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Title Speaker Date

The Meaning of Purity

Serial: SF-10538 9/19/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk emphasizes the significance of nourishment—both physical and spiritual—through the lens of Zen teachings and the integration of such teachings into daily life. It discusses the ordination ceremony at Green Gulch, the...
Bodhisattva
Sep 19 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Generosity in the Pig Pen

Serial: SF-10567 9/18/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the Zen practice of generosity (dana prajnaparamita) and its foundational role in Zazen as articulated in Dogen's writings, particularly emphasizing four methods of bodhisattva guidance: generosity, kind speech...
Generosity
Sep 18 2010
City Center

What Is Buddha, Who Am I?

Serial: SF-10513 9/15/2010, Harry Gyokyo Bridge dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the Jodo Shinshu perspective on the nature and understanding of Buddha and sentient beings. It emphasizes the school's focus on Amida Buddha and the practice of Nembutsu, viewing Buddha as both infinite...
Sep 15 2010
City Center

On Trauma and Emptiness

Serial: SF-10548 9/15/2010, Brigitta Dobrer dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the intersection of trauma and Dharma, focusing on how past traumatic experiences can impact one's spiritual journey. It discusses the concept of trauma, its manifestations, and how unresolved trauma can lead to...
Emptiness
Sep 15 2010
Green Gulch Farm

The Zen of Going to the Bathroom

Serial: SF-10686 9/12/2010, Sojun Mel Weitsman dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. This talk explores the concept of non-attachment and mindfulness through everyday activities, specifically using the metaphor of "going to the restroom" as a practice of relief and letting go. It connects this concept to Zen...
Zazen
Sep 12 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Seeing the Buddha

Serial: SF-10634 9/11/2010, Zenshin Greg Fain dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk focuses on the sense of community and gratitude at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center during transitional times between guest and practice periods, emphasizing the profound effect of Tassajara's environment and practices on...
Lotus Sutra
Sep 11 2010
Tassajara

Zen and Neuroscience

Serial: SF-10692 9/11/2010, Abbot Ryushin Paul Haller and Philippe Goldin dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the intersection between Zen practices, neuroscience, and psychology, highlighting how meditation can potentially rewire the brain to improve mental health and well-being. Topics include the practical...
Study
Sep 11 2010
City Center

Understanding Dogen's Shobogenzo

Serial: SF-10706 9/9/2010, Brad Warner dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk focuses on understanding the complexities of Dogen's "Shobo Genzo," emphasizing the inherent contradictions within the text as an expression of Zen philosophy that transcends conventional logic and rational understanding...
Dogen, Buddha Nature
Sep 09 2010
Tassajara

Including the Body: Deepening our Study

Serial: SF-10545 9/8/2010, Jane Lazar dharma talk at City Center. The talk centers on the exploration of self through Zen practice, with an emphasis on the embodiment of emotions and somatic experiences as a path to realizing impermanence and letting go. The speaker discusses the role of body...
Sep 08 2010
City Center

Dogen and Ryokan

Serial: SF-10661 9/8/2010, Kazuaki Tanahashi dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk centers on the translation and study of Zen Master Dogen’s works, highlighting their significance for meditation practice and communal Buddhist life. The speaker discusses the historical revival of Dogen’s teachings,...
Dogen
Sep 08 2010
Tassajara

On Genjo Koan

Serial: SF-10691 9/8/2010, Charlie Pokorny dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the concept of impermanence, focusing on how the teachings of Dogen, particularly in the "Genjo Koan" and other writings, illustrate both radical and conventional impermanence. It emphasizes momentariness and...
Impermanence, Dogen
Sep 08 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Trusting the Ox

Serial: SF-10709 9/5/2010, Eijun Linda Cutts dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk examines the allegorical story of "Great Joy," an ox representing spiritual strength and the importance of faith over fear, relating it to the Zen practice with the kleshas (Sanskrit for afflictions) and actions taken...
Sep 05 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Practicing in the Mud

