The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1923 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Beginner's Mind Serial: SF-05122 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #1, by Shundo David Haye ===== When this particular, otherwise unremarkable, reel was photographed as part of Engage Wisdom’s archiving process, unlike many other tapes stored at Zen... The talk explores the concept of "beginner's mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing its vital role in maintaining the purity and openness of one's practice. It stresses the importance of returning to an original, unknowing state of... Beginner’s Mind, Dogen, Precepts, Beginners, Precepts, Enemies, Posture	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 11 1965 Los Altos
Study Yourself Serial: SF-05123B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #4, by Shundo David Haye ===== "I always felt his best Zen talks were the ones he gave on Thursday mornings in my home. They were spontaneous, succinct and spoken from a relaxed and contented... The talk delves into the nature of self-study in Buddhism, drawing extensively on Dogen's Genjo Koan. It emphasizes the practice of self-awareness through monastic activities, highlighting how these practices allow practitioners... Dogen, Genjokoan, Rinzai, Monastic Practice, Instruction, Hate, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 09 1965 Los Altos
I Have Nothing In My Mind Serial: SF-05125B One-Day Sesshin Lecture: 5 PMSaturday, August 28, 1965, Lecture BSan Francisco The lecture explores the intersection of practice, enlightenment, and self-acceptance within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that practice itself is an expression of true nature rather than a means to an end. The discussion highlights... Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Baso, Big Mind, Faith, Fox, Duality, Hate	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 28 1965 B Sokoji
Confucius Said the Most Visible is Something Invisible Serial: SF-05125A SR 002 Tape 1 copy Sesshin 1pm lecture The central thesis of the talk revolves around the idea that true value lies in unseen, fundamental work rather than visible achievements, drawing from Confucian and Japanese cultural and philosophical concepts. The discussion... Sesshin, Faith, Interview, Observe, confusion, Hate, Peace	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 28 1965 A Sokoji
Calmness Serial: SF-05123A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #3, by Shundo David Haye ===== In this talk, which became the Calmness chapter of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (p121), Suzuki Roshi starts with a Japanese Zen poem, offering a pair of analogies to... The talk explores the concept of seeing through contrasts, as encapsulated in a Japanese Zen poem, to illustrate the need for experiential context in perceiving life's essence. This aligns with Dogen's doctrine of "practice-... Dogen, Zazen, Composure	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 26 1965 Los Altos
Saturday Evening Lecture Serial: SF-05117A Tape VIII (?) Side 1 Sat eve lecture (1 - 60); Side 2 Sat eve lecture (1-15?) The main thesis of the talk revolves around understanding Zen as both a personal practice and a tradition with varied schools and interpretations. Key discussions include the nature of enlightenment (or "satori") and its relation... Question-and-Answer, Daily Life, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Balance, Bell, Evil, Hate, Religion...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 31 1965 Sokoji
Supper Chant Serial: SF-05107C Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 2 Little bit of Saturday supper chant [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] - Chanting,	Group	Jul 31 1965 Sokoji
Do You Have Some Questions? Serial: SF-05107A Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 1 Friday evening lecture (transcribed) [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] This talk explores the nature of Zen and its distinction from Western religious concepts, focusing on Zen not as a "religion of the will" but as a religion of the whole mind. It delves into the three bodies of Buddha—Dharmakaya,... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Transmission, Emotions, Buddha Nature, Discrimination, Happiness...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 D Sokoji
If You Have A Question Serial: SF-05105B Tape 6 Friday July 30 Side 1: 1pm lecture (continued on side 2) - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of enlightenment and the bodhisattva-mind, emphasizing that helping others from a religious perspective differs fundamentally from social work. The discussion explores "normative consciousness"... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Religion, Peace, Obstacles, confusion, Doubt,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 C Sokoji
Don't Be Bothered By Your Mind / Science of Philosophy is Like a Dissection Serial: SF-05104C Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 2: 5:45 meditation, 9:00 AM lecture [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The main thesis of the talk emphasizes understanding Zen practice as an immediate and direct observation of one's mind, rather than through retrospective analysis or intellectual dissection. The talk discusses the importance of... *Sesshin, Peace, Buddha Nature, Current Events, Bodhidharma, Passions, Instruction, Hate...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1965 A-B Sokoji
