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Title Speaker Date

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03647 The talk focuses on the themes of mindfulness, practice enlightenment, and the role of patience and friendliness within Zen Buddhism. The speaker also dedicates the session to the recovery of Lou Richmond, a significant figure in...
Faith, Buddha Nature, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Ceremony, Non-duality, Equanimity, Six Realms,...
Jul 17 1999
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03140 The talk explores the significance of the Declaration of Independence and parallels it with Buddhist beliefs in fundamental equality and the right to life, liberty, and happiness, positing that these principles align with the...
Right Speech, Freedom, Precepts, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Conversation, Priest, confusion,...
Jul 04 1999
Green Gulch

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-01879 The talk explores the theme of immobility in meditation, inspired by the determination of the historic Buddha during his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. This concept of "not moving" transcends physical stillness to embody a...
Liberation, Vow, Four Noble Truths, Dragons, causation, realization, Birth-and-Death, Letting...
Jun 26 1999
Green Gulch

Father's Day

Serial: SF-03233 Sunday Lecture The lecture examines Case 75, "Ukyu's Unfair Blows," from the Blue Cliff Record, a text central to Zen Buddhism. The focus is on the interplay between the ordinary and the transcendent, and how Zen practices embody these...
Teacher-and-Student, Suzuki Roshi, Samsara, Intimacy, confusion, Daily Life, Giving-and-Taking...
Jun 20 1999
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03653 The talk explores the concept of truthfulness and self-deception within daily life and spiritual practice, analyzing how these concepts intersect with personal transitions and Zen precepts. It emphasizes the importance of...
Precepts, Birth-and-Death, Dharma Transmission, Impermanence, Posture, Ceremony, Balance,...
May 16 1999
Green Gulch

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03518 This talk explores the nature of transitions in human life and spiritual practice, emphasizing the inherent impermanence of existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. By reflecting on life events such as birth, death,...
Birth-and-Death, Ceremony, Bodhidharma, Renunciation, Two Truths, Letting Go, Vow,...
May 15 1999
Green Gulch

Blue Cliff Record Class

Serial: SF-00068 67th Case: Mahasattva Fu Expounds the Scripture; single-point samadhi. The talk discusses the 67th Case of the Blue Cliff Record, focusing on Mahasattva Fu's unique method of expounding the Diamond Cutter Scripture through silence, which serves as a commentary on traditional Zen values over more...
Concentration, Repentance, Blue Cliff Record, Bodhidharma, Interview, Manjushri, Sixth...
Apr 22 1999

Buddha's Birthday

Serial: SF-03241 Sunday Lecture The talk focuses on the celebration of Buddha's birthday, highlighting its significance as a day of pure joy and renewal, similar to other cultural and religious celebrations of rebirth like Easter and Passover. The speaker...
Buddha's Birthday, Ceremony, Renewal, Liberation, Vow, Happiness, Peace, Offering, Priest...
Apr 04 1999
Green Gulch

Romance

Serial: SF-03244 Sunday Lecture The talk delves into the concept of love as a profound spiritual practice, exploring the nature of relationships through a Zen Buddhist perspective. It touches on the transient nature of love and its connection to enlightenment...
Commitment, Emptiness, Impermanence, Ego, Karma, Intimacy, Birth-and-Death, Buddha Nature,...
Mar 28 1999
Green Gulch

Embracing Innate Perfection in Daily Life

Serial: SF-00032 Sunday talk. The talk delves into Tibetan Buddhism's Dzogchen teachings, emphasizing the innate perfection and true nature within all beings. It compares Zen and Dzogchen, suggesting both focus on living a life that integrates meditation and...
Buddha Nature, Karma, Monkey Mind, Daily Life, Buddha Mind, causation, Sangha, confusion,...
Mar 21 1999

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03585 The talk centers on the importance of friendship, using a story from "Winnie the Pooh" to illustrate the value of play in building community and resolving conflicts. It transitions to discussing the Buddhist principles echoed in...
Emptiness, Nirvana Sutra, Zazen Mind, Posture, Sangha, Mindfulness, Teacher-and-Student,...
Mar 07 1999
Green Gulch

Timeless Zen: Dogen's Path to Presence

Serial: SF-00147 Wednesday night dharma talk The talk focuses on Dogen's teachings as captured in "Shobo Genso Zuimonki," emphasizing non-attachment to behaviors such as vegetarianism, the importance of compassionate correction within a Zen community, essentials of sincere...
Practice Period, Suzuki Roshi, Fundraising, Daily Life, Impermanence, Monastic Practice, Soto...
Mar 03 1999
Green Gulch Farm

