The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3215 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Mind's Interdependent Reality Shift Serial: RB-04185M The talk explores the nature of mind and its influence on perception and reality, emphasizing the distinction between experiencing the world as a collection of entities versus activities. It advocates for shifting from seeing the... *Time, Interdependence, Bell*
Zen Harmony: Bridging Generations Serial: RB-03505 Talk The talk explores the development of a Dharma Sangha in Europe, particularly focusing on the concepts of sangha as a multigenerational shared practice founded on shared values and aloneness rooted in stillness. It questions the... *Sangha, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker
Movement and Stillness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00314 The talk discusses specific practices within Zen Buddhism, focusing on the physical aspects of meditation through examples of kin-hin, a form of walking meditation, and the challenges of adhering to traditional postures and... *Practice, Buddha, Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Embodying Awareness Through Mindful Presence Serial: RB-03504 Talk The talk focuses on transitioning from a mental focus to embodying attention, encouraging a shift from a mental to a bodily attentional location. It highlights practices like mindful breathing (referred to as "uniquing") and... *Practice, Breath, Time*	Richard Baker	Wien
Reading Reality: Mindful Perspectives Unveiled Serial: RB-04185N The talk explores the nature of reality as an abstraction, suggesting that multiple, simultaneous realities exist within individuals, influenced by personal circumstances. The concept of reality is examined as a text that one... *Practice, Zazen, Work*
Unity Through Mindful Breathing Serial: RB-04182F This talk discusses the foundational practice of breath counting in Zen, emphasizing its role in unifying mind and body, promoting truthfulness, and understanding deeper Buddhist practices like the Eightfold Path and samadhi.... *Bell, Practice, Breath*
Zen Mind: Fluid States and Awareness Serial: RB-04182L This talk explores the complex concepts of self-reference, states of mind, and consciousness within the framework of Zen philosophy. The discussion includes a comparison between different states and forms of the mind, such as the... *Time, Practice, Monkey Mind*
Layers of Mind in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04182P The talk explores the differentiation between awareness, consciousness, and mind, emphasizing the complexity of discerning their physical experiences and depicting their layered nature. The discussions engage deeply with Zen... *Consciousness, Concentration, Buddhism*
Zen Awareness: Consciousness in Practice Serial: RB-04182B The talk explores the interplay between consciousness and awareness, using Zen practice to illustrate how such awareness can permeate everyday life and professional settings. It discusses the process of continuous rebirth in... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*
Embracing Presence Through Zen Perception Serial: RB-04185Q This discussion emphasizes the practice of perceiving the world as appearance and the corresponding Zen philosophy of cultivating a habit of presence that aligns with this perception. The talk particularly addresses the concept... *Samadhi, Time, Koan*
Illuminating Zen: Moonlit Mindfulness Serial: RB-03500 Talk This talk explores the symbolism in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the distinction between literal and metaphorical understanding, using the example of the moon and its reflection. It challenges the notion that sutras are merely... *Time, Buddha, Wisdom*	Richard Baker
Zen Journeys and Lifestyle Shifts Serial: RB-00348 The transcript primarily discusses personal updates between two individuals regarding their upcoming commitments and transitions related to Zen practices and lifestyle changes. The conversation touches on plans to engage with the... *Time, Love, Commitment*	Richard Baker
Zen Journey Beyond Fear Serial: RB-00649A The talk explores the practice of Zen, emphasizing the need for perseverance, humor, and the willingness to explore discomfort as pathways to personal growth and enlightenment. It discusses the "five fears" as outlined in the... *Practice, Pain, Faith*	Richard Baker
Vividness in the Zen Fog Serial: RB-03501 Talk_The_Miracle_of_Consciousness The talk explores the essential nature of consciousness in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its inherent limitations and the mystery that surrounds it. A distinction is made between productive consciousness, which generates civilization... *Consciousness, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker
Cultivating Enlightenment Through Dogen Serial: RB-04187A The transcript focuses on the teachings of Dogen, emphasizing the concepts of "cultivation" and "authentication" as essential elements of Zen practice. The talk explores how individuals convey the self to the world, in Dogen’s... *Dogen, Practice, Karma*
Perception Shaped by Zen Rituals Serial: RB-04185C The talk delves into experiences of reality and perception, emphasizing the impact of relationships, memory, and contextual evaluations on personal realities. It discusses language's role in shaping and constraining perception... *Practice, Culture, Time*
