The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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

Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Zen Enactment: Beyond Words and Thoughts Serial: RB-00585 The talk delves into the subtleties of Zen practice and teaching methodologies, focusing on the concepts of "turning a question" and "enactment." It juxtaposes the nuanced philosophies of Soto and Rinzai schools, stressing the... *Soto Zen, Rinzai, Lineage, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1978
Trusting Harmony in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00584 The talk begins by discussing the themes of doubt and trust, explaining the importance of putting one's heart into someone or something credible. It connects trust with lineage, practice, and the idea of becoming an agent for... *Sangha, Ego, Vow, Lineage, Renunciation*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1978
Zen Beyond Zazen: Questioning Mind Serial: RB-00583 The talk delves into the importance of cultivating a relationship with a Zen teacher and mastering the practice of questioning, deeming these more critical than the practice of zazen for true understanding. Zazen serves to soften... *Money, Big Mind, Buddha Nature, Lineage, Intention*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1978
Zen's Path of Not Knowing Serial: RB-00582 The central thesis of the talk discusses the practice and establishment of Zen Buddhism in America, emphasizing the value of "not knowing" as a guiding principle. It covers the historical context and teachings of various Zen... *Community, Bodhidharma, Ordination, Building, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1978
Zen Paradoxes in Daily Life Serial: RB-00581 The talk emphasizes the paradoxical nature of Zen teaching, the practice of zazen, and the importance of letting go of attachments and hierarchical distinctions in daily life. It underscores a pivotal Zen approach of focusing on... *Zendo, Concentration, Love, Bodhidharma, Patience*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1978
Embracing Moments in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00580 The talk emphasizes the importance of focusing on particulars in Zen practice, particularly during sesshin, a period of intense meditation. It discusses the philosophy of Yogacara Buddhism, advocating for the appreciation of... *Posture, Ego, Instruction, Freedom, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1978
Zen, Love, and Practice Serial: RB-00572B The talk revolves around three main themes: the essence of Buddhist practice, the philosophical contemplation of love in Zen, and reflections on ceremonial practices. It explores the concept of Buddha nature and its role in... *Love, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Ceremony, Posture*	Richard Baker	Mar 30 1978
Seeing Life's Hidden Dimensions Serial: RB-00576 The talk focuses on exploring Zen Buddhism, using the koans and teachings of Zhaozhou to illustrate concepts of topography in human perception and consciousness. Key points include the significance of the koan about the oak tree... *Joshu, Forgiveness, Letting Go, Bodhidharma*	Richard Baker	Mar 27 1978
Initiation Through Zen Patterns Serial: RB-00575 The talk primarily explores the concept of initiation in Zen practice, emphasizing its importance in understanding and connecting with one's true nature and the broader spiritual reality. The discussion highlights how initiation... *Buddha Nature, Dharmakaya, Money, Mandala, Vow*	Richard Baker	Mar 18 1978
Beyond Words: Experiencing Dharmakaya Buddha Serial: RB-00574 The talk centers on the concept of Dharmakaya Buddha and the challenges of fully articulating its essence. It stresses that Dharmakaya Buddha transcends intellectual understanding, reaching beyond the six senses and five skandhas... *Dharmakaya, Fox, Intention, Patience, Compassion*	Richard Baker	Mar 16 1978
Egoless Living Through Zen Serial: RB-00573 The talk centers on the concept of "no dharma" and the importance of egolessness in understanding and practicing Zen. It discusses the challenge of comprehending dharma, emphasizing the necessity of experiencing life directly... *Practice Period, Rinzai, Breath, heart, Instruction*	Richard Baker	Mar 13 1978
Beyond Knowledge: Zen Transmission Serial: RB-00572A The talk centers on the story of Tokusan's encounter with Ryutan, exploring themes such as the limitations of intellectual knowledge and the process of direct transmission in Zen. It emphasizes the distinction between conditioned... *Big Mind, Blue Cliff Record, Transmission, Dharmakaya, Dragons*	Richard Baker	Mar 11 1978