Serial: SF-10557 9/4/2010, Zesho Susan O'Connell dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the concept of "practicing in the mud" to confront and accept one's imperfections and perceived inadequacies in the context of Zen practice. It critiques the pursuit of self-improvement as a form of avoidance...
Sep 04 2010
City Center

The Wind Supports the Condors Wings

Serial: SF-10622 9/3/2010, Leslie James dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk explores the central theme of the self and other, emphasizing how Zen practice helps in understanding the fluid and interconnected nature of reality, often captured in the distinction between delusion and enlightenment...
Zazen, Tassajara
Sep 03 2010
Tassajara

OMG: Dogen's Concept of God

Serial: SF-10655 9/2/2010, Brad Warner dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk examines Dogen's concept of God as expressed in the Shobogenzo, with a focus on the fascicle "Immo," which is translated to mean "it," "that," or "what," signifying the ineffable reality or truth in Buddhist philosophy....
Hate
Sep 02 2010
Tassajara

How Remarkable You Are

Serial: SF-10712 8/29/2010, Marc Lesser dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the integration of Zen principles such as mindfulness and impermanence into everyday life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the remarkable nature of being alive and the interconnectedness of all beings...
Aug 29 2010
Green Gulch Farm

The Heart of Personal Practice

Serial: SF-10596 8/28/2010, Mark Lancaster dharma talk at City Center. The main focus of the talk is on exploring the Zen path, particularly addressing common human experiences such as resistance, confusion, and affliction. The discussion emphasizes using simplicity, honesty, and kindness in...
Happiness
Aug 28 2010
City Center

The Intersection of Zen and Clowning (At the Orphanage)

Serial: SF-10532 8/25/2010, Edward Espe Brown dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk explores the intersection of Zen practice and the concept of embracing one's authentic self, including imperfections and humorous aspects, as part of spiritual growth. It emphasizes the idea of not attempting to master...
Aug 25 2010
Tassajara

Seeing in the Dark

Serial: SF-10624 The talk examines the theme of finding value and enlightenment in difficult times, drawing parallels between the Greek myth of Persephone and the practice of Zen Buddhism. It emphasizes that facing and embracing darkness can lead...
Suffering
Aug 21 2010
City Center

Three Cups of the Finest Wine in China

Serial: SF-10631 8/21/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the concept of 'staying in the container' as a metaphor for sustained practice in Zen, emphasizing the need to stay present without seeking personal accomplishment. It critically analyzes Case 10 from the "...
Aug 21 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Not Knowing

Serial: SF-10678 8/21/2010, Zoketsu Norman Fischer dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk examines the Zen teaching story of Fa Yan and Dijang, emphasizing the concept of "not knowing" as a form of intimacy and a synonym for enlightenment. The narrative delves into the contrast between conventional knowledge...
Effort, Intimacy
Aug 21 2010
Tassajara

What Is It That Thus Comes?

Serial: SF-10628 8/19/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the continuous challenge of recognizing and overcoming delusions in Zen practice, referencing a classic Zen dialogue between Nanyue and Huineng about undefiled nature and true understanding. The discussion...
Aug 19 2010
Green Gulch Farm

The Meaning of Life at Tassajara

Serial: SF-10637 8/19/2010, Leslie James dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk reflects on the significance of communal practice at Tassajara, addressing both psychological and spiritual dimensions of Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes the roles and responsibilities within the community and...
Practice Period
Aug 19 2010
Tassajara

Mudita

Serial: SF-10593 8/18/2010, Zoketsu Norman Fischer dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk explores the Buddhist practice of mudita, which is the cultivation of joy in experiencing the joy of others, emphasizing its role in overcoming self-centeredness and fostering self-expansion and altruistic behavior. It...
Happiness
Aug 18 2010
Tassajara

Points of Sesshin Forms and Dana Paramita

Serial: SF-10680 8/17/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk at the San Francisco Zen Center explores the practice of mindfulness during sesshin, with a focus on the customs and practices around oryoki meals, highlighting non-grasping through dana paramita—generosity. The...
Bowing
Aug 17 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Confidence in True Nature Sitting with Alignment and Generosity

