The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Authentic Zen: Beyond Enlightenment Myths

Serial: SF-00058 The talk covers personal experiences and reflections on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing the impact of direct interaction and the subtleties of spiritual presence. It delves into misconceptions about Zen enlightenment...
Suzuki Roshi, Priest, Transmission, Blue Cliff Record, Interview, Soto Zen, Lineage, Book of...
Dec 16 1998
City Center

Rohatsu

Serial: SF-02755 The talk focuses on the Zen practice of Rohatsu Sesshin, utilizing biblical and Zen stories to explore themes of acceptance, consumption, and experiencing life fully. Drawing parallels between Jonah's story and the experience of...
Gratitude, Rumi, Intimacy, Instruction, Zazen, Teacher-and-Student, Bell, Emotions...
Dec 01 1998
City Center

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03622 The talk explores the concept of human sentiments as being distinct from the Dharma way, emphasizing the pitfalls of habitual thinking and nostalgia that can hinder a fresh experience of life. It discusses the transformative...
Practice Period, Precepts, Dragons, Six Realms, Liberation, Ceremony, Forgiveness, Anger,...
Nov 29 1998
Green Gulch Farm

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03133 The talk explores the intersection between poetry and Dharma, illustrating how poetry can complement spiritual practices by confronting and embracing human contradictions rather than transcending them. Through the works of poets...
Religion, Priest, Buddha Mind, Vow, Precepts, Zazen, Chanting, Hate, Freedom, Soto Zen...
Nov 22 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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, Delusion, Ego, Chanting, Vow, Doubt, Emotions, Continuous Practice...
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,...
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,...
Oct 18 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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, Suzuki Roshi, Instruction, Priest, Hate, Happiness, Tassajara...
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,"...
Emptiness, Precepts, Karma, Duality, Anger, Fasting, Evil, Offering, Book of Serenity...
Oct 04 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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, Suzuki Roshi, Heart Sutra, Commitment, Ceremony, Teacher-and-Student, Bell, Faith,...
Sep 20 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Buddha Nature, confusion, Commitment, Ceremony, Priest, Blue Cliff Record, Birth-and-Death,...
Aug 30 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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, Silence, Freedom, Observe, Anger, Emotions, Ceremony...
Aug 22 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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
Aug 20 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Suzuki Roshi, Instruction, Posture, Mindfulness, Birth-and-Death, Hate, Bell, Doubt, Emotions...
Aug 18 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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,...
Jul 20 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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,...
Jul 12 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Gratitude, Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Soto Zen, Dharma Transmission, Lineage,...
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...
Jul 01 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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,...
Jun 21 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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
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
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
Jun 14 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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
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...
Gratitude, Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Daily Life, Dharma Transmission, Lineage, Lay...
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,...
Practice Period, Lotus Sutra, Avalokitesvara, Manjushri
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
May 28 1998

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
May 17 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
May 17 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Precepts, Freedom, Posture, Ceremony, Zazen, Emotions, Samsara...
May 16 1998
Green Gulch Farm

Zen Cultivation: Harvesting History and Harmony

Serial: SF-10110 Talk by Green Gulch History Wendy Johnson Yt on 1998-05-10 The talk covers the history and evolution of Green Gulch Farm, emphasizing its development from the early 1970s when it was purchased by the Zen Center as part of Suzuki Roshi's vision to create a diverse, practice-oriented...
Time, Work, Community
May 10 1998

Cultivating Zen Harmony with Nature

Serial: SF-10125 Talk by Green Gulch History Wendy Johnson Sf Ew on 1998-05-10 The talk explores the early history and cultural evolution of Green Gulch, emphasizing Zen Center's acquisition and transformation of the land to fulfill Suzuki Roshi's vision of an inclusive and accessible space for Zen practice...
Time, Work, Suzuki Roshi
May 10 1998

Zen Cultivation: Merging Spirit and Soil

Serial: SF-10129 Talk by Green Gulch History Wendy Johnson Sf Ew on 1998-05-10 This talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice with practical skills in farming and gardening, emphasizing long-term ecological stewardship. The narrative recounts experiences with influential teachers like Harry and...
Work, Time, Practice
May 10 1998

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
May 09 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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,...
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...
Practice Period, Buddha's Birthday, Tassajara
Apr 05 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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, Harmonizing, Dana...
Apr 01 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
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
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...
Instruction, Posture, Chanting, Zazen, Vow, Observe, Subject-and-Object, Separation, Silence...
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...
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
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...
Realization, Suzuki Roshi, Precepts, Freedom, Blue Cliff Record, Letting Go, Attachment, Faith...
Mar 08 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Practice Period, Renunciation, Monastic Practice, Karma, Letting Go, Bell, Tassajara...
Feb 01 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
Causation, Lotus Sutra, Intimacy, Instruction, Interdependence, Observe, Attachment, Bell,...
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...
Jan 04 1998
Green Gulch Farm

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...
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
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
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
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
1998

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