The SFZC Audio Archive

You are currently logged-out. You can log-in or create an account to see more talks, save favorites, and more. more info

Showing 1922 talks

- Reset Search

Title	Speaker	Date
Ignorance and Illumination in Zen Serial: KR-00026 The talk discusses the concepts of Zen meditation (Zenjo) and the profound significance of ignorance (Mumyo) in Buddhist practice. It emphasizes the role of concentration towards attaining enlightenment, discussing how ignorance... *Concentration, Meditation, causation, Obstacles, Delusion, Karma, Intention, Nirvana, Religion...*	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 1969
The First Teaching Serial: SR-00158 Teaching of impermanence, everything changing; also there is selflessness, suffering and nirvana. The sufferings of birth, death, sickness and old age. Causes of suffering, because of ego. The talk explores the essential teachings of Buddhism, focusing on impermanence (shogyo-mujo), selflessness, suffering, and nirvana, known collectively as the "four seals of Buddhist teaching." It outlines how ignorance, arising... Suffering, Ego, Impermanence, Birth-and-Death, Suffering, Wisdom, Truth, Attachment, Emptiness...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 02 1969 Tassajara
We Practice Zazen So That We Attain Selflessness Serial: SR-00137 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing zazen as a means to transcend the illusion of a permanent self. By referencing Dogen Zenji's "Sansuikyo" from the Shobogenzo, it highlights the... Suffering, Wisdom, Dragons, Don't Know Mind, Meditation, Separation, Sutra...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 03 1969 Tassajara
To Actually Practice Selflessness Serial: SR-00125 August Sesshin Lecture Wednesday, August 6, 1969 San Francisco The talk explores the practice of zazen to cultivate selflessness by confronting difficulties such as physical pain and emotional reactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of "no self-nature... Sesshin, Pain, Fox, Precepts, Freedom, Funeral, Monks, Liberation, difficulty, Continuous...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 06 1969 Sokoji
Not Always So Serial: SR-00124 August Sesshin Lecture Thursday, August 7, 1969 San Francisco The talk focuses on the Zen concept of impermanence and perspective, emphasizing that things are not always as they seem, using water as a metaphor. It illustrates how perception changes based on context and stresses the... Sesshin, Dogen, Interdependence, Freedom, Gratitude, Composure, Posture, Emptiness, Truth...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 07 1969 Sokoji
Some Questions Serial: SR-00128 The talk primarily addresses questions concerning Zen practices, focusing on the nuances between counting-breath meditation and shikantaza, the function of rituals like bowing and chanting in ego purification, and exploring the... Question-and-Answer, Precepts, Doubt, Continuous Practice, Concentration, Birth-and-Death,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 12 1969
Our Way To Attain Liberation Serial: SF-05087B Tassajara Story of the Sixth Patriarch. Practice with everyone else at the monastery, without self-centered ideas. Answering student questions. Dan Gourley reel #4 The talk centers on the nature of Buddhist practice and the attainment of enlightenment, emphasizing the understanding that practice is integral to realizing one's true mind. The story of the Sixth Patriarch is used to illustrate... Sixth Patriarch, Monastic Practice, Japan, Sixth Patriarch, Practice, Time	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 21 1969 Tassajara
Twelve Links of Causation Serial: SR-00135 Twelve Links Of Causation Juni-innen (Jap.) Dvada-aiga-pratatyasamutpada (San.) English Japanese Sanskrit -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1. ignorance mumyo avidya 2. action... The talk explores the "Twelve Links of Causation" in Buddhist philosophy, contrasting classical explanations with earlier scriptural interpretations. The discussion highlights the links' role in explaining life's suffering, as... *Consciousness, Suffering, causation, Discrimination, Emptiness, Fasting, Passions, confusion,...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 23 1969 Tassajara
Question and Answer Serial: SR-00083 The talk examines the themes of suffering, ignorance, and practice in Zen Buddhism, focusing on how improvement and motivation can relate to suffering. It discusses the concepts of ignorance as both a hindrance and a source of... Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Suffering, Separation, Pain, American, Anger, Attachment,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 25 1969 Tassajara
