The SFZC Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Datesort descending

Afternoon Service and Meal Chant

Serial: SF-05112C Tape 1 Summer sesshin 1965, Monday 1st day of sesshin (?) July 26th 1965 Tape 1 Side 1: afternoon service; meal chant The talk focuses on the significance of the afternoon service and the meal chant during a Zen sesshin. It explores the repeated invocation of "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha," emphasizing the deep reverence and focus on devotion in Zen...
Chanting,
Jul 26 1965
Sokoji

Forgotten the Value of Religion

Serial: SF-05101A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #5, by Shundo David Haye ===== The oldest recordings of Suzuki Roshi made at Sokoji, the home of the San Francisco Zen Center at the time, come from a week-long sesshin that took place at the... The talk centers on the integration of Zen practice within the broader understanding of religion and philosophy, emphasizing Suzuki Roshi's reflections from 1965. The discussion articulates the contrast between Western thought...
Sesshin, Dogen, Shobogenzo, Inmost Nature, Religion, Don't Know Mind, Buddha Nature,...
Jul 27 1965
1:00pm
Sokoji

In Our Way of Zen, We Emphasize the Way-Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-05101B Tape 2 Summer Sesshin 1965 Tuesday July 27 - transcribed August 1965 Tape 2 Side 2 Tuesday July 27 6pm lecture Reverend Suzuki [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The lecture explores the concept of "way-seeking mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of perceiving things as they are and differentiating between scientific and moral viewpoints. The talk reveals a critical...
Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Way-Seeking Mind, Interview, training, Faith
Jul 27 1965
6:00pm
Sokoji

Questions

Serial: SF-05126E Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 side 2 Wed July 28th 6pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of patience, distinguishing between 'small patience' associated with enduring physical or mental suffering and 'big patience,' which involves acceptance of the impossibility of achieving certain...
Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Four Noble Truths, Emotions, Faith, Passions, Delusion, Doubt...
Jul 28 1965
D
Sokoji

Pure Rules

Serial: SF-05126A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #6, by Shundo David Haye ===== The value of these sets of recordings during sesshins in the summer of 1965 at Sokoji is that not only were the formal dharma talks preserved, but also the... This talk discusses the importance of the zendo's physical and philosophical structure during a sesshin, drawing from traditional Soto Zen practices and teachings by Suzuki Roshi. It emphasizes the role of "Pure Rules," which...
Sesshin, Instruction, Emptiness, Interview, Religion, Faith
Jul 28 1965
9:00am
Sokoji

If You Understand Bodhisattva Mind In A Dualistic Way

Serial: SF-05126D Tape 3 Summer Sesshin July 1965 - Wednesday July 28 1965 Tape 3 Side 1: Wednesday 1pm lecture - transcribed; copied June 30 1973; SR001 The talk explores the concept of the Bodhisattva mind within Zen practice, emphasizing its non-dualistic nature and distinction from philosophical approaches. It highlights Dogen Zenji's insistence on expressing the Bodhisattva...
Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Buddha Nature, Buddha Mind, confusion
Jul 28 1965
C
Sokoji

Lunch Instruction

Serial: SF-05126C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #7, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is a second short instruction from the same day of sesshin as the Pure Rules talk (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/pure-rules900am); again the... This talk focuses on the practice of oryoki and the appropriate conduct following mistakes, as taught within monastic traditions. It begins with a rectification of a misstep regarding the use of the oryoki Buddha bowl,...
Sesshin, Oryoki, Instruction, Ego, Japan, Observe
Jul 28 1965
12:00
Sokoji

The Purpose of Practice is to Have a Direct Experience of Buddha

Serial: SF-05103B Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 9am lecture - transcribed The lecture explores the purpose of Zen practice as a means to directly experience buddha-nature, emphasizing non-attachment to notions of purity or impurity. It is highlighted that true practice involves the acceptance and...
Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Evil, Precepts, Ego, Instruction
Jul 29 1965
A
Sokoji

Some More Questions

Serial: SF-05104A Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 1 - 6pm lecture; Continues on Side 2 [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The talk centers on the concept of "not to kill" as an expression of non-duality in Buddhist thought, emphasizing the impossibility of truly killing the buddha-nature which pervades everything. The discussion extends to broader...
Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Precepts, Emotions, Buddha Nature, Passions, training, Faith...
Jul 29 1965
C
Sokoji