The Purpose of Practice is to Have a Direct Experience of Buddha Serial: SF-05103B Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 9am lecture - transcribed The lecture explores the purpose of Zen practice as a means to directly experience buddha-nature, emphasizing non-attachment to notions of purity or impurity. It is highlighted that true practice involves the acceptance and... Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Evil, Precepts, Ego, Instruction	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 A Sokoji
Some More Questions Serial: SF-05104A Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 1 - 6pm lecture; Continues on Side 2 [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] This lecture addresses the precept of "not to kill" in Buddhist teachings, offering a perspective that transcends physicality and dualism; it emphasizes that the concept refers to realizing the interconnectedness and... *Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Precepts, Emotions, Buddha Nature, Passions, Faith...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 C Sokoji
Questions Serial: SF-05103C Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 1pm lecture - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of Buddhist practice and understanding, emphasizing the notion that Buddha-nature cannot be comprehended through traditional philosophical, psychological, or scientific means, as it transcends the... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Priest, Faith, Demons, Religion...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1965 B Sokoji
Questions Serial: SF-05126E Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 side 2 Wed July 28th 6pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of patience, distinguishing between 'small patience' associated with enduring physical or mental suffering and 'big patience,' which involves acceptance of the impossibility of achieving certain... Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Four Noble Truths, Emotions, Faith, Passions, Delusion, Doubt...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 D Sokoji
Pure Rules Serial: SF-05126A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #6, by Shundo David Haye ===== The value of these sets of recordings during sesshins in the summer of 1965 at Sokoji is that not only were the formal dharma talks preserved, but also the... This talk discusses the importance of the zendo's physical and philosophical structure during a sesshin, drawing from traditional Soto Zen practices and teachings by Suzuki Roshi. It emphasizes the role of "Pure Rules," which... Sesshin, Instruction, Emptiness, Interview, Religion, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 9:00am Sokoji
If You Understand Bodhisattva Mind In A Dualistic Way Serial: SF-05126D Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 Side 1: Wednesday 1pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of the Bodhisattva mind within Zen practice, emphasizing its non-dualistic nature and distinction from philosophical approaches. It highlights Dogen Zenji's insistence on expressing the Bodhisattva... Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Buddha Nature, Buddha Mind, confusion	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 C Sokoji
Lunch Instruction Serial: SF-05126C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #7, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is a second short instruction from the same day of sesshin as the Pure Rules talk (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/pure-rules900am); again the... This talk focuses on the practice of oryoki and the appropriate conduct following mistakes, as taught within monastic traditions. It begins with a rectification of a misstep regarding the use of the oryoki Buddha bowl,... Sesshin, Oryoki, Instruction, Ego, Japan, Observe	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 28 1965 12:00 Sokoji
Forgotten the Value of Religion Serial: SF-05101A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #5, by Shundo David Haye ===== The oldest recordings of Suzuki Roshi made at Sokoji, the home of the San Francisco Zen Center at the time, come from a week-long sesshin that took place at the... The talk centers on the integration of Zen practice within the broader understanding of religion and philosophy, emphasizing Suzuki Roshi's reflections from 1965. The discussion articulates the contrast between Western thought... Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Inmost Nature, Religion, Don't Know Mind, Buddha Nature,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 27 1965 1:00pm Sokoji
In Our Way of Zen, We Emphasize the Way-Seeking Mind Serial: SF-05101B Tape 2 Summer Sesshin 1965 Tuesday July 27 - transcribed August 1965 Tape 2 Side 2 Tuesday July 27 6pm lecture Reverend Suzuki [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The main thesis of this talk revolves around the Zen concept of "way-seeking mind," which is interchangeable with the bodhisattva-mind, emphasizing the contrast between scientific and religious viewpoints regarding observation... Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Way-Seeking Mind, Interview, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 27 1965 6:00pm Sokoji
Religious Problems Concerning Such As Psychology Or LSD Serial: SF-05112A Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965 Tape 1 Side 1: 1pm lecture This talk explores the interplay and distinctions between science, psychology, and religion in understanding the mind, critiquing the mixing of scientific practices such as LSD with religious pursuits in Zen Buddhism. The... Sesshin, Dogen, Time, Continuous Practice, Precepts, Peace, Beginners, Balance, confusion,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1965 1:00pm Sokoji
