The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1922 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Genjo Koan Serial: SF-05134A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #14, by Shundo David Haye ===== The acquisition of Tassajara in 1967 was a huge leap for Zen Center. Suzuki Roshi had long been interested in finding a suitable location for a monastery; an... This talk explores the acquisition of Tassajara and its role in the transmission of Zen monastic practices under Suzuki Roshi. The discussion centers on Suzuki Roshi's interpretations of Dogen's Genjo Koan, emphasizing the... Genjokoan, Dogen, Sesshin, Emptiness, New Year, Interview, Freedom	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 20 1967 Morning Tassajara
This Sesshin Was Wonderfully Done Serial: SF-05100C Saturday, April 22, 1967Sesshin Lecture BSan Francisco This talk explores the nature of true understanding and the practice of zazen as essential to realizing the interconnectedness of all life and developing genuine compassion. It emphasizes the importance of helping others not... Sesshin, Priest, Evil, Doubt, training	Suzuki Roshi	Apr 22 1967 B Sokoji
Dropping Off Body And Mind Serial: SF-05100A The talk centers on the concept of "Shinjin Datsuraku" (dropping off body and mind), as part of Zen practice, highlighting how practice and enlightenment should be actualized in daily life rather than treated as abstract concepts... *Zazen, Practice, Enlightenment*	Katagiri Roshi	Apr 22 1967 Sokoji
The Need for Training in Buddhism without Self-Seeking Mind Serial: SF-05121B Original recording The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing Buddhism without a self-seeking mindset, focusing particularly on zazen meditation as outlined by the Buddha's teachings. It argues against practicing with a "gaining idea," which... Sesshin, Dogen, training, Buddha Nature, Hate, Observe, Instruction, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 17 1966 B Sokoji
In the first instruction of ten instructions in Gakudō-yōjin-shū Serial: SF-05121A This talk examines Dogen Zenji's "Gakudo-yojin-shu" emphasizing the way-seeking mind, immediate response to teachings, and the simultaneous nature of hearing, practicing, and enlightenment. The discussion challenges traditional... Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Sixth Patriarch, Platform Sutra, training, Instruction,...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 17 1966 A Sokoji
Zazen Is Not For Gaining A Mystical Something Serial: 66-11-16 Tony Artino notes ,At Old Bush Street Zendo - SokojiWednesday, November 16, 1966 -	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 16 1966 Sokoji
This Fascicle of Shobogenzo Serial: SF-05097F Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2 Track 2: Suzuki 1pm lecture Friday The talk delves into Dogen Zenji's teachings from the fascicle "Sokushin Zebutsu" in the Shobogenzo, exploring the concept "Mind Itself Is Buddha," emphasizing non-attachment, and the dynamic nature of practice. The speaker... *Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Instruction, Freedom, Doubt...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 19 1966 C Sokoji
Don't Be Attached To Your Attainment Serial: SF-05097H Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2 Track 4 Friday lecture by Suzuki during morning zazen Friday The talk emphasizes the importance of avoiding attachment to one's attainments during Zen practice, highlighting the need to keep an open, receptive mind. It urges practitioners not to become fixated on the outcomes of past... Sesshin, Instruction, Attachment	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 19 1966 B Sokoji
Blue Cliff Records Case 45 Serial: SF-05097E Friday, August 19, 1966Sesshin Lecture: Friday Evening, Lecture DSokoji, San Francisco The lecture discusses the interconnectedness of the concepts of "one" and "many" through the lens of a Zen koan from the Blue Cliff Records, Case 45. This koan highlights a famous exchange between a monk and... Blue Cliff Record, Sesshin, Joshu, Eiheiji, Observe, Diversity, Duality	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 19 1966 D Sokoji
Shobogenzo Serial: SF-05097D Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2Track 1 contd: Most of Suzuki's 6pm Lecture, Thursday evening continued on track 4Track 4 continuation and finish of 6pm lecture of Thursday The talk explores the dualistic versus non-dualistic understanding of mind and existence, refuting heretical views rooted in Indian religions and emphasizing the Buddhist notion of interdependency. The discussion critiques the... Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Dogen, Subject-and-Object, Attachment, Buddha Nature, Enemies,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 18 1966 C Sokoji
