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Title Speaker Date

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
Feb 22 1972
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
Feb 22 1972
2
City Center

Allen Ginsberg and Musicians

Serial: SF-00107 Musical event The talk discusses the intersection of music, Zen philosophy, and social critique, featuring a rehearsal with musicians and a reflective discussion on societal issues. Key passages include an homage to Roshi Suzuki and a...
Obstacles, Vow, Instruction, Greed, Chanting, Passions, Offering, Attachment, Karma...
Feb 22 1972
1
City Center

Allen Ginsberg and Musicians

Serial: SF-00106 Musical event -
Feb 22 1972
2
City Center

Funeral Service for Suzuki Roshi

Serial: SR-00171 This is a full recording of Suzuki Roshi's funeral, held nine days after his death. During the funeral service for Suzuki Roshi, various speakers and participants commemorate his life and teachings. This event acknowledges the profound impact Suzuki Roshi had on the dissemination of Zen Buddhism outside of Japan...
Ceremony, Funeral, Suzuki Roshi, Soto Zen, zen, Ceremony, Vow, Discrimination...
Dec 12 1971
City Center

Wind Stops, But Still Flower Falls

Serial: SR-00163 This audio has been improved, so more of the students' questions may be discernible. The talk delves into the Zen understanding of existence and non-existence using the metaphor of natural elements such as wind, flowers, and birds to illustrate the Zen concept of "there is" and "there is not....
Ummon, Faith, Freedom, reality, Dragons, Community, Emptiness, Wisdom, Building, American,...
Aug 15 1971
Tassajara

Obon Days

Serial: SR-00166 This talk explores the cultural and historical contexts of the Obon festival in Japan, an event honoring ancestral spirits, and how these practices relate to broader Asian cultural and spiritual histories. The discussion provides...
Ceremony, Big Mind, Nishiari Bokusan, Offering, Suffering, American, Faith
Aug 12 1971
Tassajara

At the Time of Yakusan

Serial: SF-06061 New version of this lecture has been uploaded, which may allow for more of the transcript to be done. The talk explores the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism during the time of Zen Master Yakusan Igen. It highlights the episode where Yakusan, known for his silent teachings, eludes giving a lecture as a means to impart...
Yaoshan, Faith
Aug 01 1971
Tassajara

Universal Practice for Laymen and Monks

Serial: SR-00175 Whatever you do is practice; be careful not to practice for the sake of the self. Zazen as a way to find realization and get used to realization. Whether priest or layperson, practice to develop buddha mind, not the small self. The talk outlines the concept of practice within Zen, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and the development of buddha-mind over self-centered practices. Practice, illustrated through activities like zazen, aims to reduce...
Practice, Zazen, Bodhisattva, Dogen, Sixth Patriarch, Buddha Mind, Faith, Truth, Fasting,...
Jul 25 1971
Tassajara

San-Pachi-Nenju

Serial: SF-06030 The talk explores the practice of san-pachi-nenju, focusing on its integration with the Soto and Rinzai traditions and the importance of embodying non-dualistic principles in daily life. It highlights the need for lay...
Ceremony, First Principle, Faith, Non-duality, Diversity, Lay
Jul 22 1971
Tassajara

Why Then Is It Necessary To Accept Precepts

Serial: SF-06031 The talk discusses the importance of accepting Buddhist precepts, framing them as common yet essential elements of practice. It explains the indivisibility of the three precepts and how they embody the unity of the practitioner...
Precepts, Precepts, Big Mind, Buddha Nature, training, Religion, Observe, Priest, Zazen,...
Jul 17 1971
City Center

It Is Actually Buddha's Practice

Serial: SF-06114B The main thesis of the talk emphasizes that true practice in Zen involves embodying Buddha's practice rather than perceiving it as a personal endeavor. This concept suggests that selfless practice leads to liberation from...
Sesshin,
Feb 20 1971
Tassajara

Not Sticking to Enlightenment

Serial: SF-05445B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #26, by Shundo David Haye ===== It's not completely clear how this talk dropped off the radar, as the tape had been copied and transcribed previously – indeed, it features in Not... The talk centers on the challenges of transitioning from sesshin to everyday life, emphasizing non-attachment to 'enlightenment' as a fixed goal. It highlights the teachings of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, particularly the notion...
Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Emptiness
Feb 12 1971
B
City Center

Teisho (Introduced by Jakusho Kwong)