Why We Should Practice Zazen Serial: SF-05112B Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965; Side 2: 6:15pm lecture - transcribed August 1965 The talk emphasizes the necessity of practicing zazen to truly understand one's innate nature and the essence of religion, which cannot be adequately grasped through science or philosophy. It discusses the use of Shobogenzo to... Sesshin, Shobogenzo, New Year, Silence, confusion, Anger, Religion, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1965 6:15pm Sokoji
Afternoon Service and Meal Chant Serial: SF-05112C Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965 Tape 1 Side 1: afternoon service; meal chant The talk focuses on the significance of the afternoon service and the meal chant during a Zen sesshin. It explores the repeated invocation of "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha," emphasizing the deep reverence and focus on devotion in Zen... Chanting, Buddha	Group	Jul 26 1965 Sokoji
Wisdom Seeks For Wisdom Serial: SF-05128 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #2, by Shundo David Haye ===== Among the tapes previously known to exist in the Zen Center archives, the earliest were from a sesshin held at the end of July 1965, which contain recordings of... The talk discusses foundational aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the interplay between Zazen and the practitioner's inmost nature, as presented by Suzuki Roshi at the Los Altos sittings. The central theme focuses on... Precepts, Genjokoan, Instruction, Precepts, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Buddha Mind, Posture,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 22 1965 Los Altos
Chanting Service Serial: SF-05079A Sesshin service July 1965.Robe chant, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko, meal chants in Japanese (?)"Thursday morning chanting": same contents. This talk primarily focuses on the theme of chanting during a Zen sesshin service in July 1965, with a specific emphasis on various chants, including the "Robe chant" and "Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo." The chanting also... Chanting, Evil	Group	Jul 1965 Sokoji
Chanting Service Serial: SF-05117C From 1965, end of July sesshin.Robe Chant (incomplete), Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo, eko. This talk from the end of a 1965 sesshin focuses on the practice of chanting within Zen Buddhism, specifically referencing the "Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo" and the "Robe Chant." The discussion highlights the significance of... Chanting,	Group	Jul 1965 C Sokoji
Short Talk Serial: SF-05117B This is a short section of a talk from the sesshin given at the end of July 1965 - the speed on the tape fluctuates, was remedied as far as possible This talk explores the interconnectedness of human relationships and personal responsibility, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement in making decisions and progressing in the Zen path. It highlights the concept that... *Buddha Nature, Buddha, Time*	Bishop Togen Sumi	1965 Sokoji
Unity in Compassionate Citizenship Serial: SF-04358 The talk analyzes the integration of Buddhist values and American democratic principles, emphasizing Eihei Dogen's teachings on compassion and the vow to save all beings through removing suffering and providing joy. It... *Evil, Happiness, Bodhisattva Way, Commitment, Peace*	Wendy Lewis
Religion and Spirituality Serial: SF-00011 The talk explores the interplay between religion, particularly Christianity, and its preoccupation with sexuality, positing that Western religious traditions impose unique taboos which simultaneously condemn and heighten... *Religion, Impermanence, Evil, Ego, Attachment, Priest, Realization*	Alan Watts
SFZC Service Serial: SF-00014 Early Seventies The transcript consists of repetitive chanting of "Om," related to a service at the San Francisco Zen Center dated to the early 1970s. The repetition suggests a focus on meditative practice and the invocation of sound as a means... *Enemies*	Various	City Center
Mountain Seat Ceremony Serial: SF-03587 After intermission; at tape turn: Linda: Knock, knock - Darlene: Who's there? - Linda (quickly): Darlene. [laughter] The talk centers on the ceremonial installation of a new Abbess at the Zen Center, highlighting the themes of shared leadership, the embodiment of the feminine in spiritual roles, and the connection to Zen tradition through... *Constancy, Ceremony, Suzuki Roshi, Lay Ordination, Priest-and-Lay, Ordination, Tassajara Zen...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	City Center
Class Serial: SF-03197 The talk primarily addresses the intricacies within Buddhist scholastic philosophy, particularly around karma, universal dharmas, and causality. The focus shifts to a controversial analysis of Dogen's text "Deep Faith in... *Karma, Concentration, Nirvana, Demons, Four Noble Truths, Faith, Conversation, Emptiness,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Unknown
Mountain Seat Ceremony Serial: SF-03500 Side A: to intermission; Side B: blank - to tape 2 This talk centers around a ceremonial offering involving incense and reverence within the context of Zen Buddhist tradition. Essential figures, such as Shakyamuni Buddha, Daigen Shuri Bodhisattva, Bodhidharma, and a personal... *Gratitude, Vow, Priest*	Eijun Linda Cutts	City Center
Untitled Serial: SR-00252C This could be Katagiri Roshi speaking, end of talk only.Talking about concentration camps. The talk concludes with reflections on the themes of sacrifice, faith, and eternal freedom, illustrated through the story of Maximilian Kolbe, a prisoner in Auschwitz. Kolbe's selfless act of offering his life to save another... *Sangha, War, Freedom*	Unknown	C Unknown
Seminar on Taoism Serial: SR-00275A Alan Watts on Taoism, session 1 The talk explores the essence of Taoism through the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi, emphasizing the concept that the Tao cannot be fully articulated, but must be experienced directly through a state of wise ignorance or non-... Forms, Silence, Obstacles, Lay, Bell, Continuous Practice, Consciousness, Breath...	Alan Watts	A Unknown