Everyday Zen: Path to Enlightenment Serial: KR-00035 The talk explores the Zen teaching method that emphasizes everyday activities like washing dishes and cleaning as vital practices for understanding life and achieving enlightenment. The speaker contrasts this experiential... Monastic Practice, American, Meditation, Bell, Ego, Emotions, difficulty, Religion...	Katagiri Roshi	Aug 26 1969
Some Questions Serial: SR-00133 The talk focuses on the essence of Zen practice, particularly zazen, emphasizing the integration of mindfulness with the body and the experience of reality beyond personal feelings of enlightenment. The discussion also covers the... Question-and-Answer, Breath, Buddha Nature, Posture, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Offering,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 28 1969 Tassajara
Our Practice And Our Everyday Activity Serial: SF-05396 Saturday, August 30, 1969 Newly uploaded recording should be clearer to transcribe The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, focusing on the concept of "suchness" or "thusness" as described by Dogen. The discussion explores how understanding and experiencing this suchness, through... *Concentration, Composure, Gratitude, Fundraising, Posture, Faith*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 30 1969 Tassajara
Sesshin, Sixth Night Lecture Serial: SR-00129 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 The talk focuses on Zen teachings regarding the distinction between the "small mind" and the "big mind," exemplified in the exchange between the Seventeenth Patriarch and the Eighteenth Patriarch about whether it is the bell or... Sesshin, Don't Know Mind, Posture, Ceremony, Addiction, Duality, Beginners, Zazen, Wisdom...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Sesshin, Third Night Lecture Serial: SR-00130 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 The talk delves into the intersection of practice and enlightenment in Zen, emphasizing that true practice encompasses everything, aligning with Dogen Zenji's teachings. The practice, whether in zazen or sutra recitation,... Sesshin, Emptiness, Passions, Intuition, Bell, Forms, American, difficulty	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SR-00213 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 [Beginning of ceremony not recorded.] The talk centers on a Shosan Ceremony at Tassajara, emphasizing the nature of karma, the integration of breath practices, and the duality of life and death from a Zen perspective. The discussion explores various philosophical... Sesshin, Shosan, Perfect Wisdom, Dragons, Breath, Death, Intuition, Lay, Bell, Continuous...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Stand Up By The Ground Serial: SF-05209 Protection Master "Suzuki Roshi summer sesshin 1969 2nd night lecture Sesshin, Second Night LectureSeptember, 1969Tassajara The talk discusses the concept of "inmo," as presented by Dogen Zenji, exploring its dual nature as both a definitive presence and a question, with parallels drawn to the term "it" in English. The speaker elaborates on how this... Sesshin, Dogen, Time, Continuous Practice, Freedom, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Wherever You Are, Enlightenment Is There Serial: SF-05184 Sesshin: First Night Lecture, “I Don't Know Zazen”September 1969Tassajara Knowing that we have buddha nature even while we are in the dualistic world of good and bad. Analogy with various parts of a meal. Analogy... The talk addresses the dual nature of existence, emphasizing the recognition of buddha-nature amidst dualistic notions of good and bad. It highlights the importance of zazen practice in realizing enlightenment within imperfection... Dogen, Buddha Nature, Enlightenment, Practice, Enlightenment, Zazen	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Experiencing Zen: Intuition Over Instruction Serial: KR-00029 The talk delves into the essence of Zen, emphasizing the concept of "nothing" as a foundational understanding, where teachings are not delivered through structured lessons but instead through direct experiences and interactions.... *Instruction, Concentration, Samadhi, difficulty, Meditation, Realization*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 03 1969
Zazen: Unlocking True Nature Serial: KR-00036 The talk explicates Dogen's pivotal chapter "Bendo wa" from the "Shobo Genzo," emphasizing the primacy of Zazen as the essential practice within Zen Buddhism and the unique characteristics of single and direct transmission. The... *Transmission, Chanting, Birth-and-Death, Teacher-and-Student, Religion, Buddha Mind, Silence,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 07 1969