Unfolding Depths in Zen Meditation Serial: RB-04182C The talk reflects on the foundational aspects of Zen Buddhist practice, particularly emphasizing sitting practice as a microcosm of Zen teachings that integrate various aspects of Mahayana philosophy. The discussion links the... *Consciousness, Practice, Pain*
Zen Pathways to Enlightened Living Serial: RB-04182Q This talk delves into the complexities of consciousness, enlightenment, and the integration of Zen practice in daily life. There is an exploration of how enlightenment influences consciousness and whether it transcends it or... *Consciousness, Practice, Separation*
Seeing the Dharma, Embracing Now Serial: RB-04182A This talk explores the concept of seeing and understanding in the context of Buddhist practice, comparing this process to the perceptive skills of artists like Cézanne, culminating in the idea that one must pause within the... *Practice, Consciousness, Buddha*
Zen and Self: Bridging Worlds Serial: RB-04182O This talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice and Western perspectives on the self, consciousness, and presence. The discussion explores how these concepts are perceived differently in Western and Zen traditions,... *Practice, Consciousness, American*
Presence in Stillness and Movement Serial: RB-04181C The talk explores a Zen approach to understanding movement and presence through practice, particularly highlighting the significance of perceiving the world through a physical and mindful presence. It emphasizes the importance of... *Stillness, Practice, Consciousness*
Zen in Every Moment Lived Serial: RB-04185P The talk explores the intersection of Zen practice with lay and monastic life, emphasizing the adaptability and application of Zen teachings outside traditional monastic settings. The discussion highlights the importance of... *Practice, Time, Practice Period*
Mindfulness Bridging Ancient Wisdom Today Serial: RB-00639 The main thesis of the talk centers around integrating ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary practice by emphasizing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a state of "original mind," free from habitual thoughts and societal... *Practice, Consciousness, Breath*	Richard Baker
Building Rituals and Resilient Spaces Serial: RB-00316 This transcript covers a discussion about a ceremony with unclear purposes, touching upon cultural references such as the movie "Rock Chimone" and American Indian practices. It further delves into logistical challenges relating... *Time, Practice, Work*	Richard Baker
Western Harmony with Buddhist Wisdom Serial: RB-00315 The talk discusses the integration and influence of Buddhism in the Western tradition, highlighting the Western thinkers and movements that align closely with Buddhist philosophy. The discussion asserts that this fusion is not an... *Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Zen Today: Tradition Meets Innovation Serial: RB-00505 The talk discusses the complexities of maintaining a Zen practice and community in a modern context, exploring the balance between tradition and adaptation. It highlights the influence of Zen teachings on community structure,... *Community, Time, Culture*	Richard Baker
Buddhist Narratives and Identity Transformation Serial: RB-03506 Talk The talk examines the integration of personal narratives within a Buddhist framework, emphasizing the impact of upbringing in a family with deep Buddhist roots. It delves into how the foundational Buddhist teachings, especially... *Buddhism, Practice, Suffering*	Richard Baker
Parataxis in Zen: Navigating Connection Serial: RB-04185O The talk centers on how shared practice within the Sangha enhances understanding of Zen teachings, particularly concepts like "thusness" and the interplay between connectedness and separation. A focus is placed on examining the... *Time, War, Practice*
Two Hands, One Mindful World Serial: RB-04181B The talk focuses on Zen practices, particularly the concept of completeness and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of using both hands for actions, as observed in traditional Zen and Japanese culture. It includes a... *Practice, Japan, Bell*
Overcoming Fears for True Awareness Serial: RB-04182N The talk delves into the nature of awareness and consciousness, exploring the dichotomy between what is experienced and what is conceptualized. It discusses the five fears that impede Dharma practice, emphasizing the importance... *Practice, Consciousness, Time*
Embracing the Five Skandhas Mindfully Serial: RB-04181N This talk explores the five skandhas (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) in Zen practice, emphasizing "turning the light around" to attain true nature. Discussions include utilizing sensory awareness... *Time, Practice, Consciousness*
Deepening Perception Through Poetic Presence Serial: RB-04182S The talk explores themes of perception, presence, and the intricacy of language, focusing on how the precision of observation deepens understanding, much like the concept of verticality in poetry, using Walt Whitman's work as an... *Time, Consciousness, Work*
Mindful Integration in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04180I The talk explores the foundational aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of noticing and integrating mind, body, and breath as central ingredients to Buddhist practice. It delves into the benefits of Zen meditation... *Mindfulness, Practice, Zazen*