Seminar on Taoism Serial: SR-00275B Alan Watts talk - session 2 The talk discusses the distinction between the "world as is" and the "world as described," through the lens of Taoist philosophy, particularly via the work of Lao Tzu. Emphasizing the idea that naming is the creation of all... *Consciousness, Pain, Forms, Hate, Zoom, Obstacles, Ego, Lay*	Alan Watts	B Unknown
Zazen: Resonating Beyond Thought Serial: SF-04343 The discussion focuses on Zazen, portraying it as an integral practice that transcends ordinary judgment and connects practitioners to a broader, interconnected existence with all beings. The practice is framed as a communal... *Balance, Uchiyama, Faith, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center*
Wisdom and Love Beyond Perfection Serial: EB-00049 The talk centers on the concept of the "perfection of wisdom" in Zen, emphasizing the futility of tracking one's success in achieving clarity or wisdom. The discussion transitions to the pursuit of love, critiquing the notion... *Evil, Buddha Nature, Book of Serenity, Desire*	Edward Brown
Zen Living: Presence in Every Moment Serial: EB-00068 The talk explores the Zen practice of mindfulness in everyday activities, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of being fully present in each moment, such as when cooking or meditating. This approach is... *Sixth Patriarch, Manjushri, Transmission, Vimalakirti*	Edward Brown
Mindful Cooking: Zen's Path to Wisdom Serial: KR-00019 The talk explores the Zen Buddhist concept of Jhāna, emphasizing the equality of calmness (Jō) and wisdom (E), as conveyed by Shigetsu Zen Master. This includes the principle of neither abandoning illusions nor attaining... *Discrimination, Meditation, Chanting, Oneness, Lay, Religion, Hate*	Katagiri Roshi
Dreaming Beyond Desire: Embracing Zazen Serial: KR-00020 This talk discusses the nature of human suffering as primarily stemming from greed and desire, as highlighted in the Lotus Sutra. It explores the concept of life as a dream and the non-attachment to decisions and precepts as... *Precepts, Greed, Concentration, Delusion, difficulty, Samadhi, Lotus Sutra, causation,...*	Katagiri Roshi
Gratitude and Connection in Zen Serial: KR-00298 The discussion centers around expressing gratitude and the importance of maintaining connections within the Zen community. It explores the logistical and personal considerations for facilitating visits, teachings, and potential... *Practice Period, New Year, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Building, Gratitude, Lay, American...*	Katagiri Roshi
Remastering Demo 01 The talk introduces the annual retreat at Green Gulch, highlighting the communal practice and reflections on the return of light during winter. It emphasizes the spontaneous nature of Dharma talks and the significance of... *Silence, Enlightenment*
Ekos Serial: SF-00013A The talk focuses on the recitation and exploration of the Ārya-prajñā-pāramitā-hridaya-sūtra, also known as the Heart Sutra, emphasizing its significance in understanding emptiness and the Bodhisattva path. The recurring... *Sandokai*	Tatsugami Roshi
Morning Service Serial: SF-00016 Mid-Seventies The talk centers on the Heart Sutra, emphasizing the concept of emptiness shared in Mahayana Buddhism. The text delves into the idea that form and emptiness are inseparable and expounds that in emptiness, conventional... *Emptiness, Suffering, Consciousness*	Various	City Center
Full Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony - Suzuki Roshi Memorial Serial: SF-00004 Pat Phelan, Layla Bockhorst, Steve Weintraub, Robert Lytle, Tatsugami Roshi The transcript reflects a rendition of a ceremony or litany that combines phrases of gratitude, praises, and religious invocations using a contemplative tone interspersed with elements of popular devotional expressions.... *Love, Vow, Buddha*	Various
Remastering Demo 02 The talk delves into the nature of appreciation and inquiry as primary elements in the practice of Zen, emphasizing that understanding enhances appreciation rather than contrasting with it. It explores the idea of diversity as a... *Suzuki Roshi, Time, Offering*
Movement and Stillness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00314 The talk discusses specific practices within Zen Buddhism, focusing on the physical aspects of meditation through examples of kin-hin, a form of walking meditation, and the challenges of adhering to traditional postures and... *Practice, Buddha, Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Zen Journeys and Lifestyle Shifts Serial: RB-00348 The transcript primarily discusses personal updates between two individuals regarding their upcoming commitments and transitions related to Zen practices and lifestyle changes. The conversation touches on plans to engage with the... *Time, Love, Commitment*	Richard Baker
Zen Journey Beyond Fear Serial: RB-00649A The talk explores the practice of Zen, emphasizing the need for perseverance, humor, and the willingness to explore discomfort as pathways to personal growth and enlightenment. It discusses the "five fears" as outlined in the... *Practice, Pain, Faith*	Richard Baker
Mindfulness Bridging Ancient Wisdom Today Serial: RB-00639 The main thesis of the talk centers around integrating ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary practice by emphasizing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a state of "original mind," free from habitual thoughts and societal... *Practice, Consciousness, Breath*	Richard Baker

The SFZC Audio Archive

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