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03110 Sunday Lecture - Discussion - duplicate The talk delves into the eight characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's teaching, emphasizing the importance of practice over mere understanding. The speaker reflects on Suzuki's approach to Zen, which prioritizes constant practice and...
Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Posture, Teacher-and-Student, Concentration,...
Feb 28 1999
Green Gulch

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03576 The talk explores the concept of being a disciple, particularly through the life and relationship of Ananda, the Buddha's attendant, emphasizing the virtues of humility and direct communication. It also delves into the broader...
Suzuki Roshi, training, Letting Go, Nirvana Sutra, Vow, Ceremony, Monastic Practice, Bell, Lay...
Feb 27 1999
Green Gulch

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03111 Sunday Lecture - Questions and Answers - duplicate The talk discusses the enduring simplicity and impact of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, particularly as seen in "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind." It highlights Suzuki Roshi's approach to Zen, characterized by principles such as maintaining...
Suzuki Roshi, Impermanence, Commitment, Lineage, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Faith, Zazen,...
Feb 21 1999
Green Gulch

Eight Characteristics of Suzuki Roshi's Teaching

Serial: SF-03137 Sunday Lecture - first Sunday of practice period This talk focuses on the enduring influence and essence of Suzuki Roshi's teachings, epitomized by the book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," and introduces eight characteristics revealing Suzuki Roshi's unique approach to Zen...
Suzuki Roshi, Impermanence, Commitment, Vow, Lineage, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Faith, Soto Zen...
Feb 21 1999
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-01889 The talk reflects on the nature of samsara, desire, and suffering within Buddhist teaching, emphasizing the importance of addressing these in everyday life. The speaker uses the parable of the burning house from the Lotus Sutra...
Lotus Sutra, Samsara, Precepts, training, Four Noble Truths, Hate, Vow, Right Effort, Mill...
Jan 31 1999
Green Gulch

Authentic Zen: Beyond Enlightenment Myths

Serial: SF-00058 The talk covers personal experiences and reflections on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing the impact of direct interaction and the subtleties of spiritual presence. It delves into misconceptions about Zen enlightenment...
Suzuki Roshi, Transmission, Lineage, Priest, Blue Cliff Record, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...
Dec 16 1998
City Center

Rohatsu

Serial: SF-02755 The talk focuses on the Zen practice of Rohatsu Sesshin, utilizing biblical and Zen stories to explore themes of acceptance, consumption, and experiencing life fully. Drawing parallels between Jonah's story and the experience of...
Teacher-and-Student, Rumi, Bell, Intimacy, Gratitude, Instruction, Zendo, Emotions, Zazen...
Dec 01 1998
City Center

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03622 The talk explores the concept of human sentiments as being distinct from the Dharma way, emphasizing the pitfalls of habitual thinking and nostalgia that can hinder a fresh experience of life. It discusses the transformative...
Practice Period, Precepts, Dragons, Six Realms, Liberation, Ceremony, Forgiveness, Anger,...
Nov 29 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03133 The talk explores the intersection between poetry and Dharma, illustrating how poetry can complement spiritual practices by confronting and embracing human contradictions rather than transcending them. Through the works of poets...
Religion, Priest, Buddha Mind, Vow, Precepts, Zazen, Chanting, Hate, Freedom, Soto Zen...
Nov 22 1998
Green Gulch

Chanting

Serial: SF-00045 The talk discusses two main topics: encouraging consistent practice during Zen practice periods and the proper pronunciation of Japanese chants. The discussion emphasizes the importance of horizontal and vertical balance in...
Practice Period, Vow, Delusion, Aspects of Practice, Chanting, Continuous Practice, Emotions,...
Nov 17 1998

The Feeling Of Practice Period

Serial: SF-00148 Wednesday talk; the heart and determination to study - to support and appreciate the practice period. The talk discusses the importance and impact of participating in a practice period at a Zen monastery, emphasizing the transformation it can bring to practitioners through focused mindfulness and adherence to precepts. The...
Practice Period, Impermanence, Mindfulness, Precepts, Zazen Mind, Silence, Big Mind,...
Oct 21 1998
Green Gulch Farm

Events in the World

Serial: SF-03134 Sunday Lecture The talk examines the interplay between Zen practice and global socio-political issues, emphasizing that awareness of these issues should inform rather than negate one's practice. It delves into how the interconnectedness of...
Anger, Hate, Peace, Passions, Greed, Samsara, Funeral, Cultivation, Don't Know Mind,...
Oct 18 1998
Green Gulch

Zen Pathways: Embracing Change and Growth

Serial: SF-00040 The talk outlines a reflective journey from initial resistance to Zen practice to a deep engagement at the Zen Center, marked by participation in various roles and evolving understanding of personal motives and questions. Themes...
resistance, Aspects of Practice, Practice Period, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Zendo, Priest...
Oct 14 1998

