The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title	Speaker	Date
Journey to the Inner Spring Serial: EB-00044 The talk discusses the allegorical story of three princes searching for the "water of life," emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking guidance in personal spiritual journeys. It explores themes of listening to inner... *Enemies, Dragons, Rumi, Silence, Bell*	Edward Brown
Endless Practice, True Self Discovery Serial: KR-00229 The talk focuses on the quest for understanding one's true nature through Zen practice and the futility of traditional achievements or external recognitions in realizing that understanding. It emphasizes the teachings of Dogen... *Lotus Sutra*	Katagiri Roshi	Apr 13
Mastery in Letting Go Serial: KR-00233 The talk centers on the concept of "finishing touches" in Zen practice, emphasizing that true mastery involves letting go of conscious control over actions and accepting the natural order or "Absolute" state of existence where... *Composure*	Katagiri Roshi	Jun 07
Kesa: Threads of Spiritual Liberation Serial: KR-00301 The talk explores the concept of "kesa," a Buddhist ceremonial robe, delving into its significance and symbolism as described in Buddhist texts. The discussion covers the translation and interpretation challenges of kesa,... *Liberation, Four Noble Truths, difficulty, Delusion, Emotions, Chanting, Greed, Nirvana,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Jul 27
Ego's Dance in Zen Practice Serial: KR-00305 The talk examines the practice of making the Rakusu and chanting in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of engaging in these activities without seeking outcomes, as doing so transforms life into a 'magic' or a mere game. The... *Ego, Evil, Monastic Practice, Delusion, Oneness*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 20
Solitude's Path to Collective Wisdom Serial: RB-00544 The talk explores the theme of complete personal responsibility and aloneness, which is considered the gateway to understanding and connecting with others. It discusses how recognizing one’s own complete responsibility and... *Buddha, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 07
Breaking Illusions: The Zen Path Serial: RB-00327 The talk focuses on the concepts of Zen practice and the role of mind in understanding reality, emphasizing teachings from the Sixth Patriarch and related Zen teachers. The discussion explores the practice of the samadhi of one... *Practice, Suffering, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	May 06
Embracing Presence Beyond Perception Serial: RB-00525 The talk centers on the Zen story of Ryutan's encounter with Tokusan, using it as a metaphor to explore core Zen concepts of 'being' over traditional subject-object relationships. By examining Buddhist precepts not as... *Buddhism, Time, Karma*	Richard Baker	Oct 27
Allen Ginsberg and Musicians Serial: SF-00105 Musical event. The talk is a musical homage to Roshi Suzuki, focusing on the chanting of his English translation of the Prajnaparamita, emphasizing the concepts of emptiness, non-duality, and the absence of form, sensation, thought, and... *Attachment, Instruction, Obstacles, Offering, Vow, Anger, Religion*	Allen Ginsberg	1 City Center
Allen Ginsberg and Musicians Serial: SF-00108 Musical event The talk provides a vivid narrative of the humanitarian crisis on Jessore Road during September 1971, amidst millions of refugees fleeing from East Pakistan to Bengal. The description highlights the severe conditions and the... *Samsara, Bell*	Allen Ginsberg	2 City Center
Sesshin Lecture Serial: SF-00986 Architecture at GGF; Layman Pang; many sesshins; "gamble everything on love"; sesshin romance and the potentiality of the present moment; recognizing your Buddha nature in your life now; ordinations/relinquishment The talk discusses the architectural development at Green Gulch Farm to accommodate Zen practice communities, explores the potential for profound learning in sesshins through unconditional love and mindfulness, and examines... Sesshin, Layman Pang, Suzuki Roshi, Sandokai, Ordinary Mind, Buddha Mind, Attachment, Silence...	Myogen Steve Stücky	Green Gulch Farm
Unity in Zen: A Journey of Self Serial: SF-01771 The talk begins with a moment of meditation for peace, followed by a recounting of a personal journey influenced by family history, social justice advocacy, and an encounter with Zen practice. A narrative intertwines significant... *Practice Period, Peace, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Instruction, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen,...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 11 Unknown
