The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1923 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Chanting Serial: SF-00045 The talk discusses two main topics: encouraging consistent practice during Zen practice periods and the proper pronunciation of Japanese chants. The discussion emphasizes the importance of horizontal and vertical balance in... Practice Period, Vow, Delusion, Chanting, Continuous Practice, Emotions, Ego, Doubt...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Nov 17 1998
The Feeling Of Practice Period Serial: SF-00148 Wednesday talk; the heart and determination to study - to support and appreciate the practice period. The talk focuses on the importance and spirit of the Zen practice period at Green Gulch, emphasizing mindfulness and the collective atmosphere that foster personal growth and communal support within a zen community. Discussion... *Practice Period, Impermanence, Mindfulness, Precepts, Zazen Mind, Silence, Big Mind,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Oct 21 1998 Green Gulch Farm
Events in the World Serial: SF-03134 Sunday Lecture The talk focuses on the nature of suffering and the interconnectedness of global events via the lens of Buddhist teachings. Emphasizing the concept of "conditioned co-production," the discussion highlights the importance of... *Anger, Hate, Peace, Passions, Greed, Samsara, Funeral, Cultivation, Don't Know Mind,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 18 1998 Green Gulch
Zen Pathways: Embracing Change and Growth Serial: SF-00040 The talk outlines a reflective journey from initial resistance to Zen practice to a deep engagement at the Zen Center, marked by participation in various roles and evolving understanding of personal motives and questions. Themes... *Practice Period, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Priest, Suzuki Roshi, Instruction, Happiness,...*	Barbara Kohn	Oct 14 1998
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03624 In the talk, a story from Cherokee mythology is shared to convey lessons about perseverance, ingenuity, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The talk also explores Zen teachings using the case 58 of the "Book of Serenity,"... Anger, Book of Serenity, Karma, Precepts, Evil, Duality, Emptiness, Offering, Fasting...	Eijun Linda Cutts	Oct 04 1998 Green Gulch
25 Years of Green Gulch Serial: SF-03245 Sunday Lecture The discussion reflects on 25 years of practice at Green Gulch, emphasizing the transformation from its origin as a humble ranch to a recognized site for Zen practice and community. The talk highlights the lessons learned about... *Gratitude, Bell, Commitment, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Ceremony, Teacher-and-Student, Heart...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Sep 20 1998 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03246 The talk primarily discusses the Zen koan from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yunmen's "Six Do Not Take It In," exploring its meanings and implications for human expression and spiritual practice. The speaker explains Yunmen's... *Blue Cliff Record, Bodhidharma, Commitment, Priest, Birth-and-Death, Buddha Nature, Darkness...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Aug 30 1998 Green Gulch
Sesshin Lecture Serial: SF-02742 This talk explores the significance of posture and poise during sesshin, emphasizing how habitual sitting positions reflect the causes and conditions of one's life. Adjustments in posture can awaken new sensations and emotions,... *Composure, Posture, Balance, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Silence, Freedom, Observe, Anger,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Aug 22 1998 Green Gulch
Sesshin Lecture Serial: SF-02748 The talk explores themes of perception and attention, using literary references and Zen teachings to illustrate the concept of maintaining an open and accepting approach, even towards challenges or the "ungraspable." The speaker... *Ceremony, Buddha Mind, Practice Period, Precepts, Transmission, Lineage*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Aug 20 1998 Green Gulch
Sesshin Lecture Serial: SF-02754 The talk examines the physical and mental challenges encountered during Sashin meditation, with a particular focus on managing physical pain and the racing mind. It explores themes of mindfulness and awareness of bodily... *Posture, Mindfulness, Emotions, Birth-and-Death, Suzuki Roshi, Bell, Instruction, Hate, Doubt...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Aug 18 1998 Green Gulch
Eight Social Practices of the Buddha Serial: SF-03230 One-day sitting lecture: 1 - Guided meditation; 2 - eight ways of activity and cultivation: 1-4 inward, 5-8 ways to be in the world; four unlimited practices This talk explores the integration of Zen meditation practices with the cultivation of the Buddha's eight social practices, segmented into four inward attitudes (the Four Unlimiteds) and four outward actions (the Bodhisattva's... *Letting Go, Happiness, Cultivation, Monastic Practice, Equanimity, Peace, Lovingkindness,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jul 20 1998 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03236 The talk focuses on a pilgrimage to Spirit Rock and Abhayagiri Monastery, exploring Buddhist monastic practices in the Theravada tradition, and the significance of the ordination ceremony centered around taking the triple refuge... *Four Noble Truths, Anger, Ordination, Right Effort, Right Speech, Letting Go, Peace, Lay,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jul 12 1998 Green Gulch
