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Title Speaker Date

Birth and Death

Serial: SF-00970 Sunday Lecture - Children's Lecture: children's story - Amos and Boris; response to Hurrican Katrina; Story of king, knowing death is coming; vowing to live for the benefit of all; story of Buddha, a child's death and mustard... The lecture explores themes of interdependence, the impermanence of life, and compassionate action, drawing from the children's story "Amos and Boris" by William Steig and Buddhist teachings. It emphasizes the importance of...
Birth-and-Death, Vow, Four Noble Truths, First Principle, Lotus Sutra, Mill Valley, Faith,...
Sep 04 2005
Green Gulch

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-01783 The talk explores themes of self-expression, authenticity, and practice in Zen, emphasizing the importance of expressing one's true self without imitation. The discussion highlights Suzuki Roshi's teachings from the book "Not...
Practice Period, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Birth-and-Death, Posture, Instruction, Suzuki...
Sep 03 2005
Tassajara

Zendo Lecture

Serial: SF-01782 The talk analyzes key teachings from Suzuki Roshi's collected Dharma talks in "Not Always So," emphasizing the integration of practice and daily life beyond mere observance of rituals or precepts. It explores the intricate...
Precepts, Suzuki Roshi, Observe, Teacher-and-Student, Non-duality, Ego, training, Posture,...
Sep 01 2005
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...
Posture, Zendo, Mindfulness, training, Big Mind, Bell, Bowing, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen,...
Aug 31 2005
Tassajara

Natural Liberation

Serial: SF-00035 Sunday talk.Buddha teaches liberation; methods of liberation; birth and death is itself nirvana. The talk explores the Buddhist notion of liberation through different traditions, focusing on Shakyamuni Buddha's Four Noble Truths as a path to freedom from suffering. It examines the methods used in the Buddhist tradition:...
Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Renunciation, Nirvana, Freedom, Letting Go, Samsara, Ceremony,...
Jun 26 2005

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03125 The talk explores Zen practices, focusing on the deeper implications of meditation techniques and their role in addressing the existential concepts of birth and death. The speaker examines a classic Zen koan involving the...
Birth-and-Death, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Separation, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Happiness,...
Jun 24 2005
Tassajara

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03122 The talk focuses on examining the repeated inquiry into personal and spiritual existence through a Zen lens, employing a koan from the "Blue Cliff Record" as a central theme. It emphasizes the practice of nurturing spiritual...
Birth-and-Death, Silent Illumination, Buddha Mind, Patience, Offering, Intimacy, Doubt...
Jun 06 2005
Tassajara

Wheel of Birth and Death

Serial: SF-00969 Sunday Lecture: Children's stories: earth moving around the sun is one year; "stone soup"; thinking and not thinking; Tibetan wheel of birth and death - six realms, twelve-fold chain of causation; Marin organizing committee -... The talk delves into the concepts of time and existence through a Zen lens, using storytelling, parables, and interpretations of classic Buddhist texts. The main discourse explores the Buddhist teachings on the cyclical nature of...
Peace, Dependent Origination, Six Realms, Demons, Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Silence,...
Apr 10 2005
Green Gulch

Zendo Lecture

Serial: SF-03123 The talk explores Zen practice as an immersion into the present moment and the interconnectedness of all things, using the metaphor of an ecosystem to describe the dynamic interaction of personal and collective experiences. It...
Practice Period, Impermanence, Balance, Five Ranks, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Letting Go...
Mar 21 2005
Tassajara

Zen Of Business Administration

Serial: SF-00036 Sunday Talk.Life at Green Gulch in the 1970s; giving, fearlessness; improv; no mistakes; parenting. The talk explores the integration of Zen principles, particularly the practice of generosity, fearlessness, and flexibility, into business and daily life. Drawing from personal experiences, including time spent at Green Gulch and...
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Interview, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Daily Life, Koan,...
Mar 20 2005
Green Gulch Farm

Way Seeking Mind

Serial: SF-00044 The route to becoming a zen monk; growing up Jewish and hanging out with the beats; meeting Suzuki Roshi. The central theme of the talk explores the journey to becoming a Zen monk, interweaving personal experiences of growing up Jewish and interacting with the Beat Generation, ultimately leading to significant relationships with...
Monastic Practice, Japan, Way-Seeking Mind, Suzuki Roshi, Monastic Practice, Priest,...
Mar 13 2005
2
Tassajara

