The SFZC Audio Archive

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Showing 1918 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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
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
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... *true dharma, realization, Dragons, Bell, resistance*	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, true dharma, 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, resistance, Dragons, Book of Serenity, Monastic Practice, Zendo,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Dec 01 1997 Green Gulch
Precepts Class Serial: SF-03515 The talk delves into the multifaceted understanding of the precept against stealing in Buddhism, exploring its interpretations from literal, compassionate, and absolute perspectives. It highlights the importance of maintaining... *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
Precepts Class Serial: SF-03532 Brief Review of Class 1 - the Three Refuges The talk centers on the examination of the Three Refuges within Zen practice, emphasizing the indivisible nature of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as interconnected elements essential to understanding the bodhisattva precepts and... *Precepts, Emptiness, Three Treasures, Bodhisattva Precepts, Vow, Buddha Nature, Sangha, Suzuki...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Oct 27 1997 Green Gulch
One-day Sitting Lecture Serial: SF-03250 The talk addresses the commercialization and popularization of Buddhism, expressed through media like Time and Forbes magazine, and its implications on practice and social perception. Concerns circulate around the potential... *Zazen, Bodhisattva Vow, Lay, Letting Go, training, Diversity, Nirvana, Posture, Attachment,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 25 1997 Green Gulch
Blue Cliff Record Class Serial: SF-03092 Case 10 The talk introduces the Blue Cliff Record, emphasizing its role in Zen practice and koan study. The speaker explores the development, use, and significance of koans in Zen, particularly focusing on their dynamic role in capturing... *Silence, Birth-and-Death, Interview, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Funeral, Book of Serenity, Conversation...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 21 1997 Green Gulch
Precepts Class Serial: SF-03516 The class provides an introduction to the Buddhist precepts, their historical development, and their implementation within Zen practice. It explores the Bodhisattva precepts, distinct from the Vinaya rules for monks and nuns,... *Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Priest, Ceremony, Vow, Ordination, Lay, Mahayana, Repentance,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Oct 20 1997 Green Gulch
Chao Chou's Four Gates Serial: SF-03239 Sunday Lecture: case 9 of the Blue Cliff Record: "What is Chao Chou?" "East gate, west gate, south gate, north gate" The lecture explores the ninth case from the Blue Cliff Record, where a monk asks what Zhaozhou is, and Zhaozhou responds with "East gate, West gate, South gate, North gate." This illustrates openness and the permeability between... *Practice Period, Ordinary Mind, Buddha Nature, Blue Cliff Record, Suzuki Roshi, Mandala,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 19 1997 Green Gulch
Majjhima Nikaya Class Serial: SF-03195 Middle-length Discourses The talk explores two pivotal suttas from the Majjhima Nikaya, focusing on Zen Buddhism’s interpretation of core teachings. The Bhadrakaratha Sutta is analyzed for its theme on "true aloneness," emphasizing present-moment... *Attachment, Addiction, Mindfulness, confusion, Four Noble Truths, Emptiness, Zazen, training,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 14 1997 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03240 Date on box 10-19-97, date on cassette 10-12-97, not corrected The talk explores contemporary relevance and adaptation of monasticism, proposing flexible models that incorporate spiritual practice into daily life while balancing familial and social responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes... *Commitment, Priest, Zazen, Peace, Observe, Concentration, Passions, confusion, realization...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 12 1997 Green Gulch
Majjhima Nikaya Class Serial: SF-03194 Middle-length Discourses The talk delves into zazen's non-dual meditation approach, which negates judgment of mental states, highlighting its effectiveness in counteracting the corrosive effects of personal judgment within a Western cultural context. The... *Attachment, Evil, Delusion, Hate, confusion, Don't Know Mind, Observe, Letting Go,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Oct 07 1997 Green Gulch
