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Title Speaker Date

Dzogchen Teachings

Serial: SF-00111 The talk focuses on the teachings of Dzogchen, a tradition in Vajrayana Buddhism, reflecting on the importance of altruism and the universal potential within each individual to realize the ultimate nature of the mind. The...
Transmission, Four Noble Truths, Doubt, Peace, Don't Know Mind, Daily Life, Gratitude,...
Oct 08 1989
1
San Jose

Dzogchen Teachings

Serial: SF-00112 The talk examines the nature of consciousness, emphasizing its centrality to human experience and the inquiry into the nature of mind in Buddhist philosophy, particularly through the context of Dzogchen teachings. It contrasts...
Happiness, Delusion, Four Noble Truths, Transmission, Dependent Origination, Karma, Aspects of...
Oct 08 1989
2
San Jose

Transformation of Consciousness

Serial: SF-00113 Forum Dialogue This dialogue addresses the dire state of the world, highlighting ecological, social, and spiritual crises. It emphasizes the need to balance modern technological capabilities with ancient wisdom traditions, specifically Tibetan...
Attachment, Peace, Enemies, Balance, New Year, Happiness, resistance, Freedom, Doubt,...
Oct 1989
1

Obstacles as Pathways to Enlightenment

Serial: SF-00082 The talk discusses the nature of obstacles and their role in spiritual practice, emphasizing that obstacles are not enemies but opportunities for growth and understanding. It explores the concept of perception and one's...
Obstacles, Anger, Doubt, Enemies, Dana, Emotions, Observe, Bell, Vow, Instruction...
Jul 23 1989

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00959 The talk explores the profound experience and significance of zazen (sitting meditation) as both a communal and individual practice. It emphasizes embracing the "ache in the heart," connecting personal experience to broader...
Mill Valley, Blue Cliff Record, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Liberation, Harmonizing, Zendo, Suzuki...
Jul 09 1989
Green Gulch

Embodying Enlightenment Through Daily Awareness

Serial: SF-00054 The talk explores "The Eight Great Awarenesses of an Enlightened Being," focusing on Buddha's last teaching before entering parinirvana. Emphasis is placed on integrating these practices into daily life, and how they represent...
Renunciation, Zazen Mind, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Concentration, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony,...
May 18 1989
Tassajara

Science and Spirit: A Unified Journey

Serial: SF-00049 Sunday lecture The talk explores the relationship between spiritual teachings and scientific thought, focusing on the personal journey from entertaining to delving into deeper Dharma. This involves a reflection on the significance of scientific...
Suzuki Roshi, Religion, Emptiness, Observe, Heart Sutra, Liberation, Vow, Zendo, Hindrances,...
May 07 1989
Green Gulch Farm

Transcending Hindrances Through Compassion

Serial: SF-00149 The talk explores concepts from the Heart Sutra, emphasizing the notion that the mind can transcend hindrances, resulting in the absence of fear. It delves into the "thought coverings" or "avarana" outlined in Buddhist philosophy...
Subject-and-Object, Hindrances, Emptiness, Hate, Nirvana, Gratitude, Offering, Delusion,...
May 06 1989

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00958 The talk focuses on the theme of addressing suffering and avoidance through Zen practices, exploring gratitude within families, and considering the historical and evolving role of women in Buddhism. It uses the story of Tungshan...
Demons, Karma, Mindfulness, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Buddha Mind, Bodhisattva Vow, Zendo,...
Aug 14 1988
SFZC

Breathing Compassion into Suffering

Serial: SF-00083 The talk discusses the practice of Tonglen, a meditation technique originating from Tibetan Buddhism, which involves breathing in the pain of oneself and others and breathing out relief and openness. The central theme is the...
Practice Period, confusion, Obstacles, Emotions, Letting Go, Passions, Instruction, Anger,...
Aug 03 1988