Shōbōgenzō Serial: SF-05093F Thursday, August 18, 1966SESSHIN LECTURE: Thursday, 1:00 pm, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco The talk explores the dynamic nature of Buddhist teaching as a continuous renewal and return to foundational principles, emphasizing the fluidity and unity between Buddha and sentient beings. It challenges materialistic... Sesshin, Buddha Mind, Birth-and-Death, Dana, Fasting, Interdependence	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 18 1966 B Sokoji
This is the Fourth Day of our Sesshin Serial: SF-05097C Reconstruction of Lecture from Second Zazen Period (Before Morning Service)Thursday Morning, August 18, 1966, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco [This tape is not in Shunryu Suzuki's voice. It is a transcript of a post-hoc... This reconstructed lecture focuses on deepening understanding and practice in Zen Buddhism through the metaphor of a group of blind individuals interpreting different parts of an elephant. This metaphor serves to illustrate the... Sesshin, Suzuki Roshi	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Aug 18 1966 A Sokoji
Thursday Talk Serial: SF-05093E The talk explores Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence through the metaphor of bamboo, which bends and sways according to environmental conditions yet remains fundamentally whole. The speaker reflects... *Time, Buddha, Priest*	Bishop Togen Sumi	Aug 18 1966 Sokoji
Shobogenzo (middle of talk only) Serial: SF-05097A Sesshin Lecture 1966 Tape #2; Track 1 Continuation and completion of 1pm lecture of Suzuki Roshi, Thursday. Looks like whole of this is lost, except near end and parts on other tape. Most of it was translation from Shushogi by... The lecture, although partially lost, centers on the translation of "Shushogi" by Dogen Zenji, with a reference to a key concept from "Shobogenzo." The talk focuses on the notion of mind that neither arises nor perishes, a...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 18 1966 B Sokoji
Wednesday Talk Serial: SF-05093I Tape operator's notes (Richard Baker) kept on at the beginning The talk explores the significance of the Dharma as a path to personal and social liberation through the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It discusses the transformative power of Buddhist teachings on various aspects of life,... *Buddha, Religion, Bell*	Bishop Togen Sumi	Aug 17 1966 Sokoji
Causality Serial: SF-05093J Suzuki lecture 6pm Weds Track 2, continued on Track 3 The talk explores the Buddhist understanding of causality, contrasting mechanical and teleological views with a focus on continuity and discontinuity of time. It emphasizes that true freedom involves acknowledging change and the... Sesshin, Time, Time, Buddha, Freedom	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 17 1966 6:00pm Sokoji
Risk Your Life Serial: SF-05093H This talk centers on the notion of risking one's life to engage fully in Zen practices such as zazen, emphasizing the concept of the "expression of full functions" as articulated by Dogen Zenji. It explores the idea that even... *Dogen, Zazen, Daily Life*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 17 1966 Sokoji
Encouraging Words for Sesshin Serial: SF-05093G The talk discusses the physical and spiritual aspects of Zazen practice, emphasizing personal experiences of pain and peace during sessions. It highlights a poem by Chinese Zen Master Nyojo, a key figure in Dogen Zenji's... *Buddha Nature, Bell, Zazen*	Bishop Togen Sumi	Aug 16 1966 Sokoji
Our Mind Should Be Calm Serial: SF-05093L Tuesday, August 16, 1966Sesshin: Zazen short instructionSokoji, San Francisco - Sesshin, Instruction,	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 16 1966 Sokoji
Tuesday Sesshin Talk Serial: SF-05093N Tape operator's notes (Richard Baker) left on at beginning This talk provides a structured examination of Soto Zen Buddhism, focusing on fundamental differences between Hinayana and Mahayana schools, emphasizing original enlightenment. It details how Soto Zen, established by Dogen Zenji... *Buddha Nature, Buddha, Mahayana*	Bishop Togen Sumi	Aug 16 1966 Sokoji
Morning Instruction Serial: SF-05093M The transcript discusses the importance of etiquette and mindfulness in Zen monastic life, emphasizing the practice of exchanging greetings using "Kasyo" and maintaining quiet and careful behavior when moving within the monastery... *Doubt, Chanting, Zendo*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 16 1966 Sokoji
The first day of the sesshin is almost finished Serial: SF-05093K Monday, August 15, 1966Sesshin: Evening Lecture, Lecture DSokoji, San Francisco The talk discusses the Buddhist philosophy of causality, as explored through the Kegon Sutra's concept of "Ichi soku issai, issai soku ichi," which illustrates the dynamic and interconnected nature of existence. The concept of... Sesshin, Freedom, causation, Composure, Posture	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1966 D Sokoji