Pure Silk, Sharp Iron Serial: SR-00246 Sitting cross-legged - and then what? Having the right state of mind. Chinese and Japanese culture. His absent-mindedness, impatience. Virtue of endurance. The talk explores the concept of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of attaining a certain state of mind through both physical posture and deep personal experience. It draws analogies from Japanese and Chinese cultural... *Zazen, Dogen, Culture, Ego, Transmission, Patience, Forms, Pain, War, American, Freedom...*	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 14 1969
Why I Came to America Serial: SR-00157 "Why I became a priest" Memories of his father as a temple priest. Wanting to be an unusual priest himself, to teach people. Training at a temple with Oka Sotan. Enjoying teaching people who have no preconceptions about... The talk reflects on the personal journey to becoming a priest and coming to America, influenced by a background of poverty and the historic hardships faced by Buddhist temples due to governmental Shinto favoritism. Key... Priest, Meiji, Japan, Dogen, Priest, New Year, Ceremony, Enemies, Monks, Sutra, Forms,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969 Sokoji
On Zen Center History, Personal History, and Nona Ransom Serial: SF-05610 Interview of Suzuki Roshi by Peter Schneider The talk explores personal and Zen Center history, focusing on experiences with Miss Nona Ransom and the journey to understanding and practicing Zen. The narrative includes reflections on early students at the Zen Center, the... Interview, Transmission, Priest, Hate, Suzuki Roshi, Enemies, Passions, Bell, Conversation,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969 1 of 2
Interview of Suzuki by Peter Schneider Serial: 69-09-16-IB Entered onto disk by DC 1996 or soRevised by Bill Redican 9/01 [I dated this 69-09-16 to go with other Peter Schneider interview and lecture of that date. Transcription was difficult with much time spent making sure -- or maybe... - Interview, First Principle,	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969
Settling in the Dharma Mind Serial: KR-00037 The talk explores the concepts of Right Thought (Shonen) and jhana in Zen Buddhism, focusing on Dogen Zenji’s teachings. Right Thought is presented as retaining the Dharma without forgetting, emphasizing the importance of... *Concentration, difficulty, Meditation, Happiness, Discrimination, American, Conversation,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 23 1969
Zen Action Beyond Form Serial: KR-00030 The talk analyzes a Zen koan from the "Mumonkan" or "Gateless Gate," specifically focusing on the story "Tipping Over a Water Vase". The narrative illustrates the non-attachment and direct action in Zen Buddhism, exemplified by... Community, Building, American, Interview, Chanting, Balance, Delusion, Enthusiasm...	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 27 1969
Finding Purpose in Chaos Serial: KR-00032 The talk explores the story of King Kuntun and the philosophical implications of chaos and the concept of completeness, comparing this tale to the lives of three individuals with unique paths, emphasizing the significance of... *Meditation, American*	Katagiri Roshi	Sep 28 1969
Beyond Words: Living Zen Wisdom Serial: KR-00033 The talk discusses Zen Buddhist teachings on the importance of not clinging to personal views and the practice of wisdom in daily life. It uses stories such as the narrative of Fuchang and the anecdote of Hakurakuten to... *Silence, difficulty, Meditation, Buddha Mind, Enemies, Buddha Nature, Discrimination,...*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 07 1969
New Students' Questions Serial: SR-00211 Tuesday, October 14, 1969San Francisco This talk addresses the concept of karma, the bodhisattva's vow, and the role of zazen in understanding the Buddhist view of life. It explores the notion of everything having meaning from different perspectives, highlighting the... Question-and-Answer, War, Buddha Nature, Addiction, Diversity, Vow, Continuous Practice,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 14 1969
Navigating Zen Training in Japan Serial: RB-00414 The talk centers on the challenges and considerations involved in studying Buddhism in Japan as a Westerner, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japanese culture and language. A key point is the cultural friction that... Japan, Monastic Practice, Time	Richard Baker	Oct 18 1969