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00961 The lecture explores the etymology and symbolism of Easter, linking it to spiritual awakening and enlightenment, drawing parallels between Easter's themes and the myth of Buddha's enlightenment. It underscores the practice of...
Interview, Demons, Doubt, Manjushri, Soto Zen, Gratitude, Practice Period, Enemies, Evil...
Apr 03 1988
Green Gulch

Blue Cliff Record Class

Serial: SF-00070 Cases 14 and 15 The talk focuses on analyzing Cases 14 and 15 of the "Blue Cliff Record," highlighting the challenges posed by translation and interpretation, especially regarding the nuanced wordplay and ambiguity intrinsic to the source text....
Suzuki Roshi, First Principle, Oneness, Lotus Sutra, Karma, Transmission, Dragons, Emptiness,...
Nov 27 1987
5
Green Gulch Farm

Embracing Imperfection in Buddhist Refuge

Serial: SF-00129 The talk focuses on the concept of "taking refuge" in the Buddhist context, exploring the commitment to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The discussion touches upon how this commitment involves self-transformation, recognizing the...
Precepts, Ceremony
Nov 12 1987

Embrace Presence Amidst Flowing Time

Serial: SF-00960 The talk explores the themes of time, awareness, and attachment through the lens of Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of deepening one's commitment to meditation during times of change, illustrated by the analogy of...
Commitment, Bodhisattva Vow, Attachment, Continuous Practice, Vow, training, Faith...
Nov 01 1987
Green Gulch

Imperfect Paths to Spiritual Simplicity

Serial: SF-00005 The talk explores the challenges and paradoxes in Buddhist practice, emphasizing the contrast between Buddhism’s ideal simplicity and the inherent imperfections of life. It discusses the balance of seeking better spiritual...
Gratitude, Religion, Doubt, Balance, Suzuki Roshi, Nirvana, Enemies, Attachment, Evil, Vow...
Jul 11 1987

Zen Harmony: Meditation, Music, Mantra

Serial: SF-00031 The talk discusses the practice of seated meditation (shikantaza) and its relationship with music and chanting in Zen traditions. The emphasis is on "just sitting" with no specific goals, akin to experiencing music moment-to-...
Mantra, Buddha Nature, Lotus Sutra, Soto Zen, Zazen, Bowing, Chanting, Posture, Bell, Zendo...
May 03 1987
Green Gulch Farm

Introductory Lecture

Serial: SF-00119 The talk focuses on the concept of "realization" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of being present and fully conscious in daily activities such as breathing, eating, and interacting with others. By connecting deeply...
realization, Silence, Zendo, Daily Life, Mindfulness, Happiness, Freedom, Peace...
1987

Heart Sutra Commentary

Serial: SF-00120 -
Emptiness, Birth-and-Death, Heart Sutra, Observe, Impermanence, Four Foundations, Daily Life,...
1987
1

The Bodhisattva Archetype

Serial: SF-00002 Sunday Lecture The lecture focuses on the Bodhisattva archetype, exploring the roles of wisdom and compassion, embodied by Manjushri and Avalokiteshvara, respectively. The discussion compares these two approaches to enlightenment and social...
Manjushri, Nirvana, Vow, Non-duality, Perfect Wisdom, training, Daily Life, Passions,...
Aug 03 1986
Green Gulch Farm

Practice Life

Serial: SF-00102 Talk given at Berkeley per introduction. The talk focuses on the importance of engaging fully with life as it is, without wishful thinking, and emphasizes accepting both joy and suffering as natural parts of life. The discussion describes the practice of Zazen as a...
Teacher-and-Student, Daily Life, Buddha Nature, Posture, resistance, Suzuki Roshi, Dharma...
Aug 07 1983

The First Grave Precept

Serial: SF-00026 Not Killing The talk explains the Buddhist First Precept of "not killing" as a multifaceted principle, encompassing literal, compassionate, and essential interpretations, and its integration with the Bodhisattva practice of nurturing life....
Precepts, Buddha Nature, Peace, Heart Sutra, Politics, realization, Mahayana, Ordination,...
Aug 04 1983
2 of 3