Saying Yes! Serial: SF-00090 This talk centers on a recent visit to various Japanese Zen monasteries and reflects on the practice of responsiveness and intentional community within the Zen tradition. Key observations include the teachings and practices at... *Soto Zen, Silent Illumination, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Dharma Transmission, Gratitude, Lineage,...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Jul 06 1998
Wednesday Lecture Serial: SF-03629 The talk examines the themes of family, desire, suffering, and Zen teachings. It juxtaposes personal experiences with Zen concepts, highlighting the conflict between one's life pursuits and familial expectations. The speaker... *Suzuki Roshi, Four Noble Truths, Chanting, Funeral, Conversation, Precepts, Anger, Separation...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jul 01 1998 Green Gulch
Father's Day Serial: SF-03232 The talk explores the central challenge of balancing engagement with life and achieving true peace, addressing how Zen practice enables one to discern and transcend extremes of mind by understanding that unity exists in apparent... *Dharma Transmission, Transmission, Ceremony, Hate, Bodhisattva Precepts, Freedom, Precepts,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 21 1998 Green Gulch
Embracing Presence: Beyond Perfection Serial: EB-00134 The talk focuses on the concept of mindfulness within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of awareness without judgment or control. The discussion underscores how striving for perfection or attempting to avoid unpleasant... *Yaoshan, Death, Posture, Ordinary Mind, Concentration*	Edward Brown	Jun 16 1998
Trusting The Path of Presence Serial: EB-00133 The talk centers on understanding mindfulness and the teachings of Dogen Zenji's instructions on zazen meditation. Mindfulness is described as being aware without judgment or control, embracing the experience without trying to... *Big Mind, Don't Know Mind, Monkey Mind, Hindrances*	Edward Brown	Jun 14 1998
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03648 The talk explores the dichotomy of joy and burden, reflecting on an experience of giving talks and the etymology of these terms. It further delves into Zen practice, highlighting the teachings of Suzuki Roshi on the naturalness... *Ceremony, Time, Work*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jun 14 1998 Green Gulch
Being You: Zen's Path to Authenticity Serial: EB-00050 The talk explores the essence of true self in Zen philosophy by examining notions of being 'good,' 'bad,' and simply 'being you.' It suggests that liberation comes from transcending judgments of good and bad, encouraging... *Posture, Ordinary Mind, Ordination, Don't Know Mind, Ceremony*	Edward Brown	Jun 07 1998
Beginner's Mind, Boundless Transformation Serial: SF-01784 Statements by Students (Part 2 of 2) and Blanche Hartman The talk reflects on profound personal transformations influenced by interactions with the teachings and person of Suzuki Roshi, particularly emphasizing the journey toward understanding selflessness and genuine practice in Zen... *Suzuki Roshi, Lineage, Lay Ordination, Zazen, Dharma Transmission, Daily Life, Gratitude,...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	May 31 1998 Sati Center
Embodied Compassion: Zen's Living Bodhisattvas Serial: SF-04341 The talk focuses on the concept of Bodhisattvas within the context of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing their roles as cosmic figures, spiritual guides, and reflections of our inner qualities. Central figures such as Shakyamuni Buddha,... *Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, Practice Period, Lotus Sutra*		May 30 1998
Embodied Zen: Beyond Limitation Serial: EB-00132 The talk explores the integration of Zen and physical forms such as yoga and archery, emphasizing how body posture shapes consciousness and ultimately the world one perceives. It discusses the significance of traditional... *Obstacles, Enemies, Posture, Bowing, Letting Go*	Edward Brown	May 28 1998
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03115 The talk explores the relationship between Zen meditation and the aesthetic impulse, arguing that both art and religious practice engage with the inherently unstable and ephemeral nature of reality. It suggests that art-making is... *Heart Sutra, Mindfulness, Religion, Koan, Letting Go, Fundraising*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	May 17 1998 Green Gulch
Leaping Beyond Entrenched Beliefs Serial: EB-00131 The talk explores the Zen concept of leaping from the metaphorical "hundred-foot pole," which represents entrenched beliefs and habitual thinking. Emphasis is placed on the need for change and the challenges of relinquishing... *Enemies, Gratitude, Commitment, Instruction*	Edward Brown	May 17 1998