Serial: SF-05452B Mill Valley Zendo, talk by Suzuki Roshi The talk emphasizes the importance of zazen practice in countering the detrimental karmic effects caused by human actions that harm the environment. It distinguishes between the greater opportunity for starting anew in America...
Emptiness, Precepts, Observe, Ego, Evil
Dec 23 1970
Mill Valley Zendo

Lay Ordination Ceremony

Serial: SR-00069B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #25, by Shundo David Haye ===== This tape, which is unfortunately very poorly recorded, gives us a sense of the lay ordination ceremony that took place at City Center in August 1970. During the... The talk centers on the lay ordination ceremony conducted in August 1970, highlighting the significance of lay ordination in aligning with the bodhisattva way, which emphasizes compassion and adaptability in aiding others. It...
Precepts, Ceremony, Commitment
Aug 23 1970
City Center

To Be Honest And Sincere In Its True Sense It Is Necessary to Push Yourself Into Some Very Strong Hard Rule

Serial: SF-06121B Sunday, August 16, 1970San Francisco [This is the second of two lectures with this date. This lecture began mid-way on Side A of the original tape after a prior lecture ended. This lecture appears to be complete.] Newly processed... The talk explores the necessity of embracing strict practice to realize one's true nature, drawing on Zen teachings to emphasize adjusting to nature rather than conquering it. The practice of Zen, including rituals like oryoki...
Faith, Hate, Doubt
Aug 16 1970
B
City Center

Priest Ordination Ceremony: Paul Discoe and Reb Anderson

Serial: SR-00069A Reprocessed version may allow for clarification of transcript. The talk centers on the ordination ceremony of Paul Discoe and Reb Anderson, articulating the significance of this rite as a transmission of Buddha's teachings, lineage, and the acceptance of bodhisattva precepts. It emphasizes...
Priest, Ceremony, Precepts, Don't Know Mind, Delusion, Greed, Interview, Gratitude, Karma...
Aug 09 1970
City Center

Zazen Practice and Listen to the Right Teacher

Serial: SF-05631 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #24, by Shundo David Haye ===== In the last years of Suzuki Roshi's life, very few talks were lost from the collections. The previously available recording for this date was incomplete - it... The talk centers on the importance of right practice and the role of a teacher in Zen practice, especially regarding the understanding and observance of the bodhisattva precepts. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of a steadfast...
Sesshin, Dogen, Bodhidharma, Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Observe, Precepts, Faith,...
Aug 03 1970
City Center

Observation of Precepts and Practice of Zazen is Same Thing

Serial: SF-06049 Sesshin Lecture No. 1 Saturday, August 1, 1970 San Francisco The talk explores the essential unity between the observation of precepts and the practice of zazen, emphasizing that both are inherent to one's true nature, much like rules inherently exist whenever something exists. The...
Sesshin, Precepts, Precepts, Doubt, Buddha Nature, Faith, Ceremony, Ordination, Lay, Religion...
Aug 01 1970
City Center

Open Your Intuition

Serial: SF-05587B Sesshin MeetingFriday, July 31, 1970San Francisco The talk emphasizes the importance of silence and observation during sesshin to cultivate intuition and true self-awareness. Participants are encouraged to maintain silence, avoid reading, and follow specific practices like...
Sesshin, Intuition, Instruction, Beginners
Jul 31 1970
City Center

Ekō Lecture 2

Serial: SR-00229 The Second Morning Eko, Part 1 of 3Friday Evening, July 10, 1970Tassajara [This is the second in a series of six lectures by Suzuki on the four ekos chanted at the conclusion of morning services at San Francisco Zen Center and... The talk delves into the nuances of the second morning dedication (eko) chanted at Zen temples, emphasizing the importance of integrating Mahayana and Hinayana practices despite historical distinctions. The discussion covers the...
Eko, Chanting, Chanting, Anger, Buddha Nature, Mahayana, heart, Karma, Meditation, Doubt,...
Jul 10 1970
Tassajara

Way of Zazen

Serial: SF-00017 Lecture given in Japanese with translation The talk explores the intricate practice of Zazen, emphasizing the disciplined physical postures and breathing techniques that are integral to achieving a meditative state. The lecturer describes the process in detailed, step-by-...
Evil, training, Faith
Jun 07 1970
City Center