Two Paths to the Dharma

Serial: SF-00080 The talk explores personal journeys within the Dharma, focusing on the distinct paths of practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism and Japanese Zen Buddhism. It reflects on cultural and institutional influences associated with these...
training, Practice Period, Liberation, Bodhidharma, Mahayana, Study Period, Lineage, Letting...
Mar 04 2005

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00940 World's largest ball of twine, snobbery, insight, calming our minds, shamata - tranquility practce, Dhammapada, monuments to warfare, GGF farm and kids, hate crime and Tam High, Harvey Milk, It's Elementary Sutra (?), sew... The talk explores the profound teaching that our life is shaped by our thoughts and emphasizes the essential practice of calming the mind through Shamatha, promoting tranquility as a foundational Buddhist practice. It stresses...
Vow, Precepts, Hate, Non-violence, Bodhisattva Precepts, Intimacy, Interview, Mindfulness,...
Dec 19 2004
Green Gulch

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03557 Dining Room Class The talk explores the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, particularly focusing on the recitations by individuals and the dialogue between the Buddha and Shariputra. The central theme is the importance of understanding and...
Lotus Sutra, Intimacy, Vow, Zendo, Manjushri, First Principle, Ordinary Mind, Suzuki Roshi,...
Dec 03 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03560 Dining Room Class The talk focuses on the transformation of the Naga Princess in the Lotus Sutra, exploring themes of gender fluidity, spiritual power, and the attainment of Buddhahood without the necessity of changing one's form. The discussion...
Addiction, Lotus Sutra, Happiness, realization, Emptiness
Nov 27 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03484 Dining Room Class The talk delves into Chapter 12 of the Lotus Sutra, focusing on the story of the Naga Princess. This chapter challenges presiding views on women's capability for spiritual attainment in Buddhism, illustrating a radical shift...
Dragons, Lotus Sutra, Manjushri, Mahayana, Emptiness, Hindrances, Diversity, Vimalakirti, Evil...
Nov 27 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03546 Second Sesshin, Zendo Lecture day 6 The talk examines a poem by Dogen from the "Eihei Koroku" and the narrative developments of Chapter 12 of the "Lotus Sutra," particularly focusing on the character of Devadatta. The lecture draws parallels between Zen teachings...
Lotus Sutra, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Karma, Karmic Consequences, Buddha's Birthday,...
Nov 21 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03548 Second Sesshin, Zendo Lecture The talk focuses on the need for dedication and discipline during the sesshin practice period, emphasizing participation in traditional forms and rituals to deepen one's practice. A particular focus is placed on maintaining...
Lotus Sutra, Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Emotions, Emptiness, Freedom, training, true...
Nov 16 2004
Tassajara

Buddha Nature and the Ugly Duckling

Serial: SF-00056 Zendo lecture; feeling of not fitting in and not belonging that sends us towards spiritual practice. The talk explores the concept of Buddha nature, juxtaposing it with the story of "The Ugly Duckling" to discuss themes of belonging and the realization of one's true self. It delves into Buddhist teachings on how avoiding...
Lotus Sutra, Buddha Nature, Ego, Delusion, training, Precepts, stubbornness, Posture, Zendo,...
Nov 06 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03549 Dining Room Class The talk covers several topics, including the practice and study of the Lotus Sutra, reflections on election results, and coping with physical challenges during practice periods such as cold weather. Additionally, the discussion...
Lotus Sutra, Ceremony, Perfect Wisdom, Buddha Nature, Nirvana, Zazen, Practice Period, Zazen...
Nov 03 2004
Tassajara

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03545 First Sesshin, Zendo Lecture The lecture focuses on the upcoming Seijiki ceremony, discussing its spiritual significance and origins in Buddhist scripture. It explains the historical connection to Maha Moggalyana and Ananda's stories, illustrating how the...
Ceremony, Offering, Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Chanting, Branching Streams, Karma, Giving-and-...
Oct 29 2004
Tassajara

Discipline

Serial: SF-00077 Relationship with the rules while training. The talk discusses the nature of discipline within Zen practice, emphasizing engagement with rules, such as the "six-month rule," and the transformative potential of discipline when approached as a training method. The discussion...
training, Practice Period, Vinaya, Emotions, Don't Know Mind, Mindfulness, Balance,...
Oct 20 2004