Why Become Abbot of Zen Center? Serial: SF-00938A The talk centers on a personal narrative exploring gratitude, life's transitions, and the journey towards understanding spiritual concepts, particularly within Zen philosophy. The speaker reflects on personal history, challenges... *Practice Period, Precepts, Gratitude, Vow, Commitment, Bell, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony,...*	Myogen Steve Stücky	Unknown
Awakening Through Non-Dual Identity Serial: SF-01885 Q&A The talk explores an experience of non-duality, described as the realization of identity with what was previously perceived as the "other," specifically in the context of a confrontation with a riot squad. This experience led to... *Evil, Suzuki Roshi, Separation, Peace, Anger, Mill Valley, Impermanence, Tassajara Zen...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Sep 11 Unknown
Zendo Lecture Serial: SF-01782 The talk explores the essence of Zen practice and teachings, focusing on ideas presented by Suzuki Roshi in "Not Always So." It highlights the significance of practice beyond formal training, emphasizing living the teachings... Suzuki Roshi, Precepts, Practice, Time, Effort	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Tassajara
Dining Room Lecture Serial: SF-01781 This talk centers on the theme of respect within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to posture and breath as means to stay present, and advocating for a broader respect towards the self, others, and the... *Suzuki Roshi, Posture, Mindfulness, Big Mind, Bell, Bowing, Zazen, Concentration...*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	Tassajara
Zen Entanglement: Beyond Observable Reality Serial: RB-00595 The talk explores the intersections between Zen philosophy and the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on the concepts of non-locality and interconnectedness as reflected in both realms. It refers to recent... *Koan, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 07
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
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
Building Rituals and Resilient Spaces Serial: RB-00316 This transcript covers a discussion about a ceremony with unclear purposes, touching upon cultural references such as the movie "Rock Chimone" and American Indian practices. It further delves into logistical challenges relating... *Time, Practice, Work*	Richard Baker
Western Harmony with Buddhist Wisdom Serial: RB-00315 The talk discusses the integration and influence of Buddhism in the Western tradition, highlighting the Western thinkers and movements that align closely with Buddhist philosophy. The discussion asserts that this fusion is not an... *Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Zen Today: Tradition Meets Innovation Serial: RB-00505 The talk discusses the complexities of maintaining a Zen practice and community in a modern context, exploring the balance between tradition and adaptation. It highlights the influence of Zen teachings on community structure,... *Community, Time, Culture*	Richard Baker
Unified Consciousness: Dolphins and Humanity Serial: RB-00349 The talk explores the concept of a unified consciousness shared by humans and dolphins, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings through shared elements like breathing, prana, and consciousness. It suggests that while... *Consciousness*	Richard Baker
Zen Essentials: Practice, Perception, Presence Serial: RB-00350 The talk examines the integration of Zen practices with the precepts and zazen, emphasizing their role in maintaining mental clarity and preparing one for genuine meditation. It highlights the five concurrent causes essential for... *Practice, Doubt, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen Bridges: Teaching, Tradition, and Psychology Serial: RB-00417 The discussion explores the integration of English language teaching in Japan, the extensive commitment required for Rinzai and Soto Zen training, and the challenges faced by foreigners and women in monastic settings. It also... *Practice, Japan, Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Zen Harmony in Cultural Contexts Serial: RB-00649B The talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of discipline, order, and the formation of an understanding through collective agreement within a Sangha. It highlights how the form and practice of Zen... *Practice, Yoga, Practice Period*	Richard Baker
Right Livelihood: Mindful Ethical Living Serial: RB-00652 The talk focuses on the concept of "right livelihood" within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its place within the eightfold path. It discusses the interplay between personal morality, decision-making, and awareness of one... *Time, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker
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
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

The SFZC Audio Archive

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