra. Zen as practical teaching. Suzuki Roshi's mother recited parts of the sutra when he was... The lecture introduces the third series of talks on the Lotus Sutra at the Zen Mountain Center, emphasizing the sutra's role in Zen practice and its nature, which is likened to an experience similar to engaging with grand music... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Dogen, Mahayana, Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Ego, Sutra, Priest, Building,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 20 1969 Series 3, Talk 1 Tassajara
Embodied Enlightenment Through Practice Serial: KR-00034 This talk explores the concept of "shugyo" in Zen Buddhism, translating to "refined practice," emphasizing the necessity of engaging with both mind and body to achieve enlightenment. The discussion addresses the Zen school's... *Right Effort, Religion*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 19 1969
Navigating Zen Training in Japan Serial: RB-00414 The talk centers on the challenges and considerations involved in studying Buddhism in Japan as a Westerner, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japanese culture and language. A key point is the cultural friction that... *Study, Rinzai, training, American, Priest*	Richard Baker	Oct 18 1969
New Students' Questions Serial: SR-00211 Tuesday, October 14, 1969San Francisco This talk addresses the concept of karma, the bodhisattva's vow, and the role of zazen in understanding the Buddhist view of life. It explores the notion of everything having meaning from different perspectives, highlighting the... Question-and-Answer, Bodhisattva Vow, War, Buddha Nature, Addiction, Diversity, Vow,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 14 1969
Beyond Words: Living Zen Wisdom Serial: KR-00033 The talk discusses Zen Buddhist teachings on the importance of not clinging to personal views and the practice of wisdom in daily life. It uses stories such as the narrative of Fuchang and the anecdote of Hakurakuten to... *Silence, difficulty, Meditation, Buddha Mind, Enemies, Buddha Nature, Discrimination,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 07 1969
Finding Purpose in Chaos Serial: KR-00032 The talk explores the story of King Kuntun and the philosophical implications of chaos and the concept of completeness, comparing this tale to the lives of three individuals with unique paths, emphasizing the significance of... *Meditation, training, American*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 28 1969
Zen Action Beyond Form Serial: KR-00030 The talk analyzes a Zen koan from the "Mumonkan" or "Gateless Gate," specifically focusing on the story "Tipping Over a Water Vase". The narrative illustrates the non-attachment and direct action in Zen Buddhism, exemplified by... *Community, Building, American, lecture, training, Interview, Chanting, Balance, Delusion,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 27 1969
Settling in the Dharma Mind Serial: KR-00037 The talk explores the concepts of Right Thought (Shonen) and jhana in Zen Buddhism, focusing on Dogen Zenji’s teachings. Right Thought is presented as retaining the Dharma without forgetting, emphasizing the importance of... *Concentration, difficulty, Meditation, Happiness, Discrimination, American, Conversation,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 23 1969

The SFZC Audio Archive

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