What Is The Ember You Carry With You? Serial: SF-00086 One Day Sit The talk explores the Zen concept of non-duality, focusing on the teachings of historical Zen figures such as Bodhidharma and Baizhang. The speaker discusses the importance of intimate practice and understanding of one's own... *Practice Period, Blue Cliff Record, Non-duality, Fox, Bodhidharma, First Principle, Book of...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 27 1997
Majjhima Nikaya Class Serial: SF-03192 Middle-length Discourses The primary focus of the talk is an exploration of the Mahākammavibhanga Sutta within the Majjhima Nikāya, examining the complexities of karma and its implications on moral conduct. Through a narrative involving a... *Evil, Letting Go, Birth-and-Death, Karma, Faith, Precepts, Liberation, Karmic Consequences,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Sep 23 1997 Green Gulch
Attention to Transitions Serial: SF-03632 One-day sitting: transitions as a time you lose balance; time of equinox - going under into dark, gathering in time of transition and change; how to meet forms that wakes up formless side; making pure, complete, meticulous effort... The talk focuses on the time of transitions, notably equinoxes and life changes, stressing the importance of maintaining balance amid such shifts. Integrating Zen practices like "shoshin" (beginner's mind) and "shojin" (... *Precepts, Evil, Suzuki Roshi, Posture, Zendo, Right Speech, true dharma, Concentration,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Sep 20 1997 Green Gulch
Majjhima Nikaya Class Serial: SF-03222 Middle-length Discourses This talk centers on examining the Majjhima Nikaya, particularly focusing on "The Simile of the Snake" sutra. The discourse navigates how early Buddhist texts, despite their perception as austere, continue to be relevant in... *Impermanence, Passions, Karma, Faith, Nirvana, Letting Go, Offering, Attachment, Conversation...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Sep 15 1997 Green Gulch
How Can We Live The Next 10,000 Years? Serial: SF-00136 The talk examines the concept of envisioning a sustainable future for humanity over the next 10,000 years, discussing threats like nuclear weapons and environmental degradation. Emphasis is placed on the role of Zen philosophy... *Transmission, Fasting, Peace, Oneness, Politics, Gratitude, Commitment, Passions, Evil,...*	Kazuaki Tanahashi	Sep 10 1997
Majjhima Nikaya Class Serial: SF-03224 Middle-length Discourses The main thesis of the talk centers on examining the Buddhist text "Alagaddūpama Sutta" from the Majjhima Nikaya, focusing on interpreting the Buddha's teachings regarding the non-attachment to views, including those about... *Buddha Ancestors, Manjushri, Letting Go, Perfect Wisdom, Teacher-and-Student, Mahayana,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Sep 09 1997 Green Gulch
Save The Redwoods - Mother Theresa and Lady Diana Serial: SF-00088 Saturday lecture. The talk explores the compassionate lives of Mother Teresa and Princess Diana, emphasizing their acts of kindness as exemplars for others. The talk underscores the Buddhist precept to cherish all life, linking it to the urgent... *Vow, Precepts, Interdependence, Gratitude, Enemies, Religion*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 06 1997 City Center
Zazen Serial: SF-00038 The talk focuses on Zazen, exploring its nature as a practice where judgments of "good" or "bad" are transcended, highlighting Zazen as a practice of opening to a deeper interconnected existence with all beings. This realm of... *confusion, Enemies, Balance, Bell, Attachment, Delusion*	Taigen Dan Leighton	Aug 20 1997
Embrace Life's Challenges Fully Serial: EB-00129 The discussion centers on the concept of "being large" in response to life's difficulties, contrasting this with the tendency to "shrink" away from challenges. It explores the idea that emotional responses are often internal,... *Big Mind, Money, Intention, Don't Know Mind, Liberation*	Edward Brown	Aug 13 1997
Sesshin Lecture Serial: SF-03642 This talk addresses the challenging yet simple practice of Sesshin, emphasizing the importance of sustained presence and effort. Personal anecdotes illustrate the common internal struggles of Sesshin, such as fear and self-... Harmonizing, Obstacles, Zazen, Bodhidharma, Ego, Posture, Bell, Zendo, realization...	Eijun Linda Cutts	Aug 11 1997 Green Gulch
Wednesday Lecture Serial: SF-03605 This talk explores the significance of integrity, emphasizing an alignment between one's inner psychological wholeness and outer expressions over time. It investigates how Zen practice and teachings encourage the embodiment of... *Karmic Consciousness, Separation, Fasting, Precepts, Karma, Religion, Balance, Concentration,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jul 30 1997 Green Gulch