The Second Grave Precept

Serial: SF-00027 Not taking what is not given. The talk explores the second grave precept of not stealing, emphasizing its multifaceted dimensions, including the theft of time and the impact of expectation on practice. Personal anecdotes demonstrate the moral challenges...
Buddha Nature, Precepts, Peace, training, realization, Samadhi, Ceremony, Ego, Silence,...
Aug 04 1983
3 of 3

The Nature of the Precepts

Serial: SF-00025 The discourse focuses on the nature and purpose of the Bodhisattva precepts within Zen Buddhism, particularly the sixteen precepts in the Harada-Yasutani lineage of Soto Zen. The talk examines the philosophical underpinnings of...
Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Mahayana, realization, Lay, Sangha, Bodhidharma, Emptiness,...
Aug 03 1983
1

Pure Effort In Everyday Busy Life

Serial: BZ-00020 Saturday Lecture The talk, titled "Pure Effort In Everyday Busy Life," explores the concept of perfect effort in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pure effort in daily activities despite life's distractions and challenges....
Posture, New Year Celebration, Pure Effort, Don't Know Mind, Practice Period,...
Jan 02 1982
Berkeley Zen Center

The Human Encounter with Death

Serial: SF-00114 The talk explores experiences with death and dying, emphasizing work conducted at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center involving LSD as an adjunct to psychotherapy for terminally ill patients. The speaker reflects on the...
Death-and-Dying, training, Letting Go, Demons, Conversation, Emotions, Faith, Enthusiasm,...
Oct 11 1981
1 and 2 of 3
City Center

Poetry, Love, and Spiritual Rebellion

Serial: SF-00104 This talk explores the intersection of personal experiences, particularly sexual orientation, with poetry, art, and spirituality. The integration of intimate relationships and artistic expression, notably inspired by experiences...
Lay, Ordinary Mind, Passions, Bodhisattva Vow, Emptiness, Commitment, Balance, Conversation,...
Sep 28 1981

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00098 This talk explores the integration of feminism and Zen Buddhism, primarily within the context of the Diamond Sangha, focusing on gender dynamics and ritual practices. Emphasis is placed on reevaluating the use of traditional...
Ceremony, Lotus Sutra, Silence, Anger, Passions, Offering, Balance, Doubt, Peace...
Aug 14 1981
3

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00100 The talk examines the integration of feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha, focusing on how feminist perspectives have been introduced into Zen practice. Issues such as the gender-neutral adaptation of sutras, redefining...
Emptiness, Aspects of Practice, Lineage, Separation, Sangha, Monastic Practice, Lay, Heart...
Aug 14 1981
1

Application of the Practice - Feminism and Buddhism in the Diamond Sangha

Serial: SF-00099 The talk examines the integration of feminism and Buddhism within the Diamond Sangha, highlighting efforts to reconcile feminist perspectives with traditional Zen practices. It discusses the challenges of embodying Zen teachings...
Emptiness, Lineage, Aspects of Practice, Bodhisattva Vow, Heart Sutra, Sangha, Liberation,...
Aug 14 1981
2

Dining Room class

Serial: SF-00133 The talk focuses on elucidating the mainstream Christian tradition by examining the central theological concept that "God speaks," positioning this within a comparative framework with Buddhist teachings. It introduces three...
Silence, Current Events, Religion, Monastic Practice, Faith, Sanctuary, Fox, Patience, Balance...
Jun 14 1981
1
Tassajara

The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom

Serial: SF-00007B Reading of Dr Edward Conze's translation - this is after 00007A and separate from it. The talk conducts a detailed reading and analysis of Dr. Edward Conze’s translation of "The Large Sutra on Perfect Wisdom," specifically from the section titled "The Great Enlightenment," highlighting the unceasing and boundary-...
Perfect Wisdom, true dharma, Evil, Concentration, Karma, Anger
Apr 25 1980