Ceremony Officially Opening Beginner's Mind Temple

Serial: SF-05995 This is the bulk of the ceremony, with speakers other than Suzuki Roshi, in Japanese and English The ceremony marks the official opening of the Beginner's Mind Temple and emphasizes the joy and gratitude associated with Zen practice, particularly highlighting the contributions and cultural significance of Buddhism. The event...
training, Gratitude, Zoom, Ceremony, Obstacles, Observe, Silence, Enemies, Evil, Precepts...
Apr 25 1970
City Center

Remarks at the Ceremony Officially Opening Beginner's Mind Temple

Serial: SF-05996 These are Suzuki Roshi's words, edited together out of longer recording of ceremony. The talk addresses the ceremonial opening of the Beginner's Mind Temple, highlighting the significance of the event through the offering of fruits and vegetables and the recitation of the Daihi-shin Dharani, symbolizing the way-...
Ceremony, Offering
Apr 25 1970
City Center

How To Have Sincere Practice

Serial: SR-00145 Suzuki Roshi edited from longer recording. The talk focuses on the nature of sincere Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of dedication and the rejection of superficial effort. It highlights the challenges faced by Zen practitioners in maintaining a true path and...
Building, Community, Meditation, Zendo, Obstacles, Interview, Silence, Breath, training, zen...
Apr 25 1970
A
City Center

Way-Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-05361 Saturday Lecture Of March Sesshin Saturday, March 28, 1970 San Francisco The talk centers on the concept of the "way-seeking mind," emphasizing its critical emergence during periods of difficulty in everyday life. Through anecdotes about esteemed Zen figures such as Watanabe Genshu Zenji, Morita Goyu...
Way-Seeking Mind, Sesshin, Monastic Practice, Peace
Mar 28 1970
City Center

Practice To Be Like A Stone

Serial: SF-06125 SR-70-02-28 Sesshin lecture #6 (last lecture) - followed by service #2 for Trudy DixonNB - is 1970 despite the year added to the photos The lecture focuses on the transformative yet often unexpected change in practitioners resulting from prolonged Zen practice, particularly during sesshins. The process involves cultivating a stillness akin to being "like a stone...
Don't Know Mind, Composure, Diversity, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, training...
Feb 28 1970
City Center

Rules

Serial: SF-06038 The talk explores the importance of monastic rules in Zen practice, interpreting them as frameworks that discourage egoistic behavior and promote selflessness. Through an analysis of Dogen Zenji’s seating dispute at Tendo...
Dogen, Posture, Balance, Doubt, Faith
Jan 18 1970
City Center

Ordination Ceremony: Bill Kwong and Silas Hoadley

Serial: SR-00069C The talk discusses the ordination ceremony for two individuals, emphasizing the fundamental Buddhist teaching that all beings, animate or inanimate, have intrinsic value and their own position within the Buddhist framework. The...
Ceremony, Priest, Ceremony, American
Jan 11 1970
City Center

Shosan Ceremony

Serial: SF-05964 Friday, December 5, 1969 Previously described as intranscribable - now clearer ----- File name: 69-12-05N: untitled level low. [Verbatim transcript not available. (Sound problem.)] The talk discusses various aspects of Zen practice, focusing on themes such as fear, selflessness, the nature of Buddha, and the practice of questioning. The exchanges emphasize the dissolution of ego, detachment from material...
Ceremony, Shosan, Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Letting Go, Separation, Attachment, Dragons,...
Dec 05 1969
Tassajara

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...
Oct 30 1969
Series 3, Talk 6
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-5

Serial: SF-06006 Third Lotus Sutra Series Tuesday Evening, October 28, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk discusses the implications of Mahayana and Hinayana distinctions within Buddhist teachings, emphasizing how historical divisions among Buddha's followers have shaped diverse interpretations. It focuses on the Mahayana...
Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Skandas, Balance
Oct 28 1969
Series 3, Talk 5
Tassajara

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,
Sep 16 1969

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, training, Enemies, Passions, Bell,...
Sep 16 1969
1 of 2

Wherever You Are, Enlightenment Is There

Serial: SF-05184A 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 explores the realization of buddha-nature amidst the dualistic world of good and bad, emphasizing that our practice transcends these dualities to attain an absolute realm. Using analogies such as separate parts of a meal...
Dogen, Buddha Nature, Enlightenment, Five Ranks, Buddha Nature, Composure, Emotions, Doubt...
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
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, reality, Passions, Intuition, Bell, Forms, American, difficulty...
Sep 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, training, Faith
Aug 30 1969
Tassajara

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, sitting, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center,...
Aug 28 1969
Tassajara