The Practice of Morality in Buddhism Serial: SF-03099 Sunday Lecture The talk explores the concept of morality in Buddhism, contrasting it with Judeo-Christian notions of morality. It emphasizes that moral practices in Buddhism aim not at seeking divine approval but at 'cleaning up one's life' to... *Precepts, Ceremony, Letting Go, Gratitude, training, Commitment, Right Speech, Lineage,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jul 13 1997 Green Gulch
Majjhima Nikaya Serial: SF-03221 The talk explores the Mahāsattva Sutta from the Majjhima Nikaya, focusing on how the Buddha, addressing recluses, lays out a detailed program of practice emphasizing moral conduct, moderation, wakefulness, and mindfulness. The... *Mindfulness, Hindrances, Evil, Liberation, Soto Zen, Lay, Doubt, Faith, Daily Life, Gratitude...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jul 10 1997 Green Gulch
Majjhima Nikaya Serial: SF-03220 The talk focuses on the exploration of the "Maha Asapura Sutta" from the "Majjhima Nikaya," emphasizing the fundamentals of Buddhist teachings from moral practices to liberation and insight. The discussion acknowledges the... *Evil, training, Liberation, Greed, Renunciation, confusion, Hate, Enemies, Delusion, Precepts...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jul 08 1997 Green Gulch
Jukai: How Do You Manifest The Precepts In Your Life? Serial: SF-02714 The talk discusses the significance of Jukai, the ceremony of receiving the Bodhisattva precepts, and how these precepts manifest in everyday life through actions of body, speech, and mind. It emphasizes the practice of Zazen as... *Precepts, Daily Life, Three Treasures, Repentance, Zazen, Ceremony, Sangha, Buddha Ancestors,...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Jun 25 1997 Unknown
One-day Sitting Lecture Serial: SF-03635 The talk discusses the practice of vows, particularly the Bodhisattva vows and their role in addressing personal and collective suffering. Emphasis is placed on the arising of bodhicitta (compassionate intention) as a response to... *Vow, Bodhisattva Vow, Ceremony, Bodhisattva Ceremony, Precepts, Suzuki Roshi, Greed, Hate,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jun 24 1997 Green Gulch
Sunday Lecture Serial: SF-03100 The focus of the talk is the interplay between suffering, practice, and enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, framed through Emily Dickinson's poem "After great pain, a formal feeling comes," and teachings by Dogen Zenji from the Genjo... *Delusion, Letting Go, Zendo, Bodhisattva Vow, Freedom, realization, Ego, Don't Know Mind...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 22 1997 Green Gulch
Embrace Imperfection, Seek the Way Serial: EB-00004 The talk explores the challenges of balancing creativity and authenticity with societal expectations, focusing on how meditation often brings agitation and heightened self-awareness rather than tranquility. It examines the... *Way-Seeking Mind, Thich Nhat Hanh, Faith, Letting Go, Sixth Patriarch*	Edward Brown	Jun 21 1997
Genjo Koan workshop Serial: SF-03183 The talk delves into the Zen concept of "Genjo Koan," exploring the metaphor of the moon reflected in water to illustrate enlightenment and the nature of duality. The discussion highlights how enlightenment pervades life without... *resistance, Emotions, Daily Life, Passions, Emptiness, Interview, Instruction, Happiness,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 15 1997 Green Gulch
Genjo Koan workshop Serial: SF-03175 Presentation and discussion of the first four lines of Genjo Koan The talk explores a detailed analysis of the first four lines of "Genjo Koan," focusing on Dogen's teachings to illustrate shifting perspectives on views and dualities. There is an emphasis on distinguishing between... *Delusion, Letting Go, Birth-and-Death, realization, Attachment, Discrimination, Hate, Emotions...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 14 1997 Green Gulch
Genjo Koan workshop Serial: SF-03184 The talk primarily explores Dogen's concept of "dropping body and mind" as a path to spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing that realization means transcending attachment to self, body, and mind. It highlights that true... *Birth-and-Death, Attachment, Letting Go, Dependent Origination, Separation, Funeral, Intimacy...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 14 1997 Green Gulch