Think Everything Out Serial: SF-05093C Monday, August 15, 1966, Lecture CSokoji, San Francisco The talk emphasizes the necessity of intellectual understanding in Zen practice while exploring concepts like causality and the nature of mind. It critiques simplistic interpretations of cause and effect and introduces an... Sesshin, causation, Attachment, Hate, Intuition, Concentration, Evil, Instruction, Karma,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1966 C Sokoji
Genjo Koan Serial: SF-05111C This is the bulk of the talk attributed to this date. It sounds distinct from the earlier fragment, and the date may not be accurate, though the subject is appropriate for the first day of a sesshin. The talk discusses Zen practice and the importance of stopping the mind, drawing on teachings from Dogen Zenji's "Genjo Koan." It emphasizes the significance of "thinking non-thinking" to maintain mindfulness, freedom from... Sesshin, Attachment, Instruction, Freedom, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1966 C Sokoji
Talk on Shobogenzo Serial: SF-05111B Other Japanese lecture [case replaced 12/95. Case notes transcribed verbatim] This talk analyzes a chapter from the "Shobogenzo," focusing on the teachings about harmonious living within a Zen Monastery. The speaker emphasizes the notion that all members should coexist as seamlessly as milk and... Sesshin, Happiness	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 15 1966 B Sokoji
You Cannot Appreciate Our Teaching In Its True Sense Serial: SF-05093B Monday, August 15, 1966Sesshin: Lunch Lecture, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco The talk on August 15, 1966, focuses on the importance of open-mindedness in understanding Zen teachings, using the example of food appreciation to illustrate how prejudices can hinder this understanding. The discourse suggests... Sesshin, Oryoki, Instruction, Discrimination, japanese	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1966 B Sokoji
A Few Form Instructions Serial: SF-05093A The talk provides detailed instructions on the practices of bowing, shashu, and kinhin in Zen, emphasizing the importance of these actions in expressing respect for Buddha and embodying one's Buddha nature. It outlines the... *Time, Buddha, Breath*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 15 1966 Sokoji
We Are Always Helping Others Serial: SF-05080B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #13, by Shundo David Haye ===== This tape is, happily, the last of the messed-up recordings from the first half of 1966. It is the first of two talks from the July one-day sitting, and it begins... The talk elaborates on the Bodhisattva practice of helping others before helping oneself, a central tenet of Zen Buddhism. It challenges superficial understandings of service and stresses realizing the fundamental oneness of all... Shushogi, Enemies, training, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 23 1966 B Sokoji
We Are Not Perfect Serial: SF-05080A Sesshin talk. At the beginning, Suzuki Roshi is drawing from Dogen's "Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance." The methods are also in Shushogi. The talk explores the Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance as articulated in Dogen’s teachings, specifically focusing on the practice of helping others. The notions of selflessness and continuous support are emphasized,... Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Shushogi, Buddha Mind, Buddhism, Buddha	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 23 1966 Sokoji
Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 7-9 Serial: SF-05098A Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The lecture delves into Dogen Zenji's teachings on "Genjo Koan," particularly focusing on the concepts of life and death as expressions of conditionality and unconditionality. The lecture emphasizes that life and death are not... Dogen, Genjokoan, Composure, Liberation, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 19 1966 B Sokoji
Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 11-13 Serial: SF-05098C Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The talk focuses on understanding enlightenment and the concept of truth within Zen Buddhism, particularly in the context of practicing zazen. It examines "Genjo-Koan" by Dogen Zenji, highlighting that true understanding arises... Genjokoan, Dogen, Continuous Practice, Peace, Evil	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 19 1966 D Sokoji
Ten Precepts Serial: SF-05098B Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The talk discusses the significance of the ten prohibitory precepts in Buddhism, emphasizing their dual role in moral and religious contexts. It contrasts the simplistic understanding of these precepts as societal rules or laws... Precepts, Precepts, Freedom, Faith, Buddha Nature, Priest	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 19 1966 C Sokoji
Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 1–11 Serial: SF-05098D Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The lecture explores several paragraphs of "Genjo-Koan" and expounds on the essential understanding of Soto Zen and Buddhism. It discusses key concepts such as enlightenment, practice, and the idea of no-subjectivity and no-... Dogen, Genjokoan, Family Practice, Observe, Doubt, Discrimination, Attachment, Hate, Zazen...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 19 1966 A Sokoji
Sesshin Lecture: Genjo-Koan, Paragraphs 1–2 Serial: SF-05096B May Sesshin (25 26 added later) 1 or 6pm lecture plus lecture the following morning.SR 009 The lecture discusses the essence of Zen practice as living fully in each moment and achieving absolute freedom, transcending the limitations of written precepts by integrating everyday life into Zen practice. It highlights the... Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Precepts, Mahayana, Freedom, Observe, Balance, Attachment, Priest,...	Suzuki Roshi	May 26 1966 Sokoji
Genjō Kōan, 5-13 Serial: SF-05096A May Sesshin (25 26 added later) 1 or 6pm lecture plus lecture the following morning.SR 009 The talk explores the theme of absolute independence and liberation from temporal constraints, as articulated in Dogen Zenji's teachings on Genjō Kōan. Concepts such as time, being, and the nature of enlightenment are examined,... Dogen, Genjokoan, Enemies, Faith, realization, Addiction, Peace	Suzuki Roshi	May 25 1966 Sokoji
The Way-Seeking Mind Serial: SF-05116C March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 The talk focuses on the concept of the "way-seeking mind," which is the inclination to pursue spiritual understanding amidst the inherent contradictions and transient nature of life. It emphasizes the human condition of having... Dogen, Forgiveness, Addiction, Greed, Interview, Attachment, Conversation, Lay...	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 26 1966 A Sokoji
Liberty and Restriction Serial: SF-05116A March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 Saturday, March 26, 1966 The talk explores the paradoxical relationship between liberty and restriction, emphasizing that true freedom can be realized through limitations. It asserts that restrictions provide a pathway to express individual freedom,... Sesshin, Balance, Freedom, Doubt, Faith, Ceremony	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 26 1966 BN Sokoji
Real Calmness Is In A Noisy Place Serial: SF-05116B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #12, by Shundo David Haye ===== This talk is another example of a track that was somehow overlooked for many years, while the two other talks on the same reel were catalogued. The written notes... The transcript discusses the integration of Zen practice in everyday life, focusing on the themes of "beginner's mind" and the calm in the midst of activity. Emphasizing practical experience over systematic teachings, the... Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Beginner’s Mind, Beginners, Ego, Silence, Hate, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 26 1966 Sokoji
Genjō Kōan, 1–3 Serial: SF-05095C Sesshin Lecture: Genjo-Koan, Paragraphs 1–3Sunday Morning, March 13, 1966, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco The talk discusses Dōgen's "Genjō Kōan," focusing on the non-dualistic understanding of enlightenment and ignorance. The lecture emphasizes that practicing Zen should not be a segmented part of life but a wholly integrated... Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Duality, Faith, Buddha Nature, Attachment, Discrimination, Balance...	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 13 1966 A Sokoji
Shushōgi, Section 1 Serial: SF-05095B Sesshin Lecture: SHUSHOGI, Section 1Sunday, March 13, 1966, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco Tape operator's comments and short service at beginning of tape, left on ---------------------------Previous notes on this talk: [This... The talk focuses on "Shushogi," particularly Section 1, discussing the essential Buddhist concept of understanding birth and death as a pathway to enlightenment. It navigates the duality of suffering and nirvana,... Sesshin, Dogen, Shushogi, Attachment, Balance	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 13 1966 B Sokoji
Tokusan and The Old Lady Serial: SF-05114C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #10, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is another track from the same problematic reel as the previous two talks in this series. Initially, it seemed to be a talk of Katagiri Roshi - the first... The talk concludes with a discourse on the importance of wholehearted commitment to Zen practice, emphasizing a non-idealistic approach where each step in practice is executed with complete presence. The tale of Tokusan and the... Sesshin, Diamond Sutra, Balance, training, Religion	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 19 1966 1:00pm Sokoji