Questions

Serial: SF-05103C Tape 4 Summer Sesshin 1965: Thursday July 29 1pm lecture - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of Buddhist practice and understanding, emphasizing the notion that Buddha-nature cannot be comprehended through traditional philosophical, psychological, or scientific means, as it transcends the...
Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Priest, Faith, Demons, Religion...
Jul 29 1965
B
Sokoji

Don't Be Bothered By Your Mind / Science of Philosophy is Like a Dissection

Serial: SF-05104C Tape 5 Summer sesshin 1965 Thursday July 29th Side 2: 5:45 meditation, 9:00 AM lecture [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] The main thesis of the talk emphasizes understanding Zen practice as an immediate and direct observation of one's mind, rather than through retrospective analysis or intellectual dissection. The talk discusses the importance of...
Sesshin, Peace, Buddha Nature, Current Events, Bodhidharma, Passions, Instruction, Hate...
Jul 30 1965
A-B
Sokoji

Do You Have Some Questions?

Serial: SF-05107A Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 1 Friday evening lecture (transcribed) [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] This talk explores the nature of Zen and its distinction from Western religious concepts, focusing on Zen not as a "religion of the will" but as a religion of the whole mind. It delves into the three bodies of Buddha—Dharmakaya,...
Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Transmission, training, Emotions, Buddha Nature, Discrimination...
Jul 30 1965
D
Sokoji

If You Have A Question

Serial: SF-05105B Tape 6 Friday July 30 Side 1: 1pm lecture (continued on side 2) - transcribed The talk delves into the concept of enlightenment and the bodhisattva-mind, emphasizing that helping others from a religious perspective differs fundamentally from social work. The discussion explores "normative consciousness"...
Sesshin, Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Religion, Peace, Obstacles, confusion, Doubt,...
Jul 30 1965
C
Sokoji

Saturday Evening Lecture

Serial: SF-05117A Tape VIII (?) Side 1 Sat eve lecture (1 - 60); Side 2 Sat eve lecture (1-15?) The main thesis of the talk revolves around understanding Zen as both a personal practice and a tradition with varied schools and interpretations. Key discussions include the nature of enlightenment (or "satori") and its relation...
Question-and-Answer, Daily Life, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Balance, Bell, Evil, Hate, Religion...
Jul 31 1965
Sokoji

Supper Chant

Serial: SF-05107C Tape 7 Summer 1965 Sesshin: Side 2 Little bit of Saturday supper chant [Case replaced 12/95. Original notes were transcribed verbatim - WKR] -
Chanting,
Jul 31 1965
Sokoji

Calmness

Serial: SF-05123A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #3, by Shundo David Haye ===== In this talk, which became the Calmness chapter of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (p121), Suzuki Roshi starts with a Japanese Zen poem, offering a pair of analogies to... The talk explores the concept of seeing through contrasts, as encapsulated in a Japanese Zen poem, to illustrate the need for experiential context in perceiving life's essence. This aligns with Dogen's doctrine of "practice-...
Dogen, Zazen, Composure
Aug 26 1965
Los Altos

I Have Nothing In My Mind

Serial: SF-05125B One-Day Sesshin Lecture: 5 PMSaturday, August 28, 1965, Lecture BSan Francisco The lecture explores the intersection of practice, enlightenment, and self-acceptance within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that practice itself is an expression of true nature rather than a means to an end. The discussion highlights...
Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Baso, Big Mind, Faith, Fox, Duality, Hate
Aug 28 1965
B
Sokoji

Confucius Said the Most Visible is Something Invisible

Serial: SF-05125A SR 002 Tape 1 copy Sesshin 1pm lecture The central thesis of the talk revolves around the idea that true value lies in unseen, fundamental work rather than visible achievements, drawing from Confucian and Japanese cultural and philosophical concepts. The discussion...
Sesshin, Faith, Interview, Observe, confusion, Hate, Peace
Aug 28 1965
A
Sokoji

Study Yourself

Serial: SF-05123B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #4, by Shundo David Haye ===== "I always felt his best Zen talks were the ones he gave on Thursday mornings in my home. They were spontaneous, succinct and spoken from a relaxed and contented... The talk delves into the nature of self-study in Buddhism, drawing extensively on Dogen's Genjo Koan. It emphasizes the practice of self-awareness through monastic activities, highlighting how these practices allow practitioners...
Dogen, Genjokoan, Rinzai, Monastic Practice, Instruction, Hate, Doubt
Sep 09 1965
Los Altos