Zen Concentration for Harmonious Life Serial: RB-00571 The discourse explores the importance of foreground and background concentration in Zen practice, emphasizing background concentration's role in realizing a stable, harmonious life. It details how true practice requires trusting... *Gutei, Concentration, Breath, Obstacles, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Mar 08 1978
Zen Connections Beyond Validation Serial: RB-00586 The talk focuses on the concept of "no confirmation" in Zen Buddhism, exploring how profound relationships are developed independent of external validation and employing koans to reach deeper understanding. It discusses the... *Mindfulness, Shikantaza, Mandala, Buddha's Birthday*	Richard Baker	Mar 07 1978
Zen Intention: Individuality in Sangha Serial: RB-00570 The talk focuses on the concept of reconstructing one's personality within the structure of the Sangha life, emphasizing the unique individual experience in a communal setting. It explores the practice of Zen through aspects such... *Intention, causation, Bowing, Sangha, Fox*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1978
Seeing Beyond Constructed Reality Serial: RB-00569 The talk explores the practice of detachment and mindfulness within Zen Buddhism, focusing on how individuals can make their actions and thoughts accessible to them. It stresses the importance of seeing reality as a constructed... *Anger, Mindfulness, Fox, Demons, Attachment*	Richard Baker	Feb 15 1978
Zen's Path: Beyond Words and Concepts Serial: RB-00597 The talk focuses on the importance of particularity in Zen practice and cautions against the commodification of teachings. The discussion spans the relevance of transcribed teachings, stories of perseverance and object permanence... *causation, Sesshin, Doubt, Rinzai, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Nov 16 1977
Egolessness Through Ordinary Zen Practice Serial: RB-00596 The talk explores the concept of egolessness within Zen Buddhism, contrasting it with contemporary therapeutic practices emphasizing both selflessness and ego strengthening. It discusses Zen practice as a path to realizing... *Ego, Pain, Avalokiteshvara, Conversation, Religion*	Richard Baker	Nov 06 1977
Zen and the Art of Communication Serial: RB-00071 The talk primarily discusses communication challenges at Tassajara, focusing on the practical and financial aspects required to establish reliable communication systems in remote areas. It transitions into a discussion on form,... *Bell, Ceremony, American, Intention, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Sep 11 1977
Zen Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00070 The talk focuses on the importance of form in Zen practice, reflecting on the recent death of Dr. Ernst Friedrich Schumacher and exploring the concept of presence. The discussion covers how form manifests in life through Zen... *Practice Period, Gratitude, Sesshin, Pain*	Richard Baker	Sep 10 1977
Schumacher's Buddhist Economic Revolution Serial: RB-00069 The talk primarily reflects on the life and influence of E. F. Schumacher, particularly his impact on Western perceptions of Buddhism through his works on "Buddhist Economics." It highlights key moments of Schumacher's life and... *Mandala, Truth, Conversation, Fasting, Religion*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1977
Buddhist Economics in Western Thought Serial: RB-00352 The talk delves into the life and influence of E.F. Schumacher, emphasizing his impact on the appreciation of Buddhist principles in Western economics and society. Remarks on Schumacher’s book "Small is Beautiful," particularly... *Mandala, Truth, Conversation, Fasting, Religion*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1977
Echoes of Truth in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00066 The talk explores the themes of truthfulness, the function of truth, and the practice of non-duality within Zen Buddhism, using the koan of National Teacher Echu calling his disciple Ocean three times as a focal point. It... *Truth, Right Speech, Zendo, Mindfulness, Bell*	Richard Baker	Jul 16 1977
Awakening Integrity in Modern Life Serial: RB-00065 The talk emphasizes the corruptibility versus the potential for perfection of individuals, underscoring the significance of moral integrity and social responsibility as key aspects of Buddhist practice. It discusses the looting... *Truth, Samadhi, Building, Greed, Mindfulness*	Richard Baker	Jul 15 1977
Defining Identity Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00057 The talk explores the significance of language, self-definition, and practice in the context of Zen philosophy. It examines how individuals perceive their experiences and identities through societal and personal definitions, and... *Ceremony, Beginners, Bowing, Truth, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Jul 14 1977