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03624 In the talk, a story from Cherokee mythology is shared to convey lessons about perseverance, ingenuity, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The talk also explores Zen teachings using the case 58 of the "Book of Serenity,"...
Anger, Book of Serenity, Karma, Precepts, Evil, Duality, Emptiness, Offering, Fasting, Zendo...
Oct 04 1998
Green Gulch

25 Years of Green Gulch

Serial: SF-03245 Sunday Lecture The discussion reflects on 25 years of practice at Green Gulch, emphasizing the transformation from its origin as a humble ranch to a recognized site for Zen practice and community. The talk highlights the lessons learned about...
Gratitude, Bell, Commitment, Suzuki Roshi, Mill Valley, Ceremony, Teacher-and-Student, Heart...
Sep 20 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03246 The talk primarily discusses the Zen koan from the Blue Cliff Record known as Yunmen's "Six Do Not Take It In," exploring its meanings and implications for human expression and spiritual practice. The speaker explains Yunmen's...
Blue Cliff Record, Bodhidharma, Commitment, Priest, Birth-and-Death, Buddha Nature, Darkness...
Aug 30 1998
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02742 This talk explores the significance of posture and poise during sesshin, emphasizing how habitual sitting positions reflect the causes and conditions of one's life. Adjustments in posture can awaken new sensations and emotions,...
Composure, Posture, Balance, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Silence, Freedom, Observe, Anger,...
Aug 22 1998
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02748 The talk explores themes of perception and attention, using literary references and Zen teachings to illustrate the concept of maintaining an open and accepting approach, even towards challenges or the "ungraspable." The speaker...
Ceremony, Buddha Mind, Practice Period, Precepts, Transmission, Lineage
Aug 20 1998
Green Gulch

Sesshin Lecture

Serial: SF-02754 The talk examines the physical and mental challenges encountered during Sashin meditation, with a particular focus on managing physical pain and the racing mind. It explores themes of mindfulness and awareness of bodily...
Posture, Mindfulness, Emotions, Birth-and-Death, Suzuki Roshi, Bell, Instruction, Hate, Doubt...
Aug 18 1998
Green Gulch

Eight Social Practices of the Buddha

Serial: SF-03230 One-day sitting lecture: 1 - Guided meditation; 2 - eight ways of activity and cultivation: 1-4 inward, 5-8 ways to be in the world; four unlimited practices This talk explores the integration of Zen meditation practices with the cultivation of the Buddha's eight social practices, segmented into four inward attitudes (the Four Unlimiteds) and four outward actions (the Bodhisattva's...
Letting Go, Happiness, Cultivation, Monastic Practice, Equanimity, Peace, Lovingkindness,...
Jul 20 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03236 The talk focuses on a pilgrimage to Spirit Rock and Abhayagiri Monastery, exploring Buddhist monastic practices in the Theravada tradition, and the significance of the ordination ceremony centered around taking the triple refuge...
Four Noble Truths, Anger, Ordination, Right Effort, Right Speech, Letting Go, Peace, Lay,...
Jul 12 1998
Green Gulch

Saying Yes!

Serial: SF-00090 This talk centers on a recent visit to various Japanese Zen monasteries and reflects on the practice of responsiveness and intentional community within the Zen tradition. Key observations include the teachings and practices at...
training, Soto Zen, Silent Illumination, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen, Dharma Transmission, Gratitude,...
Jul 06 1998

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-03629 The talk examines the themes of family, desire, suffering, and Zen teachings. It juxtaposes personal experiences with Zen concepts, highlighting the conflict between one's life pursuits and familial expectations. The speaker...
Suzuki Roshi, Four Noble Truths, Chanting, Funeral, Conversation, Precepts, Anger, Separation...
Jul 01 1998
Green Gulch

Father's Day

Serial: SF-03232 The talk explores the central challenge of balancing engagement with life and achieving true peace, addressing how Zen practice enables one to discern and transcend extremes of mind by understanding that unity exists in apparent...
Dharma Transmission, Transmission, Ceremony, Hate, Bodhisattva Precepts, Freedom, Precepts,...
Jun 21 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03648 The talk draws on the contrasting concepts of joy and burden, ultimately synthesizing these as a single experiential entity that contributes to an enriched understanding of Zen practice. By referencing the theme of naturalness...
Teacher-and-Student, Ceremony, Karma, Heart Sutra, Skandas, training, Three Treasures,...
Jun 14 1998
Green Gulch

Beginner's Mind, Boundless Transformation

Serial: SF-01784 Statements by Students (Part 2 of 2) and Blanche Hartman The talk reflects on profound personal transformations influenced by interactions with the teachings and person of Suzuki Roshi, particularly emphasizing the journey toward understanding selflessness and genuine practice in Zen...
Suzuki Roshi, Lineage, Lay Ordination, Zazen, Dharma Transmission, Bodhisattva Vow, Daily Life...
May 31 1998
Sati Center