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03554 Dining Room Class 3 The talk examines the parable of the burning house from the Lotus Sutra, exploring its deeper ethical and philosophical implications. The discussion questions the notion of truth and falsehood in the parable considering the...
Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Daily Life, Nirvana, Bell, Renunciation, Samsara, Balance, Evil...
Oct 20 2004
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra Class

Serial: SF-03556 Dining Room Class 3 The talk begins with reflections on a poem by Dogen about the Lotus Sutra and proceeds with audience recitations from the Lotus Sutra, focusing on themes of doubt and realization of Buddha nature. It then delves into a discussion...
Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Mahayana, Big Mind, Practice Period, Heart Sutra, Buddha Nature,...
Oct 20 2004
Tassajara

Breathing In and Breathing Out

Serial: SF-00934 One-day sitting lecture: Book of Serenity Case 3, Anapanasati Sutta, Six Subtle Dharma Gates The talk examines the intersection of Zen teachings and mindfulness practices, primarily focusing on the "Book of Serenity, Case 3," the "Anapanasati Sutta," and "The Six Subtle Dharma Gates." Discussing the story of Prajñātara...
Mindfulness, Dragons, Lotus Sutra, Concentration, Book of Serenity, Bodhidharma, Peace,...
Sep 18 2004
Green Gulch

Living The Good Life

Serial: SF-00933 Sunday Lecture The talk explores the concept of "the good life," emphasizing a combination of mental, physical, social, ethical, and spiritual well-being. It considers wisdom from both Buddhist and Western psychotherapeutic traditions,...
Patience, Ordinary Mind, Mill Valley, Big Mind, Attachment, Commitment, Silence, Intimacy,...
Aug 29 2004
Green Gulch

Dining Room Lecture

Serial: SF-03172 The main thesis of this talk revolves around the concept of "Being Fully Alive" and explores the Zen practice of realizing one's true self beyond the ego’s confines, illustrated through the metaphor of a monk stating the desire...
Equanimity, Big Mind, Buddha Ancestors, Suzuki Roshi, Diversity, Nirvana, Enemies, Bell,...
Aug 18 2004
Tassajara

Non-Thinking and the Twelve-Fold Chain of Causation

Serial: SF-00968 Sunday Lecture The lecture explores the concept of non-thinking within Zen practice, as outlined by Zen Master Dogen in "The Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen" (Fukan Zazengi), which emphasizes the technique of 'thinking of not...
Lotus Sutra, Instruction, Four Noble Truths, Posture, Peace, Letting Go, Separation, Non-...
Jul 18 2004
Green Gulch

Eight Awakenings

Serial: SF-03589 Zendo Lecture The talk centers on the "Eight Awakenings of Great Beings," considered the last teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, which are foundational to both Zen and yoga practices. Key teachings include cultivating few desires, understanding...
Mindfulness, Greed, Attachment, Daily Life, Right Speech, Posture, Precepts, Zendo, Don't...
Jul 16 2004
Tassajara

Which Is The Real Seijo?

Serial: SF-00967 One-day sitting lecture: when our "soul is split", what is true? Just sitting in the midst of samsara. The talk delves into a Tang Dynasty story from the Mu Man Khan, case 35, about Sejo and her split soul to explore themes of identity, choice, and the illusion of a separate self. This narrative is used to illustrate the concept...
Letting Go, Four Noble Truths, Suzuki Roshi, Big Mind, Subject-and-Object, Buddha Ancestors,...
Jun 19 2004
Green Gulch

Buddhism, Christianity, War and Peace

Serial: SF-00939 Sunday Lecture: Two types of training: compassion and wisdom (wisdom: the entire universe is the true human body); US history; Christianity (is evil 'outside' or not); Mara compared with Devil; Review of "Passion of the Christ" This lecture explores the interplay between compassion and wisdom in Buddhist teachings and examines how these concepts relate to broader religious and historical contexts, specifically within Christianity and U.S. history. It...
First Principle, Hate, Evil, Faith, Soto Zen, Heart Sutra, Bodhidharma, Separation, Enemies,...
May 16 2004
Green Gulch