Serial: SF-10616 8/16/2010, Myogen Steve Stucky dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk emphasizes the practice of sitting zazen as a means to express one's original mind, drawing on the teachings of alignment and generosity. It recounts the story of Yunju, highlighting the importance of not becoming...
Aug 16 2010
Green Gulch Farm

The Paths of Hopelessness and Despair and Utter Extinction, and Dealing with Them

Serial: SF-10529 8/15/2010, Dairyu Michael Wenger dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk presents a nuanced discussion of Zen practice as an interplay between sudden and gradual enlightenment, highlighting how both approaches are essential to understanding Zen. The speaker connects this duality to themes of...
Aug 15 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Making Our Best Effort on Each Moment Forever

Serial: SF-10535 The talk centers around the practice of Zen and developing compassion through mindful actions in daily life, emphasizing the importance of being present in each moment and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Stories...
Suzuki Roshi, Practice Period
Aug 14 2010
City Center

Fear and Freedom

Serial: SF-10687 8/14/2010, Kathy Early dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk explores the interplay between fear and freedom within the context of Zen practice, highlighting awareness as a tool for examining fear and fostering personal growth. Detailed references to Buddhist teachings, such as...
Aug 14 2010
Tassajara

Meditation's Effect on the Neurological Basis of Racial Bias

Serial: SF-10621 8/11/2010, Professor john a. powell dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the interconnectedness of spiritual practice, implicit bias, and social justice through the lens of Zen philosophy. It highlights the significance of implicit bias and its impact on perceptions of race,...
Aug 11 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Good and Plenty

Serial: SF-10671 8/10/2010, Eijun Linda Cutts dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk emphasizes the transformative power of Zen practice in reshaping long-held body-mind patterns, the legacy of Robert Aikenroshi, and the concept of Dharma transmission as exemplified by key traditional koans. A personal...
Dharma Transmission
Aug 10 2010
Tassajara

Appreciating Our Life

Serial: SF-10584 8/7/2010, Marc Lesser dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk explores the concept of "appreciating your life" in the context of Zen practice, specifically through the examination of power, impermanence, no self, and awakening. It emphasizes the importance of becoming intimate with...
Suffering
Aug 07 2010
Tassajara

Ocean Seal Samadhi

Serial: SF-10615 8/7/2010, Shohaku Okumura dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the concept of silence through a children's story and reflects on the deep and subtle nature of ego in Buddhist practice. It transitions into a discussion on the ocean as a metaphor, reflected in Dogen's "Ocean...
Sangha
Aug 07 2010
City Center

Wise Speech

Serial: SF-10591 8/4/2010, Shahara Godfrey dharma talk at City Center. The talk focuses on the practice of wise speech as part of the Buddhist Eightfold Path, examining the nuances and challenges involved in being mindful of one's words and the impact they have on others. The discussion underscores...
Aug 04 2010
City Center

Practicing Peace

Serial: SF-10651 8/4/2010, Eijun Linda Cutts dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk delves into the theme of peace, emphasizing internal peace and its manifestation in personal and global relations. It reflects on the teachings of Shinryu Suzuki Roshi, notably his aspiration to teach Buddhism for world...
War, Suzuki Roshi
Aug 04 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Just A Comma

Serial: SF-10537 8/1/2010, Daigan Lueck dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk focuses on the power of language and storytelling within Zen practice, using "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown as an allegory for persistence and connection. Emphasized is the metaphorical meaning of...
Aug 01 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Practicing with Intention

Serial: SF-10563 7/31/2010, Liping Zhu dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the role of intention in both Zen and Qigong practices, emphasizing how intention shapes our reality and well-being through the force of thought. It compares Buddhist and Taoist practices, highlighting the...
Jul 31 2010
City Center

Going for Refuge

Serial: SF-10693 7/31/2010, Zenshin Greg Fain dharma talk at Tassajara. This talk explores the integration of Zen practice and Anusara Yoga, emphasizing the concept of "Going for Refuge" by taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Using personal anecdotes and teachings, it underscores the...
Yoga
Jul 31 2010
Tassajara