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03115 The talk explores the relationship between Zen meditation and the aesthetic impulse, arguing that both art and religious practice engage with the inherently unstable and ephemeral nature of reality. It suggests that art-making is...
Heart Sutra, zen meditation, Mindfulness, Religion, Koan, resistance, Letting Go, stubbornness...
May 17 1998
Green Gulch

One-day Sitting Lecture

Serial: SF-03630 This talk reflects on the everyday miracles of attention and interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of continuous self-examination and presence in Zen practice. The discussion references the practice of Zazen as a means...
Posture, Precepts, Samsara, Ceremony, Zendo, Emotions, Suzuki Roshi, Freedom, Practice Period...
May 16 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03649 The lecture explores the integration of mother imagery and energy within Buddhist practices, particularly focusing on the development and importance of bodhicitta—a compassionate wish to attain enlightenment for the sake of all...
Precepts, Bodhisattva Precepts, Ceremony, Lineage, resistance, Zazen, Bodhisattva Way, Family...
May 09 1998
Green Gulch

Pathways to Zen Generosity Awakening

Serial: SF-00052 The talk explores the central theme of entering the Zen path through the Dhamma Paramita, or generosity, as emphasized by Zen Master Huai Hai. It argues that Dhamma Paramita encompasses all other Paramitas by fostering...
Dragons, Non-duality, Manjushri, Vimalakirti, Duality, Don't Know Mind, Birth-and-Death,...
Apr 15 1998

Buddha's Birthday

Serial: SF-03107 The talk reflects on the themes of renewal, childhood, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing parallels between the rejuvenation of spring and the Buddhist celebration of birth and rebirth. It explores the notion that spring is...
Buddha's Birthday, Practice Period, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Zendo, training...
Apr 05 1998
Green Gulch

Wednesday Lecture

Serial: SF-03530 The talk explores the concept of practicing Zen with the humility of a fool, examining how striving for ideals can create obstacles and summarizing personal experiences during a period of medical recovery. Emphasis is placed on...
Practice Period, Silence, Posture, Three Treasures, Mindfulness, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center...
Apr 01 1998
Green Gulch

Spring Sesshin

Serial: SF-02729 Saturday The talk discusses the profound stillness achieved during a Zen Sesshin, emphasizing the collective effort to cultivate this stillness and its potential to encompass all beings and the world's suffering. It connects this...
Repentance, Letting Go, Peace, Perfect Wisdom, Vow, Heart Sutra, Ceremony, Observe, Practice...
Mar 28 1998
Unknown

Spring Sesshin

Serial: SF-02728 Thursday This talk addresses the experience of dealing with personal disturbances in the mind during Zen practice, emphasizing the teachings of Dogen Zenji and Uchiyama Roshi on the "wholehearted way" and the notion of "Shikantaza" from...
Emptiness, Zazen, uchiyama, Letting Go, Anger, Suzuki Roshi, Instruction
Mar 26 1998
Unknown

Spring Sesshin

Serial: SF-02727 Wednesday This talk centers on the practice of wholehearted presence and attention in daily activities, particularly within the context of Zen practice and meditation. It emphasizes the importance of settling into one's activities without...
Posture, Subject-and-Object, Vow, Instruction, Zendo, Zazen, Chanting, Observe, Separation,...
Mar 25 1998
Unknown

Spring Sesshin

Serial: SF-02724 Monday The talk centers on the practice of "wholehearted practice" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing attention to detail and presence in every moment. It draws parallels between Soto Zen's precision in forms and Jewish mindfulness practices...
Letting Go, Vow, Separation, Repentance, Soto Zen, Zazen, Manjushri, Practice Period, Posture...
Mar 23 1998
Unknown

Just Let Go

Serial: SF-03109 Sunday Lecture: (According to the Buddha), the way to be happy is simple: just let go. Letting go is hard to do. Human mind wants to hold. We could say we are nothing but holding on, and we don't want to give ourselves up.... This talk explores the Buddhist principle of 'letting go' as a path to happiness, emphasizing that holding on causes suffering. It discusses the practice of moment-to-moment non-attachment and its role in achieving freedom and...
Letting Go, resistance, Buddha's Birthday, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Freedom, Faith...
Mar 08 1998
Green Gulch

Sunday Lecture

Serial: SF-03108 The talk focuses on the practice of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of persistence in spiritual practice and its impact on personal growth and relationships. Drawing a parallel between monastic life and persistence, it...
Letting Go, Monastic Practice, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Karma, Practice Period, Bell,...
Feb 01 1998
Green Gulch

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