The Four Truths

Serial: SF-00009 The talk explores the Mangala Sutta as a foundation for understanding the Buddhist path to the highest bliss, which varies depending on individual perspectives and social consciousness. The Sutta emphasizes ethical conduct,...
Happiness, Four Noble Truths, Religion, New Year, Don't Know Mind, Gratitude, Vinaya,...
Oct 21 1979

Lama Govinda’s Paper

Serial: SF-00010 AIBS The talk addresses the challenge of translating Buddhist teachings into Western languages and perspectives, underlining the effort to detach Buddhism from Western interpretations and biases. The discussion references the siddhas...
Religion, Emptiness, Sanctuary, Dragons, Birth-and-Death, Lovingkindness, Passions, Happiness...
Aug 05 1978

Hakuin

Serial: SF-00138 The talk provides a detailed exploration of the Japanese Zen master Hakuin Ekaku, highlighting his contributions to Zen art and Koan practice. This discussion includes an analysis of Hakuin's paintings, especially those embedded...
Bodhidharma, Demons, training, Greed, Concentration, Passions, Bell, Lay, Hate...
Mar 23 1978
Tassajara

Five Masters in the Kamakura Period

Serial: SF-00159 The talk explores the transformative teachings of five influential Buddhist masters from the Kamakura period: Honen, Shinran, Ippen, Nichiren, and Dogen. These masters diverged from established traditions to focus on singular...
Lotus Sutra, Faith, Chanting, Evil, Vow, Precepts, Ceremony, Demons, Sangha, Lineage...
Mar 03 1978
Tassajara

On Kechimyaku, Inka and Robes

Serial: SF-00028 Interviewed by Kazuaki Tanahashi; brief history of studies in Rinzai dojo; nature of being a roshi. The talk explores the rigorous training and life journey of an individual within the Rinzai Zen tradition, delving into personal experiences, philosophical reflections, and historical accounts of the Zen practice. Central themes...
Hate, Dana, Religion, Intuition, Lineage, Evil, Happiness, Freedom, Doubt
Jan 09 1977

Awakening Through Sound and Self-lessness

Serial: SF-00130 Changes that occur during practice period; sutra story of monk retrieving his mother from hell; composing concrete music; This talk explores the transformation experienced during a Zen practice period, emphasizing the dissolution of the individual self through continuous meditation and ceremonies, including contrasts with Western concepts of a fixed...
Practice Period, Ceremony, Mahayana, Nirvana, Karma, Manjushri, Addiction, Samsara, Bowing,...
Dec 10 1975

Seminar on Prajna

Serial: SF-00019 Prajna is beyond words and inexpressible; Joshu, Daishi and the broom; achieving the knowledge of not-knowledge. This talk explores the concept of Prajna, emphasizing its inexpressibility and its depiction as knowledge of not-knowledge. Through Zen anecdotes and texts, the speaker discusses the synthesis of Daoist and Buddhist thought,...
Duality, Mahayana, Lay, Cultivation, Concentration, Attachment, Vow, Freedom, Doubt...
May 24 1975

From Self to Universal Enlightenment

Serial: SF-00015 Morning; Buddha sitting to save all beings; difference between Bodhisattva stage and Buddha stage. The discussion centers on the distinction between the Bodhisattva stage and the Buddha stage, focusing on the transition and realization of Gautama Buddha. It explores the roles of Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas,...
Nirvana, Bodhisattva Way, Mahayana, Passions, Balance, Peace
Mar 28 1975

Thursday Night Lecture at Fireman's Fund Auditorium

Serial: SF-00127 Economics as if people matter. The talk emphasizes the concept of decentralization and small-scale technology as crucial for creating more democratic and resilient societies. It critiques large-scale industrial models for their lack of adaptability and...
Fox, Politics, Concentration, Balance, Bell, Freedom, Doubt, training
Sep 05 1974
2
Fireman's Fund Auditorium