Beginner's Mind

Serial: SF-05122 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #1, by Shundo David Haye ===== When this particular, otherwise unremarkable, reel was photographed as part of Engage Wisdom’s archiving process, unlike many other tapes stored at Zen... The talk explores the concept of "beginner's mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing its vital role in maintaining the purity and openness of one's practice. It stresses the importance of returning to an original, unknowing state of...
Beginner’s Mind, Dogen, Precepts, Beginners, Precepts, Enemies, Posture
Nov 11 1965
Los Altos

You Have Made Great Progress

Serial: 65-11-00-B One-Day Evening Sesshin LectureNovember 1965 (Wind Bell, Jan.–Feb. 1966) - this was held on 13th per previous Wind Bells. -
Sesshin,
Nov 13 1965
B
Sokoji

Buddhism Has Many Annual Layers Like A Big Tree

Serial: SF-05124B One-Day Sesshin Evening LectureSaturday, December 11, 1965, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco This talk explores the historical and cultural impact of Buddhism and Zen, emphasizing the importance of respecting the generational efforts of patriarchs in sustaining the tradition. It underscores the necessity of integrating...
Sesshin, Precepts, Precepts, Three Treasures, Observe, Doubt, Composure, Priest, Anger...
Dec 11 1965
B
Sokoji

Most Of You Are Beginners

Serial: SF-05124D One-Day Sesshin Afternoon LectureSaturday, December 11, 1965, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco The central thesis of this talk emphasizes the practice of zazen, or "just sitting," as a core yet challenging Zen practice. The discussion explains the importance of practicing with a Big Mind rather than a self-centered mind to...
Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Dogen, Precepts, Precepts, Observe, Beginners, Enemies, Peace...
Dec 11 1965
A
Sokoji

Chanting Service

Serial: SF-05124A The talk centers on a traditional Zen chanting service, reflecting on its spiritual significance and the interconnections between mind, ritual, and enlightenment. Through traditional chants such as "getto no kage" and the...
Sesshin, Chanting,
Dec 11 1965
Sokoji

Shushōgi, Sections 11–17

Serial: SF-05113A January Sesshin Lecture: Lecture A ,1 PMShushogi: Sections 11–17Friday, January 21, 1966Sokoji, San Francisco This lecture covers Sections 11-17 of the Shushōgi, focusing on the significance of precepts in Zen practice and their role as a foundation for achieving enlightenment. The discussion emphasizes that precepts are not merely...
Sesshin, Precepts, Shushogi, Precepts, Subject-and-Object, Happiness, Priest, Intimacy,...
Jan 21 1966
A
Sokoji

In the Prajnaparamita Sutra

Serial: SF-05113B 5pm lecture begins this side This talk explores the concept of "no" or "not" as a strong affirmation in the Prajnaparamita Sutra, emphasizing the interconnectedness and wholeness of all existence. It explains that understanding the phrase "form is emptiness...
Heart Sutra, Sengai, Dogen, Emptiness, Family Practice, Beginners, Transmission, Posture, Bell...
Jan 21 1966
5:00PM
Sokoji

Where There is Some Limitation, There is Universality

Serial: SF-05114B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #9, by Shundo David Haye ===== This talk is found on the same reel as the one previously discussed (https://suzukiroshi.engagewisdom.com/talks/tokusan-and-old-lady), along with two other tracks... The talk centers on a detailed exploration of the interplay between light and dark, as discussed in the Sandokai by Sekito Kisen, emphasizing the co-existence of absolute (dark) and relative (light) realities. The discussion...
Sesshin, Dogen, Buddha Nature, Faith, Evil, confusion, Freedom, Doubt
Feb 18 1966
Sokoji

Tokusan and The Old Lady

Serial: SF-05114C ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #10, by Shundo David Haye ===== This is another track from the same problematic reel as the previous two talks in this series. Initially, it seemed to be a talk of Katagiri Roshi - the first... The talk concludes with a discourse on the importance of wholehearted commitment to Zen practice, emphasizing a non-idealistic approach where each step in practice is executed with complete presence. The tale of Tokusan and the...
Sesshin, Diamond Sutra, Balance, training, Religion
Feb 19 1966
1:00pm
Sokoji

To Study The Self

Serial: SF-05114D The talk focuses on the essential nature of Zen practice and the concept of self-identity through the metaphor of a burning candle. The process of studying Buddhism is described as a way to study and ultimately forget the self,...
Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Bell, training, Faith
Feb 19 1966
pm
Sokoji