One-Day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01022 This human body is the entire world in the ten directions. Can you be stopped? Bodhicitta. Compassion. Thinking. Hatred. Not indulging in habitual thoughts of hatred. Say no. "Body and mind study of the way" Dogen fascicle.... The lecture discusses the interconnectedness of the human body with the universe, emphasizing Dogen's teachings on studying the way through both mind and body. It touches on the concepts of Bodhicitta and compassion, highlighting...
Birth-and-Death, Bodhisattva Precepts, Manjushri, Hate, Precepts, Suzuki Roshi, realization,...
Mar 20 2004
Green Gulch

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-01023 Linda Ruth with her sick mother. The mountain lion. The bobcat. The rat. New film, "The Passion of Christ". Self-restraint. Mindfulness of the body. Angulimala. The talk explores themes of compassion and non-violence in the context of personal experiences with wildlife and reflections on broader societal issues. It discusses the practice of restraint and mindfulness, referencing Buddhist...
Hate, Current Events, First Principle, Passions, Precepts, Doubt, training, realization,...
Mar 17 2004
Green Gulch

Housekeeping

Serial: SF-01024 Sunday Lecture: Children's Program. The Indian children who used to live here. Indian story about how the world was made. Staying home and accomplishing the way. Gateway into enlightenment. Heart Sutra. The Buddha's enlightenment... The talk explores themes of creation, self-awareness, and the separation between self and other through storytelling, personal experiences, and Zen Buddhist philosophy. It includes a retelling of a Miwok Indian story about the...
New Year, Bodhisattva Precepts, Separation, Practice Period, Precepts, Mill Valley, Heart...
Feb 01 2004
Green Gulch

January Class

Serial: SF-03487 The talk explores the application of mindfulness within Zen practice, focusing on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as essential within Buddhist teachings to cultivate presence and awareness. It addresses the nature of...
Mindfulness, Posture, Instruction, Duality, Four Noble Truths, Four Foundations, Delusion,...
Jan 13 2004
Green Gulch

The Power of Ten

Serial: SF-00985 The silence of 'don't know'; outer space Vimalakirti Sutra; radiant vision of alternate universes. Motivation for literary inventiveness - world is not only what we think; first calm the mind, then open the sutras; ... (?) the... This talk explores transformative shifts in perception akin to those illustrated in the film "Powers of Ten" by Charles and Ray Eames, emphasizing this experience in Buddhist teachings, particularly from the Mahayana tradition,...
Vimalakirti, Birth-and-Death, Liberation, Mill Valley, Bell, Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra,...
Dec 14 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02750 The talk explores Zen stories where physical accidents lead to profound realizations, emphasizing the holistic reaction of the body during injury and the influence of positive verbal self-care on the healing process. Discussing...
Vow, causation, Faith, Six Realms, Passions, Bell, New Year, confusion, Birth-and-Death,...
Dec 06 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02751 Appreciation for the world happens. Don't go looking for heavenly sights. We get sticky around the beautiful. Master Heretung (?) letter - being in the world without misery (?) 1 - what has long been neglected, changing karmic... The discussion primarily explores the idea of appreciating the world and the concept of being in the world without misery, drawing on teachings from Zen and Buddhist traditions. It critically examines five insights from Master...
Family Practice, Emotions, Suzuki Roshi, Peace, Equanimity, Bowing, Dragons, Sangha, Greed,...
Dec 03 2003
Green Gulch

Zen and the Eco-Consumer Code

Serial: SF-00156 Wednesday talk. Ecopsychology; desires, needs, narcissism; nurturing through zazen. The talk explores the intersections of ecopsychology, consumer culture, and personal identity, delving into concepts of desires, needs, and the peril of narcissism tied to consumerism. The discussion highlights the transformative...
Karma, Buddha Nature, Practice Period, Ceremony, Buddha Ancestors, Ego, Precepts, Tassajara...
Nov 19 2003

Dogen Class: Miracles

Serial: SF-02733 The talk delves into the teachings of Dogen, particularly his views on time and miracles. Dogen's perspective emphasizes the comprehensive presence of time in each moment, offering endless possibilities for transformation...
Zazen, Intimacy, Lineage, Dream World, Lotus Sutra, Teacher-and-Student, Don't Know Mind...
Nov 17 2003
Green Gulch