Zen Impermanence and the Observing Self Serial: RB-04181E The talk explores the concepts of impermanence and self-perception in Zen philosophy, emphasizing practices to release fear, reshape habits, and experience impermanence. It discusses the dynamic between subjectivity and... *Practice, Impermanence*
Questioning Reality Through Zen Mindfulness Serial: RB-04185G This talk focuses on the exploration of Zen Buddhism's practice of questioning reality and mindfulness, particularly the distinction between being present and having presence. There is a discussion on the concept of "original... *Culture, Practice, Time*
Mindful Posture: Conceptual Connections Serial: RB-01689A Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_1 The talk focuses on the role of concepts in meditation practices, particularly in the context of posture and the broader implications of spiritual practice. It challenges the notion of a "natural" way to meditate, emphasizing... *Posture, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen Inquiry: Unraveling Reality's Layers Serial: RB-04185H The talk primarily explores the concept of reality through the lens of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of questioning and maintaining a continuous inquiry into one's perception of reality. It discusses how koans and gate... *Practice, Emotions, Culture*
Perceiving Reality: Language and Consciousness Serial: RB-04185B The talk explores the concept of reality and its multifaceted nature, emphasizing the role language plays in constructing and comparing realities. It delves into personal perceptions and experiences of reality, discussing how... *Work, Practice, Breath*
Stillness: The Heart of Zen Identity Serial: RB-04181D This talk focuses on the interconnectedness of stillness and identity within Zen practice, emphasizing how stillness serves as a bridge to a deeper understanding of self and the world. It explores the concept of "womb of the sage... *Stillness, Time, Discrimination*
Presence in Zen: Beyond Conventional Paths Serial: RB-04180H The talk explores the practice of Zen, highlighting its powerful impact on personal transformation and existential exploration, as well as its potential to deepen life. It features a discussion of the Zen story of Linji and the... *Practice, Consciousness, Time*
Interbeing Mind: Zen's Presence Unveiled Serial: RB-04182R The talk explores the themes of separation and connectedness, focusing on Zen practice and its integration into daily life, particularly through concepts like "host mind" and "guest mind." The discussion compares the teachings of... *Practice, Consciousness, Silence*
Zen Stillness: Personal Transformation Politics Serial: RB-04181F The talk focuses on the concept of stillness in Zen practice, which is described as a foundational but often misunderstood aspect. It contrasts the Buddhist view of continuous change and absence of a singular 'ground of being'... *Stillness, War, Buddhism*
Embodied Rhythm of Mindful Living Serial: RB-04180J The discussion focuses on integrating mindfulness and meditation into everyday life. It references Michael McClure's poetic notion of the "surge of life" alongside James Joyce's assertion that the mind depends on the body,... *Sangha, Buddha, Mindfulness*
Embracing Wholeness in Every Perception Serial: RB-04185F The talk explores the concept of perception, distinguishing between 'entity perception,' which is quick and mentally focused, and 'field perception,' which is more physical and time-oriented, allowing for a fuller, experiential... *Discrimination, Practice, Time*
Zen Embodiment: Consciousness Through Ritual Serial: RB-04182Y The talk delves into concepts of consciousness and mindfulness within Zen practice, contrasting different states of consciousness and the embodiment of teachings through physical practice. Key aspects include the exploration of... *Practice, Time, Buddha*
Perceiving Wholeness Beyond Duality Serial: RB-01690A Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_2 The talk delves into the concept of "otherness" and the art of perceiving from the non-dualistic perspective, emphasizing the practice of pausing for the particular and completeness in actions to cultivate a non-conceptual... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Merging Minds: Meditation and Modernity Serial: RB-04182X The transcript discusses experiences of meditation and consciousness, emphasizing the transition between active thought and passive awareness, and the personal process of engaging with this transformation. Several anecdotes... *Consciousness, Meditation, Practice*
Embodied Awareness Beyond Thought Serial: RB-04185E This talk explores the distinction between "pure being" and "usual being" through Zen practice, focusing on the linguistic and perceptual challenges in articulating these states. It discusses the notion of experiencing the world... *Practice, Japan, Work*
Embracing Life Through Zen Acceptance Serial: RB-04181G The talk focuses on the psychological process of acceptance in Zen practice, emphasizing the development of an "initial mind" of acceptance, which involves a regular meditation practice that transcends personal likes and dislikes... *Practice, Time, Intention*
Memory's Path to Zen Wisdom Serial: RB-04181K The talk examines the interplay between memory and wisdom in states of altered memory, discussing how biography and memory can function beyond traditional narratives. The discussion revisits the experiences of Philip Whelan and... *Time, Practice, Effort*

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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