To Study The Self Serial: SF-05114D The talk focuses on the essential nature of Zen practice and the concept of self-identity through the metaphor of a burning candle. The process of studying Buddhism is described as a way to study and ultimately forget the self,... Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Bell, training, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 19 1966 pm Sokoji
Tokusan and The Old Lady Serial: SF-05114A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #8, by Shundo David Haye ===== At Zen Center, responsibilities get passed on from person to person regularly. One part of traditional Zen training is that a monk should not expect to keep any... This talk explores the story of "Tokusan and the Old Lady" from Mumon's comment on Case 28 of the Mumonkan, with insights into Dogen's commentary from the 'Ungraspable Mind' fascicle in the Shobogenzo. It emphasizes the... Genjokoan, Buddha Mind, Zazen, Culture	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 19 1966 pm Sokoji
Where There is Some Limitation, There is Universality Serial: SF-05114B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #9, by Shundo David Haye ===== This talk is found on the same reel as the one previously discussed (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/tokusan-and-old-lady), along with two other tracks... This talk explores the interplay of light and dark as metaphors for the relative and absolute in Zen practice, drawing mainly from the Sandokai by Sekito Kisen. It emphasizes understanding the unique value of each entity through... Sesshin, Dogen, Buddha Nature, Faith, Evil, confusion, Freedom, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 18 1966 Sokoji
In the Prajnaparamita Sutra Serial: SF-05113B 5pm lecture begins this side This talk explores the concept of "no" or "not" as a strong affirmation in the Prajnaparamita Sutra, emphasizing the interconnectedness and wholeness of all existence. It explains that understanding the phrase "form is emptiness... Heart Sutra, Sengai, Dogen, Emptiness, Family Practice, Beginners, Transmission, Posture, Bell...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 21 1966 5:00PM Sokoji
Shushōgi, Sections 11–17 Serial: SF-05113A January Sesshin Lecture: Lecture A ,1 PMShushogi: Sections 11–17Friday, January 21, 1966Sokoji, San Francisco This lecture covers Sections 11-17 of the Shushōgi, focusing on the significance of precepts in Zen practice and their role as a foundation for achieving enlightenment. The discussion emphasizes that precepts are not merely... Sesshin, Precepts, Shushogi, Precepts, Subject-and-Object, Happiness, Priest, Intimacy,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 21 1966 A Sokoji
Buddhism Has Many Annual Layers Like A Big Tree Serial: SF-05124B One-Day Sesshin Evening LectureSaturday, December 11, 1965, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco This talk explores the historical and cultural impact of Buddhism and Zen, emphasizing the importance of respecting the generational efforts of patriarchs in sustaining the tradition. It underscores the necessity of integrating... *Sesshin, Precepts, Precepts, Three Treasures, Observe, Doubt, Composure, Priest, Anger...*	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 11 1965 B Sokoji
Most Of You Are Beginners Serial: SF-05124D One-Day Sesshin Afternoon LectureSaturday, December 11, 1965, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco The central thesis of this talk emphasizes the practice of zazen, or "just sitting," as a core yet challenging Zen practice. The discussion explains the importance of practicing with a Big Mind rather than a self-centered mind to... *Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Dogen, Precepts, Precepts, Observe, Beginners, Enemies, Peace...*	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 11 1965 A Sokoji
Chanting Service Serial: SF-05124A The talk centers on a traditional Zen chanting service, reflecting on its spiritual significance and the interconnections between mind, ritual, and enlightenment. Through traditional chants such as "getto no kage" and the... Sesshin, Chanting, Bell	Group	Dec 11 1965 Sokoji
Oryoki Instruction Serial: SF-05124C The talk focuses on the practice of Oryoki, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and careful attention during mealtime rituals in Zen Buddhism. Even seemingly insignificant actions, such as making noise with utensils, are... *Buddha Nature, Buddha, Vow*	Katagiri Roshi	Dec 11 1965 C Sokoji

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