Offerings

Serial: SF-00158 Sunday talk. Children's lecture. Legend of the blue bonnets; Seijiki, offering food and light; karmic life and emptiness. This talk explores the themes of offerings and the interconnectedness of karmic life and emptiness within a Zen context. Beginning with the story of "The Legend of the Bluebonnets," it emphasizes the concept of selfless giving...
Offering, Ceremony, Emptiness, Emotions, Intuition, Practice Period, Precepts, Karma,...
Nov 02 2003
Green Gulch Farm

Weaving Zen Through Life's Stages

Serial: SF-00055 This talk explores personal reflections on embodying Zen practice through various life stages and transitions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of personal history and spiritual experience. The speaker reflects on the symbolic...
Practice Period, training, Conversation, Dharma Transmission, Ordination, Commitment,...
Oct 08 2003

Beginner's Mind, Infinite Enlightenment

Serial: SF-00079 Zendo Lecture The talk explores the intimate experience of Zen practice at Tassajara, emphasizing the concept of 'way-seeking mind' and the embrace of a 'beginner's mind' in spiritual practice. It discusses how engagement and immersion in one'...
Birth-and-Death, Separation, Letting Go, Intimacy, Liberation, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center,...
Aug 10 2003

Zendo Lecture

Serial: SF-01787 The lecture explores the synergy between Zen and Daoism, emphasizing the inherent wisdom shared across various spiritual traditions. It underscores the practice of being present, drawn from teachings like Daoxin's Chan community...
Oneness, Religion, realization, Observe, Practice Period, Instruction, Repentance, Composure,...
Jul 02 2003
Tassajara

Ethics

Serial: SF-00984 Sunday lecture: Morality. Hedonists, perfectionists. College days. John Adams. Strawberry/cliff story. Wrong-doing = causing harm to oneself or others. Ten grave precepts. Gay rights. The talk explores the concept of morality, contrasting hedonism and perfectionism as articulated by classical philosophers like Epicurus, Aristotle, and the Stoics. It delves into the Zen Buddhist perspective on ethical living...
Precepts, Delusion, Freedom, Three Treasures, Bodhisattva Precepts, Humility, Commitment,...
Jun 29 2003
Green Gulch

Dogen - Being Familiar With The Entire Body

Serial: SF-00039 Sunday talk. Practice, realization, expression; Dogen's letters to nun Ryugen The talk focuses on Dogen's teachings, particularly the interconnectedness of practice, realization, and expression in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the immediacy and presence in meditation (zazen) and daily life. It references Dogen...
realization, Buddha Ancestors, Delusion, Precepts, true dharma, Lotus Sutra, Oneness,...
May 18 2003

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00983 First part of lecture children's program. Read story, "Play with Me". Impatient with world situation. Look at causes. Patience. Path of peace. Dog story. MLK Jr The lecture explores the themes of patience, peace, and nonviolence, using the children's story "Play with Me" as a metaphor for understanding silent contemplation and acceptance. The discussion highlights personal development...
Hate, Anger, Non-violence, Mill Valley, Peace, Greed, Evil, Demons, Concentration, Separation...
Apr 06 2003
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-03586 The lecture explores the concept of embodied practice during sesshin, emphasizing physical mindfulness and self-care amidst discomfort. It also discusses the relatability and humility of Zen masters through anecdotes, examines...
Fox, Practice Period, Precepts, Teacher-and-Student, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Attachment...
Mar 2003
Tassajara

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-00982 The lecture explores the theme of achieving harmony and peace within oneself and the community, drawing on Buddhist teachings. The talk emphasizes the importance of monitoring one's mind to overcome ignorance and delusion, as...
New Year, Hate, Bodhidharma, Vow, Peace, Delusion, Cultivation, Harmonizing, Offering, Suzuki...
Dec 29 2002
Green Gulch

Passions

Serial: SF-00057 The talk explores themes of passion and suffering as pathways to enlightenment in Zen, challenging traditional Western views that consider passions negative and must be subdued. References to Zen teachings, such as Dogen's...
Passions, Priest, Evil, Enemies, Heart Sutra, Hate, Birth-and-Death, Nirvana, Vimalakirti,...
Dec 01 2002
Tassajara

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