Embodied Enlightenment Through Practice Serial: KR-00034 This talk explores the concept of "shugyo" in Zen Buddhism, translating to "refined practice," emphasizing the necessity of engaging with both mind and body to achieve enlightenment. The discussion addresses the Zen school's... *Right Effort, Religion*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 19 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-1 Serial: SR-00212 [Third Lotus Sutra Series]1 Monday Evening, October 20, 1969 Zen Mountain Center Introduction to third series of talks on the Lotus Sutra. Zen as practical teaching. Suzuki Roshi's mother recited parts of the sutra when he was... The lecture introduces the third series of talks on the Lotus Sutra at the Zen Mountain Center, emphasizing the sutra's role in Zen practice and its nature, which is likened to an experience similar to engaging with grand music... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Dogen, Mahayana, Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Ego, Sutra, Priest, Building,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 20 1969 Series 3, Talk 1 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-2 Serial: SR-00037 Third Lotus Sutra SeriesThursday Evening, October 23, 1969Zen Mountain Center [The recording starts with Suzuki reading from: Saddharma Pundarika or The Lotus of the True Law, translated by H. Kern, New York: Dover, 1963 (an... The talk revolves around interpretations of Chapter II, "Skillfulness," from the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing the profound but often underestimated importance of skillful means in Buddhist practice. The discussion highlights the... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, First Principle, Don't Know Mind, Consciousness, Sutra,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 23 1969 Series 3, Talk 2 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-4 Serial: SR-00038 [Third Lotus Sutra Series]Saturday Evening, October 25, 1969Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on the central teachings of the Lotus Sutra, particularly emphasizing the profound nature of Buddha's wisdom which can only be fully comprehended by Buddhas themselves. The discussion highlights the concept of "... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Wisdom, Buddha Nature, Sutra, Priest, Mahayana, Suffering,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 25 1969 Series 3, Talk 4 Tassajara
Living Authentically Amid Tradition Serial: KR-00038 The talk primarily discusses the complexities of respecting traditions and individual choices in life, focusing on the significance of living respectfully in the present rather than being bound by principles, especially those... *Greed, Funeral, Observe, Ceremony, Suffering, American*	Katagiri Roshi	Oct 25 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-5 Serial: SF-06006 Third Lotus Sutra Series Tuesday Evening, October 28, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk explores the distinction between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the divergent interpretations and approaches to Buddha's teachings over time. It outlines how the Theravada (Hinayana) tradition focused on... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Skandas, Balance	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 28 1969 Series 3, Talk 5 Tassajara
Zen Pathways: Rethinking Existence Serial: RB-00415 The principal thesis of the talk explores the Japanese cultural emphasis on relationships and processes over endpoints and products, drawing contrasts with Western approaches, and suggests that these cultural forms present... *Japan, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Zen and Western Intersections Serial: RB-00419 The discussion revolves around the intersection of Buddhist practice, Japanese cultural mindset, and Western American socio-cultural perspectives. It explores distinct ways of thinking and perceiving, rooted in different... *Japan, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Navigating Japan's Cultural Landscape Serial: RB-00418 The central thesis revolves around sharing insights about navigating Japanese culture, especially concerning the distinctions between American individualism and Japanese collectivism. Practical advice is provided for prospective... *Japan, Culture*	Richard Baker	Oct 29 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-6 Serial: SF-06005 Third Lotus Sutra Series Thursday Evening, October 30, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk analyzes a section of the Lotus Sutra and discusses its translation by Kumarajiva, emphasizing the accessibility and popularity of his rendition in China and Japan. The discussion includes the significance of certain... Lotus Sutra, Beginner’s Mind, Politics, Interview, Concentration, Precepts, Freedom, Doubt...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 30 1969 Series 3, Talk 6 Tassajara
Zen Beyond Borders Serial: RB-00416 The discussion explores the challenges and cultural differences faced by Westerners practicing Zen in Japan. It highlights the barriers due to linguistic, cultural, and traditional differences, as well as how these affect... *Japan, Culture*	Richard Baker	Nov 05 1969