Tokusan and The Old Lady

Serial: SF-05114A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #8, by Shundo David Haye ===== At Zen Center, responsibilities get passed on from person to person regularly. One part of traditional Zen training is that a monk should not expect to keep any... This talk explores the story of "Tokusan and the Old Lady" from Mumon's comment on Case 28 of the Mumonkan, with insights into Dogen's commentary from the 'Ungraspable Mind' fascicle in the Shobogenzo. It emphasizes the...
Genjokoan, Buddha Mind, Zazen, Culture
Feb 19 1966
pm
Sokoji

Chanting Service

Serial: SF-05095D This segment of chanting was separated from 05095-B - Shushogi, Section 1 -
Chanting,
Mar 13 1966
D
Sokoji

Shushōgi, Section 1

Serial: SF-05095B Sesshin Lecture: SHUSHOGI, Section 1Sunday, March 13, 1966, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco Tape operator's comments and bells at beginning of tape, left on ---------------------------Previous notes on this talk: [This date is... The talk focuses on "Shushogi," particularly Section 1, discussing the essential Buddhist concept of understanding birth and death as a pathway to enlightenment. It navigates the duality of suffering and nirvana, emphasizing that...
Sesshin, Dogen, Shushogi, Attachment, Balance
Mar 13 1966
B
Sokoji

Genjō Kōan, 1–3

Serial: SF-05095C Sesshin Lecture: Genjo-Koan, Paragraphs 1–3Sunday Morning, March 13, 1966, Lecture ASokoji, San Francisco The talk discusses Dōgen's "Genjō Kōan," focusing on the non-dualistic understanding of enlightenment and ignorance. The lecture emphasizes that practicing Zen should not be a segmented part of life but a wholly integrated...
Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Duality, Faith, Buddha Nature, Attachment, Discrimination, Balance...
Mar 13 1966
A
Sokoji

The Way-Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-05116C March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 The talk focuses on the concept of the "way-seeking mind," which is the inclination to pursue spiritual understanding amidst the inherent contradictions and transient nature of life. It emphasizes the human condition of having...
Dogen, Forgiveness, Addiction, Greed, Interview, Attachment, Conversation, Lay...
Mar 26 1966
A
Sokoji

Liberty and Restriction

Serial: SF-05116A March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 Saturday, March 26, 1966 The talk explores the paradoxical relationship between liberty and restriction, emphasizing that true freedom can be realized through limitations. It asserts that restrictions provide a pathway to express individual freedom,...
Sesshin, Balance, Freedom, Doubt, Faith, Ceremony
Mar 26 1966
BN
Sokoji

Real Calmness Is In A Noisy Place

Serial: SF-05116B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #12, by Shundo David Haye ===== This talk is another example of a track that was somehow overlooked for many years, while the two other talks on the same reel were catalogued. The written notes... The transcript discusses the integration of Zen practice in everyday life, focusing on the themes of "beginner's mind" and the calm in the midst of activity. Emphasizing practical experience over systematic teachings, the...
Sesshin, Shobogenzo, Beginner’s Mind, Beginners, Ego, Silence, Hate, Doubt
Mar 26 1966
Sokoji

Genjō Kōan, 5-13

Serial: SF-05096A May Sesshin (25 26 added later) 1 or 6pm lecture plus lecture the following morning.SR 009 The talk explores the theme of absolute independence and liberation from temporal constraints, as articulated in Dogen Zenji's teachings on Genjō Kōan. Concepts such as time, being, and the nature of enlightenment are examined,...
Dogen, Genjokoan, Enemies, Faith, realization, Addiction, Peace
May 25 1966
Sokoji

Sesshin Lecture: Genjo-Koan, Paragraphs 1–2

Serial: SF-05096B May Sesshin (25 26 added later) 1 or 6pm lecture plus lecture the following morning.SR 009 The lecture discusses the essence of Zen practice as living fully in each moment and achieving absolute freedom, transcending the limitations of written precepts by integrating everyday life into Zen practice. It highlights the...
Sesshin, Dogen, Genjokoan, Precepts, Mahayana, Freedom, Observe, Balance, Attachment, Priest,...
May 26 1966
Sokoji

Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 7-9

Serial: SF-05098A Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The talk explores Dogen's "Genjo-Koan," focusing on the concepts of life, death, and unconditionality. The discussion elucidates that life and death are not transformations of each other but are conditional expressions of an...
Dogen, Genjokoan, Composure, Liberation, Faith
Jun 19 1966
B
Sokoji

Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 11-13

Serial: SF-05098C Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The talk focuses on understanding enlightenment and the concept of truth within Zen Buddhism, particularly in the context of practicing zazen. It examines "Genjo-Koan" by Dogen Zenji, highlighting that true understanding arises...
Genjokoan, Dogen, Continuous Practice, Peace, Evil
Jun 19 1966
D
Sokoji