Thursday Night Lecture at Fireman's Fund Auditorium

Serial: SF-00126 Economics as if people matter. The talk explores the themes of sustainable economics and critiques the conventional economic model of unlimited growth and consumption. It emphasizes the need for alternatives that prioritize human well-being, considerations of...
Doubt, Non-violence, Funeral, Bell
Sep 05 1974
Fireman's Fund Auditorium

Pathway to Enlightenment Through Mahamudra

Serial: SF-00021 Speaking on Mahamudra and translating old Mahamudra texts. The talk addresses the practices and teachings of Mahamudra meditation within the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing the progression from form-based meditation to formless, wordless meditation. It highlights the...
realization, Concentration, Politics, Discrimination, Daily Life, Transmission, Silence,...
Apr 23 1974
City Center

Monastic Life

Serial: SF-00007A Early Christian mystics; Benedictine regulations, the rule of obedience; manifestation of God in the world. The discussion delves into the intersection of monastic practices and spiritual life, emphasizing the contrasts between early Christian mysticism and biblical regulations, particularly those highlighted in the Rule of St....
realization, Monastic Practice, Silence, Ego, Aspects of Practice, Separation, Conversation,...
Feb 07 1974
Tassajara

Pathways to Spiritual Enlightenment

Serial: SF-00125 The third great religious awakening in America. This talk explores the dynamics between esoteric and exoteric approaches in religious and philosophical traditions, particularly focusing on how these concepts relate to American religious awakenings. The discussion highlights...
Emptiness, Religion, Manjushri, Interview, Conversation, Karma
Jul 18 1973
2

Beyond Belief: Unveiling Hidden Truths

Serial: SF-00124 Differences between exoteric and esoteric religious traditions. The talk explores the distinctions between exoteric and esoteric religious traditions, focusing on various modes of understanding God, the nature of religious knowledge, and the roles of faith and personal discernment. Exoteric...
Religion, Evil, Suzuki Roshi, Subject-and-Object, Intuition, Nirvana, Separation, Liberation,...
Jul 18 1973
1

SF Seminar

Serial: SF-00023 The Three Bodies of Buddha; comparison between Eastern and Western thought; Greek tradition and Puritan tradition. The talk explores the concept of the Three Bodies of the Buddha, comparing the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmankaya within the framework of traditional Buddhist teachings. The explanation includes a discussion on cosmic and...
Faith, Mahayana, confusion, Religion, Passions, Doubt
Mar 09 1973
1

SF Seminar

Serial: SF-00024 The problems with celibacy The talk critiques celibacy and its psychological impacts, suggesting that enforced celibacy can intensify negative instincts like sadism, with a reflection on how different cultures and religions handle such practices. It...
Current Events, Politics, Fasting, Demons, Obstacles, Patience, Attachment, Religion...
Mar 09 1973
2

The Monastic Tradition

Serial: SF-00132 Monastic experience across religious traditions. The talk delves into the monastic experience as a universal human dimension, extending beyond specific religious traditions. It examines how the Christian monastic experience finds profound meaning in the 'word' within biblical...
Silence, Monastic Practice, Don't Know Mind, Emptiness, Religion, Bell, Anger...
Feb 26 1973
2

The Monastic Tradition

Serial: SF-00131 How to deal with peak experiences in our lives. The talk delves into the monastic tradition, exploring how peak experiences and the monastic dimension intersect as paths towards meaning in life. It posits that these peak experiences, which embody moments of complete presence...
Monastic Practice, Silence, Gratitude, Evil, Cultivation, Conversation, Lay, Happiness,...
Feb 26 1973

SF Seminar

Serial: SF-00022 Myths and legends in religious traditions; natural and supernatural language. The talk addresses the concept of "karma obstacles" in relation to finding competent spiritual teachers, highlighting the role of karma in determining the quality of leaders in different communities. It further delves into the...
Attachment, Heart Sutra, Religion, Emptiness, Buddha Nature, Transmission, Enemies, Intuition...
Feb 22 1973

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