The Courage of You Being You

Serial: SF-10565 7/28/2010, Michael Wenger dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk examines the concept of "dual tracking," where Zen practice involves navigating the tension between self-improvement and self-acceptance. Emphasis is placed on courage as a vital quality for Zen students, allowing them...
Community
Jul 28 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Staying a While

Serial: SF-10576 7/25/2010, Christina Lehnherr dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk emphasizes practicing mindfulness and presence through stillness and reverence, with specific attention to bowing as a form of acknowledging and respecting all phenomena. The discussion draws upon teachings about the...
Jul 25 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Grateful For Being Grateful

Serial: SF-10585 The discussion centers on the practice of meditation and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion as described in Zen and Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the importance of living with awareness and gratitude, guided by right...
Effort, Suzuki Roshi
Jul 24 2010
City Center

The Shape of Awakening

Serial: SF-10638 7/24/2010, Eijun Linda Cutts dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk examines the concept of "mudra" as an expression of energy through physical and mental postures, extending beyond traditional hand gestures to embody a life of wisdom and compassion. The speaker emphasizes the importance...
Posture
Jul 24 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Like Learning to Fly

Serial: SF-10515 7/23/2010, Leslie James dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk emphasizes the concept of studying Buddhism as studying the self, advocating for a more experiential and intimate understanding rather than an intellectual one. It explores the analogy of developing familiarity with...
Zazen
Jul 23 2010
Tassajara

Angulimala and Shamata Practice

Serial: SF-10522 7/21/2010, Ryushin Paul Haller dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The talk explores the story of Angulimala from early Buddhism and its implications on the concept of practice. It examines the transformative power of nonviolence and the process of change through meditation and mindfulness. The...
Jul 21 2010
Green Gulch Farm

This Mind Is Buddha

Serial: SF-10643 7/21/2010, Shosan Victoria Austin dharma talk at City Center. The talk explores the concept of "This very mind is Buddha" through the juxtaposition of two koans from Zen tradition, where Basso answers "Mind is Buddha" and later "No mind, no Buddha." This addresses the fluidity and paradox...
Jul 21 2010
City Center

The Truth You Search for Cannot Be Grasped

Serial: SF-10573 7/20/2010, Sojun Mel Weitsman dharma talk at Tassajara. This talk explores the theme of searching for truth within the context of Zen practice, primarily through the analysis of a poem by Xue Du. The discussion touches upon the challenges of grasping the illusive truth, the duality of...
Suzuki Roshi
Jul 20 2010
Tassajara

The Importance of Problems in Practice

Serial: SF-10549 7/18/2010, Edward Espe Brown dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. The main thesis of the talk at Green Gulch Farm is the examination of "beginner's mind," as taught by Suzuki Roshi, and its role in Zen practice. The discourse elaborates on maintaining openness and curiosity, even in familiar...
Suzuki Roshi
Jul 18 2010
Green Gulch Farm

Early Buddhist Teachings on Emptiness

Serial: SF-10556 7/18/2010, Gil Fronsdal dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk focuses on early Buddhist teachings on emptiness as found in the Pali Suttas, contrasting them with Mahayana interpretations. The doctrine of emptiness is deeply connected to karma, emphasizing the importance of...
Suffering
Jul 18 2010
Tassajara

Taking Refuge in Sangha

Serial: SF-10523 7/17/2010, Shokan Jordan Thorn dharma talk at City Center. The talk at San Francisco Zen Center emphasizes the significance of Sangha in Zen practice, suggesting it as the essential component for the integration of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The speaker highlights the importance of...
Sangha
Jul 17 2010
City Center

Anything Is Possible

Serial: SF-10664 7/17/2010, Robert Thomas dharma talk at Tassajara. The talk addresses the importance of understanding the reasons behind Zen practice, contemplating why one engages in spiritual practice and its role in overcoming the illusion of separateness. The speaker shares personal stories...
Jul 17 2010
Tassajara

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