Zen in Everyday Tensions Serial: RB-00056 The talk explores the evolving approach to Zen practice and emphasizes the necessity of readiness in practitioners. It delves into the tension between ordinary life and Zen practice, challenging the perception of Zen as... *Beginners, Study Period, Politics, Concentration, War*	Richard Baker	Jul 13 1977
Zen Improvisation: Bridging Cultures Mindfully Serial: RB-00055 The talk examines the intersection of Eastern and Western cultural expressions within Buddhism, emphasizing adaptability in practice. It highlights the contributions of figures like Suzuki Roshi and explores the idea of... *Posture, Chanting, training, Bodhidharma, American*	Richard Baker	Jul 12 1977
Discovering Buddhism Within Yourself Serial: RB-00054 The talk focuses on the exploration of where and how to study Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and presence in practice. It challenges traditional and historical notions about Buddhism and stresses that... *Truth, Offering, Way-Seeking Mind, Renewal, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Jul 11 1977
Furthering Zen Through Daily Mindfulness Serial: RB-00053 The talk centers on the concept of "further" as a state of mind in Zen practice, emphasizing alertness, pivotal thought, and mind of initiation. It discusses how daily challenges and responsibilities contribute to this state and... *Way-Seeking Mind, Posture, Sangha, Commitment, Paramitas*	Richard Baker	Jul 10 1977
Voices of Things Uninterpreted Serial: RB-00188 The talk on July 10th, 1977, primarily explores the nature of Sashin practice in the city and its unique auditory experiences. The discussion elaborates on the concept of hearing the 'voices' of things without interpretation,... *Emotions, Samadhi, Way-Seeking Mind, Concentration, Conversation*	Richard Baker	Jul 10 1977
Mindful Living Through Right Livelihood Serial: RB-00067 The talk explores the concept of "Right Livelihood" within the framework of Buddhism, focusing on personal responsibility and the Eightfold Path. The speaker discusses how living an ethically responsible life requires personal,... *Right Speech, Mindfulness, Community, Politics, Mahayana*	Richard Baker	Jul 1977
Building Ethical Community Economies Serial: RB-00068 The talk focuses on the interplay between economic decisions, community dynamics, and spiritual practice within a communal store. It begins with pricing strategies and their impacts on different demographic groups and transitions... *Community, Money, Building, Politics, Peace*	Richard Baker	Jul 1977
Zen's Dual Nature of Community Serial: RB-00052 The talk delves into the intertwining of Zen community (Sangha) dynamics, societal roles, and individual responsibilities, emphasizing the dual nature of limitation and reproduction within a community. There is a detailed... *Sangha, Buddha's Birthday, Community, Vinaya, Ego*	Richard Baker	Apr 12 1977
Everyday Mindfulness: The Profound Ordinary Serial: RB-00063 This talk discusses the Zen concept of "everyday mindedness," emphasizing its paradoxical nature of being both ordinary and profound. It links Buddhist teachings on right livelihood with everyday actions, advocating a path free... *Intention, Death, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Zendo*	Richard Baker	Dec 20 1976
Building Community Through Buddhist Values Serial: RB-00042 The talk explores the essential principles for sustaining a community, drawing from 15 years of experiences and observations. The focus is on the roles of commitment, repetition, and internal policies that prioritize the... *Community, Right Effort, Money, Love, Commitment*	Richard Baker	Nov 05 1976
Self-Reliance Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00041 The central thesis of the talk is the emphasis on self-reliance in Zen practice, asserting that one must work out their own salvation without relying on external entities or people. The discussion explores the interconnectedness... *Right Effort, Mindfulness, Daily Life, Ceremony, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 30 1976
Awakening Through Self-Reliant Practice Serial: RB-00187 The talk emphasizes the fundamental Zen principle that individual salvation and freedom are personal responsibilities, achievable without reliance on external deities or figures. It outlines that Zen practice involves self-... *Right Effort, Mindfulness, Daily Life, Ceremony, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 30 1976
Constructed Reality Unveiled Through Zen Serial: RB-00040 The discussion focuses on understanding reality through various levels of truth and exploring the idea that everything is a constructed reality. The talk addresses Zen teachings on perception, meditation practice, and how... *Samadhi, Patience, Buddha Mind, Observe, resistance*	Richard Baker	Aug 15 1976