Genjo Koan workshop Serial: SF-03185 To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion, that myriad...' Delusion itself is the agency of my enlightenment; totally enter delusion and embrace it and realizee it for what it is... 'To study the self is... The talk discusses the "Genjo Koan," particularly how delusion and enlightenment coexist and the importance of embracing both in practice. Through examining Dogen's work, the speaker emphasizes that studying the self leads to... *Delusion, realization, Precepts, Emotions, Subject-and-Object, Monastic Practice, Soto Zen,...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Jun 14 1997 Green Gulch
Mindful Living Through Zen Observation Serial: EB-00128 The talk focuses on the Zen practice of careful observation of the ordinary, emphasizing how this mindfulness can lead to enlightenment by noticing transience and suffering in everyday life. The speaker discusses the importance... *Ordinary Mind, Posture, Community, Thich Nhat Hanh*	Edward Brown	Jun 05 1997
Mindfulness in a Single Chip Serial: EB-00127 The talk revolves around a unique ceremony of eating a single potato chip, used as an exercise in mindfulness and present-moment engagement. The practice emphasizes concentration, attention, and mindfulness, nurturing individual... *Ceremony, Don't Know Mind, Concentration, Way-Seeking Mind, Buddha Nature*...	Edward Brown	Jun 03 1997
Dharma As Medicine Serial: SF-03621 Sunday Lecture, children's talk: good medicine (cabin) anything remarkable, beautiful, unique, like a gift from nature that anyone was able to see or feel; in quiet you are able to see things others are not able to see; up to... The talk focuses on the concept of "good medicine," emphasizing the significance of profound, unique experiences in nature that resonate deeply with individuals. This idea is tied to the teaching that quiet observation allows one... *Book of Serenity, Impermanence, Three Treasures, realization, true dharma, Samadhi, Dragons,...*	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jun 01 1997 Green Gulch
Sincere Living Beyond Conformity Serial: EB-00141 The talk emphasizes the concept of the "way-seeking mind" in Zen philosophy, contrasting it with societal pressures to conform to standards and expectations. It argues for a life led by genuine exploration and sincerity rather... *Way-Seeking Mind, Don't Know Mind, Passions, Peace, Priest*	Edward Brown	Jun 01 1997
Unveiling Wisdom Within Ourselves Serial: EB-00126 The discussion revolves around themes of Zen practice, perception, and understanding one's innate completeness, using the metaphor of "The Wizard of Oz" to illustrate the journey of seeking wisdom and self-awareness. Emphasis is... *Commitment, Delusion, Ceremony, Chanting, Bell*	Edward Brown	May 21 1997
Embracing Imperfection with Zen Insight Serial: EB-00125 This talk explores the Zen perspective of viewing life as "perfect" amidst imperfections, emphasizing direct experience over judgment and highlighting the integration of spiritual practice with daily actions. The speaker suggests... *Posture, Instruction, Letting Go, Gratitude, Liberation*	Edward Brown	May 19 1997
Mothers' Day Serial: SF-03101 Sunday Lecture: being born from a mother guarantees two ingredients, a bit of love and suffering, both necessary for enlightenment. The essential point of zen is questioning; on questioning The central thesis of this talk is the exploration of questioning as the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing that questioning transcends conventional teaching, doctrine, and ideology. The concept is presented as a relentless,... *Manjushri, Commitment, Karma, Four Noble Truths, Letting Go, Religion, zen meditation, Buddha...*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	May 11 1997 Green Gulch
Unleashing Your Zen Potential Serial: EB-00003 The talk explores Zen practice focused on allowing one's mind and body to naturally express and find their way rather than forcing them into predetermined shapes or behaviors. A story is recounted involving Suzuki Roshi being... *Ceremony, Thich Nhat Hanh, Concentration, Balance, Buddha Nature*	Edward Brown	May 07 1997
Embrace Freedom of Inner Exploration Serial: EB-00124 The talk focuses on exploring how individuals can engage with their own experiences and being, rather than rigidly attempting to shape them. There is a discussion on allowing one's mind and body the freedom to explore experiences... *Ceremony, Thich Nhat Hanh, Concentration, Balance, Buddha Nature*	Edward Brown	May 07 1997
Potato Chip Mindfulness Unveiled Serial: EB-00123 The talk explores the practice of mindfulness through a humorous ceremony of eating a single potato chip, highlighting the importance of attentiveness and fully experiencing each moment. Through this exercise, the discussion... *Ceremony, Greed, Passions, Silence, Death*	Edward Brown	May 04 1997

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