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-7 Serial: SR-00042 Third Lotus Sutra Series Friday Evening, November 7, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The main thesis of the talk centers on interpreting the true meaning of the Lotus Sutra, especially in terms of the distinction between skillful means in Buddhist teaching and the ultimate understanding of emptiness, which... Lotus Sutra, Emptiness, Passions, Lotus Sutra, Concentration, Evil, Sutra, Mahayana, Precepts...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 07 1969 Series 3, Talk 7 Tassajara
Miss Ransom Was A Teacher Of Conversation Serial: SR-00242 [Not an interview I think, but a question Peter asks at the beginning of the lecture, possibly pre-arranged with Suzuki. Got labeled as an interview because I had it grouped with Peter’s interviews long ago and maybe I was the... The talk revolves around the influence of Miss Ransom on Suzuki Roshi and her significant role in shaping his views regarding teaching Buddhism to Westerners. Initially skeptical of non-Buddhist practices, Miss Ransom's eventual... Japan, Komazawa University, Buddhism, Shobogenzo, Obon, Conversation, Building, Offering,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 09 1969
Some Questions Serial: SR-00244 The talk examines key concepts from the Lotus Sutra, focusing on terms such as "no outflow" and "Buddha-seed," emphasizing the balance of desires and the socio-political analogies like communism versus human society in... Lotus Sutra, Time, Ego, Wisdom, Passions, Mindfulness, Buddha Nature, Culture, Oneness,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 11 1969
Form Is Emptiness and Emptiness Is Form Serial: SR-00243 The talk focuses on elucidating the concept of "form is emptiness, and emptiness is form" from the Prajnaparamita Sutra, contrasting this Mahayana understanding against what is described as the more limited Theravadan view of... Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Big Mind, Forms, Don't Know Mind, Interdependence, Monks, Wisdom...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 13 1969
Epilogue: Zen Mind Serial: SR-00263 American practice different from Japanese practice. Enlightenment experience is beyond good and bad, beyond our usual way of thinking. Big mind is always with you, never outside of yourself. Discussion at Tassajara around sex.... The talk discusses the distinct nature of Zen practice in America, emphasizing that it differs from traditional Japanese practice. Central themes include the concept of "big mind," which transcends subjective experiences of good... Big Mind, Enlightenment, Passions, Big Mind, Don't Know Mind, Consciousness, Community,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 16 1969
Opening Lecture At Page Street Zendo: American Precepts Serial: SR-00264 Moving into the new space. Don't worry about success, practice in the present. Hyakujo's regulations, positive and negative sides of guidelines and precepts. The talk emphasizes the importance of practicing Zen in the present moment and introduces the concept of creating precepts specific to the context of American Zen practice, analogous to the Hyakujo Shingi established by Hyakujo... Precepts, Shingi, Precepts, Monks, Gratitude, Building	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 22 1969 City Center
Pinch Hitter Serial: SR-00268A The talk examines the distinction between personal enlightenment efforts and the broader, altruistic quest for universal happiness, centralizing the "way-seeking mind" or "doshin" as essential to Buddhist practice. It discusses... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Katagiri Roshi	Nov 25 1969 A City Center
Pinch Hitter Serial: SR-00268B Tuesday, November 25, 1969 Evening LectureCity Center, San Francisco [Katagiri spoke before Suzuki. This portion has now been edited out] The brief talk expresses gratitude and joy over a successful event, metaphorically described using baseball terminology. The speaker reflects on recovering from an illness and the importance of rest after achieving one's... *Wisdom, Truth, Zazen, Priest, American, Delusion, Meditation, Greed*	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 25 1969 B City Center
Way-Seeking Mind, Part I Serial: SR-00267 Winter Sesshin, Lecture No. 1 Saturday, November 29, 1969 Tassajara This talk explores the essence of "way-seeking mind" as critical to authentic Zen practice, emphasizing that practice without this mindset is merely mechanical. It cautions against relying on intellectual understanding alone,... Way-Seeking Mind, Sesshin, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 29 1969 Tassajara

The SFZC Audio Archive

Pages