Zen's Constructed Reality Unveiled Serial: RB-00186 The talk addresses the conceptual framework of Zen practice focusing on understanding reality. It begins with the exploration of four levels of truth: recognizing a stick as a stick, then as not a stick, acting with the... *Patience, Buddha Mind, Samadhi, Observe, resistance*	Richard Baker	Aug 15 1976
Navigating Boundaries in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00039 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the concept of "constructed reality" within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding and navigating the balance between withholding and granting actions. The discussion... *Bell, Tozan, Gratitude, Truth, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Aug 14 1976
Beyond Binary Zen Enlightenment Serial: RB-00185 The talk on August 14th, 1976, explores the practice of Zen through the lens of constructed realities, emphasizing the importance of non-binary thinking in achieving enlightenment. It argues that both intellectual study and... *Bell, Tozan, Gratitude, Truth, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Aug 14 1976
Zen Reality: Unseen Depths Serial: RB-00038 The talk explores the key Zen Buddhist practice of questioning one's reality without adding unnecessary elements to it, using the story of Chinese Zen masters Dogo Enchi and Chien Yuan to illustrate this principle. The narrative... *Joshu, Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, realization, Aspects of Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1976
Perceiving Reality Through Samadhi Serial: RB-00184 The talk explores the Zen practice of questioning reality and emphasizes the importance of perceiving and receiving correctly in the state of samadhi. Using a story involving Dogo Enchi and Yuan, it discusses how existential... *Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, realization, Aspects of Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1976
Zen: Beyond Inside and Outside Serial: RB-00037 This talk delves into the concept of "inside" in Zen practice, contrasting it with the "outside" and exploring the intricate duality of these expressions. Through the lens of stories and koans, particularly from Joshu and the... *Joshu, Breath, Sixth Patriarch, Emotions, Religion*	Richard Baker	Jun 19 1976
Wisdom's Vision in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00036 The talk delves into the concepts of wisdom and capacity, emphasizing the intricacies and contradictions inherent in Zen practice. The discussion explores how wisdom relates to vision and responsibility, implying that wisdom... *Dragons, Pain, Darkness and Light, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1976
Zen Wisdom: Seeing and Knowing Serial: RB-00183 The main focus of the talk is exploring the concept of wisdom and its implications within the framework of Zen practice. The speaker delves into the etymology and broad interpretations of wisdom, describing it as both a form of... *Dragons, Pain, Darkness and Light, Faith*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1976
Chanting, Freedom, and Continuous Effort Serial: RB-00026 The talk begins with a discussion about the Nichiren Soka Gakkai chanting practice, initiated by Herbie Hancock, and references the Lotus Sutra. This transitions into reflections on the nature of chanting in Buddhist practice,... *Joshu, Dragons, Obstacles, resistance, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Jun 17 1976
Direct Practice: Zens Simple Essence Serial: RB-00181 The lecture on June 17th, 1976, addresses the integration of chanting and zazen practice, highlighting the challenges and benefits of each. The discussion includes reflections on the complexity of the Lotus Sutra and various Zen... *Joshu, Dragons, Obstacles, resistance, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Jun 17 1976
Zen Journeys Exhaled Mindfulness Serial: RB-00180 The talk focuses on change and differences in Zen practice, particularly through the concepts of leaking and accumulating (non-leaking activity) and refers to meritorious activity. The discussion emphasizes exhalation meditation... *Commitment, Samadhi, Breath, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Jun 16 1976
Zen's Path to True Honesty Serial: RB-00024 The talk emphasizes the expectation and delivery of Buddhism in Zen practice, highlighting the necessity to bring profound inquiries into one's spiritual journey. It explores the concept of "flesh and fantasy,"... *Ordination, Delusion, Samadhi, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 15 1976

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

Pages