Our Way To Attain Liberation

Serial: SF-05087B Monday Evening, August 18, 1969Tassajara 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 explores the nature of liberation and enlightenment in Zen practice, using the story of the Sixth Patriarch, Hui-neng, as a central theme. The discussion focuses on the integration of mind and environment, as interpreted...
Sixth Patriarch, Monastic Practice, Japan, Aspects of Practice, Discrimination, Faith,...
Aug 18 1969
Tassajara

Emptiness is Form

Serial: SF-05968 Sunday, June 29, 1969 San Francisco Newly uploaded version has speed adjustments made; should be a little clearer for transcript - not just end, but correcting throughout. The talk explores the interplay between form and emptiness, emphasizing that understanding and embodying "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form" is crucial in Zen practice. The discussion highlights the necessity of...
Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Current Events, Balance, Faith, Beginners, Continuous Practice...
Jun 29 1969
Tassajara

Yakusan did not give lectures for a long time

Serial: SF-05961 June 1969Tassajara Story of Yakusan saying he was not a teacher to give lectures. Making effort, and paying attention. What is right effort? The primary focus of the talk is on the concept of effort in Zen Buddhism, particularly contrasting "right effort" with the typical efforts driven by materialistic goals. This discourse emphasizes learning from the story of...
Priest, Freedom
Jun 1969
Tassajara

Nansen's “Everyday Mind Is Dao”

Serial: SR-00010 The talk focuses on the Zen koan "Everyday Mind Is Dao" and explores its implications for Zen practice, particularly shikantaza (just sitting) and koan practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine practice devoid...
Truth, Birth-and-Death, Wisdom, zen, Pain, Death, difficulty, Composure, Sutra...
Mar 10 1969

At The End Of The Year We Clean Up Our House

Serial: SF-05970B Dec 1968 New Year Lecture This lecture discusses the theme of renewal, both physically and spiritually, at the end of the year, drawing parallels between the annual Japanese tradition of house cleaning and the Zen practice of remaining adaptable in life....
Beginner’s Mind, Dogen, Japan, New Year, Beginners, Transmission, Instruction, Priest, Faith...
Dec 29 1968
Sokoji

untitled

Serial: SR-00007 Newly reprocessed recording should be a little clearer The talk delves into the pivotal moment when the Buddha acknowledged Shariputra's wisdom and the significant moral of the burning house parable from a Buddhist sutra. It explores themes of understanding karma, the illusion of...
Lotus Sutra, Monks, Breath, Building
Dec 24 1968
Sokoji

True Happiness and Renewal of Practice at Year's End

Serial: SF-05970A Newly uploaded recording of this talk. The talk explores the concept of true happiness within the framework of Buddhism, emphasizing that lasting happiness must be understood in the context of impermanence and should not rely on non-changing conditions. It highlights...
Happiness, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Composure
Dec 21 1968
Sokoji

Shosan Ceremony

Serial: SR-00075 The primary focus of the talk is to explore the deeper aspects of Zen practice and the challenges practitioners face in understanding concepts such as buddha-nature, compassion, emptiness, and the duality of human existence. The...
Shosan, First Principle, Emptiness, Compassion, Lotus Sutra, Patience, sitting, Emotions,...
Nov 11 1968
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-1

Serial: SF-05681 [Second Lotus Sutra series in 1968] Sunday Evening, October 20, 1968 Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on the "Lotus Sutra," known as the Saddharmapundarika Sutra, believed to have emerged centuries after the historical Buddha. It explores the evolution of the concepts of Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya...
Lotus Sutra, Vow, Enemies, Conversation, Karma, Emotions
Oct 20 1968
Tassajara

The True Dragon

Serial: SF-05239 The talk discusses the necessity of practicing authentic Zen meditation (zazen) by exploring Dogen Zenji’s teachings on avoiding superficial practice. It warns against practicing like a "blind man" or Seiko, who admired dragons...
Dogen, Baso, Dragons, Freedom, Soto Zen, Emptiness, Bodhidharma, Instruction, Zazen...
Oct 12 1968
B
Sokoji

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-14

Serial: SF-05683 Fall 1968 Zen Mountain Center The main focus of this talk is an exploration of the "Lotus Sutra," where the speaker delves into the intricate hierarchy of celestial beings, including bodhisattvas, gods, and other supernatural entities. The discussion includes...
Lotus Sutra, Demons, Silence, Evil
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 14
Tassajara

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