Ten Precepts

Serial: SF-05098B Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The talk discusses the significance of the ten prohibitory precepts in Buddhism, emphasizing their dual role in moral and religious contexts. It contrasts the simplistic understanding of these precepts as societal rules or laws...
Precepts, Precepts, Freedom, Faith, Buddha Nature, Priest
Jun 19 1966
C
Sokoji

Genjo-Koan: Paragraphs 1–11

Serial: SF-05098D Sunday morning lecture by Suzuki RoshiJune 19 1966 (19 added later?) Other notes on box:Incomplete (muddled) late on then ends."Other side" another lecture? Same date? Complete.Very end of "other side" muddled... The lecture explores several paragraphs of "Genjo-Koan" and expounds on the essential understanding of Soto Zen and Buddhism. It discusses key concepts such as enlightenment, practice, and the idea of no-subjectivity and no-...
Dogen, Genjokoan, Family Practice, Observe, Doubt, Discrimination, Attachment, Hate, Zazen...
Jun 19 1966
A
Sokoji

We Are Not Perfect

Serial: SF-05080A Sesshin talk. At the beginning, Suzuki Roshi is drawing from Dogen's "Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance." The methods are also in Shushogi. This talk explores the theme of imperfection in the bodhisattva practice, drawing from Dogen's "Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance" as outlined in "Shushogi." The speaker discusses how true help arises from a spirit of giving...
Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Shushogi, Happiness, Enemies
Jul 23 1966
Sokoji

We Are Always Helping Others

Serial: SF-05080B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #13, by Shundo David Haye ===== This tape is, happily, the last of the messed-up recordings from the first half of 1966. It is the first of two talks from the July one-day sitting, and it begins... The talk elaborates on the Bodhisattva practice of helping others before helping oneself, a central tenet of Zen Buddhism. It challenges superficial understandings of service and stresses realizing the fundamental oneness of all...
Shushogi, Enemies, training, Faith
Jul 23 1966
B
Sokoji

The first day of the sesshin is almost finished

Serial: SF-05093K Monday, August 15, 1966Sesshin: Evening Lecture, Lecture DSokoji, San Francisco The talk discusses the Buddhist philosophy of causality, as explored through the Kegon Sutra's concept of "Ichi soku issai, issai soku ichi," which illustrates the dynamic and interconnected nature of existence. The concept of...
Sesshin, Freedom, causation, Composure, Posture
Aug 15 1966
D
Sokoji

Think Everything Out

Serial: SF-05093C Monday, August 15, 1966, Lecture CSokoji, San Francisco The talk emphasizes the necessity of intellectual understanding in Zen practice while exploring concepts like causality and the nature of mind. It critiques simplistic interpretations of cause and effect and introduces an...
Sesshin, causation, Attachment, Hate, Intuition, Concentration, Evil, Instruction, Karma,...
Aug 15 1966
C
Sokoji

Genjo Koan

Serial: SF-05111C This is the bulk of the talk attributed to this date. It sounds distinct from the earlier fragment, and the date may not be accurate, though the subject is appropriate for the first day of a sesshin. The talk discusses Zen practice and the importance of stopping the mind, drawing on teachings from Dogen Zenji's "Genjo Koan." It emphasizes the significance of "thinking non-thinking" to maintain mindfulness, freedom from...
Sesshin, Attachment, Instruction, Freedom, Doubt
Aug 15 1966
C
Sokoji

Talk on Shobogenzo

Serial: SF-05111B Other Japanese lecture [case replaced 12/95. Case notes transcribed verbatim] This talk analyzes a chapter from the "Shobogenzo," focusing on the teachings about harmonious living within a Zen Monastery. The speaker emphasizes the notion that all members should coexist as seamlessly as milk and...
Sesshin, Happiness
Aug 15 1966
B
Sokoji

You Cannot Appreciate Our Teaching In Its True Sense

Serial: SF-05093B Monday, August 15, 1966Sesshin: Lunch Lecture, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco The talk on August 15, 1966, focuses on the importance of open-mindedness in understanding Zen teachings, using the example of food appreciation to illustrate how prejudices can hinder this understanding. The discourse suggests...
Sesshin, Oryoki, Instruction,
Aug 15 1966
B
Sokoji

Our Mind Should Be Calm

Serial: SF-05093L Tuesday, August 16, 1966Sesshin: Zazen short instructionSokoji, San Francisco -
Sesshin, Instruction,
Aug 16 1966
Sokoji

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