One-day Sitting Lecture Serial: SF-03630 This talk reflects on the everyday miracles of attention and interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-examination and presence in Zen practice. The discussion references the practice of Zazen as a means... *Posture, Precepts, Samsara, Ceremony, Emotions, Suzuki Roshi, Freedom, Practice Period, Zazen...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	May 16 1998 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03649 The talk explores the theme of "mother" in a spiritual context, emphasizing its symbolic presence in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism. Central concepts include the maternal energy as an inspiration for Bodhisattva compassion, the... *Practice, Precepts, Ceremony*	Eijun Linda Cutts	May 09 1998 Green Gulch
Pathways to Zen Generosity Awakening Serial: SF-00052 The talk explores the central theme of entering the Zen path through the Dhamma Paramita, or generosity, as emphasized by Zen Master Huai Hai. It argues that Dhamma Paramita encompasses all other Paramitas by fostering... *Dragons, Non-duality, Manjushri, Vimalakirti, Duality, Don't Know Mind, Birth-and-Death,...*	Fu Schroeder	Apr 15 1998
Buddha's Birthday Serial: SF-03107 The talk reflects on the themes of renewal, childhood, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing parallels between the rejuvenation of spring and the Buddhist celebration of birth and rebirth. It explores the notion that spring is... *Buddha's Birthday, Practice Period, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Apr 05 1998 Green Gulch
Wednesday Lecture Serial: SF-03530 The talk explores the concept of practicing Zen with the humility of a fool, examining how striving for ideals can create obstacles and summarizing personal experiences during a period of medical recovery. Emphasis is placed on... *Practice Period, Silence, Posture, Three Treasures, Mindfulness, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Apr 01 1998 Green Gulch
Spring Sesshin Serial: SF-02729 Saturday The talk discusses the profound stillness achieved during a Zen Sesshin, emphasizing the collective effort to cultivate this stillness and its potential to encompass all beings and the world's suffering. It connects this... *Repentance, Letting Go, Peace, Perfect Wisdom, Vow, Heart Sutra, Ceremony, Observe, Practice...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 28 1998 Unknown
Spring Sesshin Serial: SF-02728 Thursday This talk addresses the experience of dealing with personal disturbances in the mind during Zen practice, emphasizing the teachings of Dogen Zenji and Uchiyama Roshi on the "wholehearted way" and the notion of "Shikantaza" from... *Emptiness, Zazen, Uchiyama, Letting Go, Anger, Suzuki Roshi, Instruction*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 26 1998 Unknown
Spring Sesshin Serial: SF-02727 Wednesday This talk centers on the practice of wholehearted presence and attention in daily activities, particularly within the context of Zen practice and meditation. It emphasizes the importance of settling into one's activities without... *Posture, Subject-and-Object, Vow, Instruction, Zazen, Chanting, Observe, Separation, Silence...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 25 1998 Unknown
Spring Sesshin Serial: SF-02724 Monday The talk centers on the practice of "wholehearted practice" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing attention to detail and presence in every moment. It draws parallels between Soto Zen's precision in forms and Jewish mindfulness practices... *Letting Go, Vow, Separation, Repentance, Soto Zen, Zazen, Manjushri, Practice Period, Posture...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Mar 23 1998 Unknown
Rethinking Thinking through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00627 The talk centers on behavioral continuity, the relationship to thinking, and the application of Zen practices to realign one's connection with thought. The primary thesis suggests that attachment to specific practices and thought... *Practice, Breath, Time*	Richard Baker	Mar 21 1998
Just Let Go Serial: SF-03109 Sunday Lecture: (According to the Buddha), the way to be happy is simple: just let go. Letting go is hard to do. Human mind wants to hold. We could say we are nothing but holding on, and we don't want to give ourselves up.... This talk explores the Buddhist principle of 'letting go' as a path to happiness, emphasizing that holding on causes suffering. It discusses the practice of moment-to-moment non-attachment and its role in achieving freedom and... *Letting Go, Buddha's Birthday, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Freedom, Faith, Realization...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Mar 08 1998 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03108 The talk focuses on the practice of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of persistence in spiritual practice and its impact on personal growth and relationships. Drawing a parallel between monastic life and persistence, it... *Letting Go, Monastic Practice, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Karma, Practice Period, Bell,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Feb 01 1998 Green Gulch
The Jewel Called The Sangha Serial: SF-00063 Sunday talk Jan PP; you are blessed by the people who want to practice with you who are not necessarily the people you would choose to practice with. The talk explores the essential nature of Sangha, the community of practitioners, emphasizing the role of individuals not necessarily chosen but present for practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and... *Interdependence, Lotus Sutra, Separation, causation, Instruction, Intimacy, Observe, Bell,...*	Tenshin Reb Anderson	Jan 11 1998 Green Gulch Farm
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03620 The talk centers on the themes of generosity, compassion, and understanding from both Buddhist and literary perspectives. It uses Langston Hughes' story "Thank You, Ma'am" to exemplify the Bodhisattva ideal, relating it to... *Precepts, Emptiness, Offering, Bodhisattva Precepts, New Year, Observe, Ceremony, Buddha...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jan 04 1998 Green Gulch
Transcending Identity Through Mindful Practice Serial: EB-00137 The talk examines the habitual formation of self-identity and its relation to Buddhist liberation, exploring transformative practices beyond conventional self-conceptions. It references Zen teacher Rinzai's "person of no rank" to... *Posture, Desire, Bowing, Intention, confusion*	Edward Brown	1998
Buddhism At Millennium's Edge Serial: SF-00030 Seminar 1 The talk explores the interplay between the speaker's writing career and Zen practice, detailing personal anecdotes from the literary world while discussing key principles of Zen that influence writing. Themes include confronting... Dragons, Evil, Rinzai, Ego, Bell, Discrimination, Greed, Silence, Balance, Conversation...	Peter Matthiessen	1998
Moments of Joyous Zen Realization Serial: EB-00135 The talk explores the complexities of Zen practice and community life, highlighting the significance of personal experience in understanding enlightenment. It recounts humorous anecdotes from a 1969 Zen Center practice period and... *Realization, Dragons, Bell*	Edward Brown	1998
Embrace Imperfection, Live Fully Serial: EB-00136 The talk discusses the Zen concept of "the real way" which accommodates imperfections and difficulties rather than striving for an unattainable state of perfection or immunity from problems. It emphasizes the importance of... *Heart Sutra, Big Mind, Sutra, Soto Zen, Posture*	Edward Brown	1998
Embracing The Pathless Zen Way Serial: EB-00138 The lecture delves into the interpretation of Dōgen's essay "Būkansazengi," focusing on the idea that the "real way circulates everywhere," emphasizing that practice and enlightenment are not prerequisites for accessing the... *Sangha, Soto Zen, Bell, Bowing*	Edward Brown	1998
Zen Unveiled: Individual Experience Speaks Serial: EB-00139 The talk explores the unique Zen practice experiences of Phil Wilson, highlighting the value of individuality in spiritual practice beyond formal teaching roles. The discussion emphasizes mental posture in meditation, focusing on... *Posture, Non-thinking, Hyakujo, Priest*	Edward Brown	1998
Turning Toward The Dark Serial: SF-03641 Sesshin Lecture: The activity is below the ground - the re-enactment of Buddha's enlightenment story This talk explores the theme of Buddha's enlightenment story, contrasting the familiar Westernized interpretation with earlier narratives like those from the Mula Sarvastivada Vinaya that emphasize familial relationships and... *Birth-and-Death, Posture, Dragons, Book of Serenity, Monastic Practice, Tassajara Zen Mountain...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Dec 01 1997 Green Gulch
Precepts Class Serial: SF-03515 The talk primarily focuses on the Buddhist precepts, emphasizing the significance of right conduct in everyday life as an expression of Dharma practice. It discusses the Three Pure Precepts, detailed particularly in the context... *Precepts, Confession-and-Repentance, Repentance, Evil, Liberation, Buddha Nature, Delusion,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Nov 17 1997 Green Gulch
Scholarship Conference Paper Serial: SF-03238 Sunday Lecture The talk revolves around the relationship between academic scholarship and Zen Buddhist practice, specifically focusing on studying sacred texts and the integration of academic critique into spiritual practice. Key discussions... *Heart Sutra, Lineage, Platform Sutra, Soto Zen, Religion, Study Period, Emptiness, Chanting,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Nov 16 1997 Green Gulch
One-day Sitting Lecture Serial: SF-03214 The talk examines the nature of zazen practice, comparing it to the nourishing and steady nature of rain and highlighting its ability to reveal the vastness beyond our limited sensory perceptions. It critiques human arrogance in... *Manjushri, Bodhisattva Precepts, Precepts, Blue Cliff Record, Sangha, Practice Period,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Nov 15 1997 Green Gulch
Precepts Class Serial: SF-03529 The talk focuses on the practice and understanding of the Buddhist precepts, particularly the three pure precepts: refraining from evil, doing all good, and embracing the precepts in everyday life. There is a discussion about the... *Precepts, Evil, Attachment, Vow, Platform Sutra, Ceremony, Daily Life, Samadhi, Karmic...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Nov 03 1997 Green Gulch
Seeing Buddha in Every Being Serial: EB-00130 The main thesis of the talk explores the inherent Buddha nature present in all beings, regardless of age or action. It emphasizes that recognizing and honoring this shared nature in ourselves and others fosters mutual respect and... *Evil, Separation, Sangha, Faith, Liberation*	Edward Brown	Nov 02 1997

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