The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mar 08 1978

March 7th, 1978, Serial No. 00586

Serial: RB-00586 The talk primarily examines the concept of "no confirmation" within Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on profound relationships with self and others through Zen practices. Key themes include the rhinoceros koan from the Blue Cliff...
Mindfulness, Shikantaza, Mandala, Buddha's Birthday
Mar 07 1978

February 17th, 1978, Serial No. 00570

Serial: RB-00570 The talk delves into the reconstruction of one's personality through Zen practice and the importance of integrating personal experience within the communal life of the Sangha. The primary focus is on the significance of the daily...
Intention, causation, Bowing, Sangha, Fox
Feb 17 1978

February 15th, 1978, Serial No. 00569

Serial: RB-00569 The talk centers on the practice of mindfulness and detachment in Zen Buddhism, contrasting approaches of passive attention and active insight. It addresses the nature of suffering and how one's actions and thoughts can become...
Anger, Mindfulness, Fox, Demons, Attachment
Feb 15 1978

November 16th, 1977, Serial No. 00597

Serial: RB-00597 -
causation, Sesshin, Doubt, Rinzai, Concentration
Nov 16 1977

November 6th, 1977, Serial No. 00596

Serial: RB-00596 The talk centers on the concept of egolessness in Zen practice, contrasting it with contemporary therapeutic practices that also emphasize selflessness. It explores the progressive stages of Zen practice through sitting...
Ego, Pain, Avalokiteshvara, Conversation, Religion
Nov 06 1977

September 11th, 1977, Serial No. 00071

Serial: RB-00071 The talk primarily discusses practical challenges and philosophical insights related to form, communication, and transitioning after intensive practice. The speaker touches upon logistical issues in setting up a communication...
Bell, Ceremony, American, Intention, Freedom
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
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
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
Sep 05 1977

July 16th, 1977, Serial No. 00066

Serial: RB-00066 The main thesis of the talk centers on the practice and function of truthfulness within Zen teachings, specifically through the exploration of koans and their underlying principles. The discussion pivots around ancient stories,...
Truth, Right Speech, Zendo, Mindfulness, Bell
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
Jul 15 1977

July 14th, 1977, Serial No. 00057

Serial: RB-00057 The thesis of the talk discusses the significance of self-definition and its connection to societal norms and personal spiritual practice. It emphasizes the need for practitioners to develop clear, truthful self-definitions to...
Ceremony, Beginners, Bowing, Truth, Sesshin
Jul 14 1977

July 13th, 1977, Serial No. 00056

Serial: RB-00056 The talk emphasizes a shift in the approach to Zen practice, advocating for working with those who are fully prepared while planting seeds for others. It delves into the koan from the Blue Cliff Records (No. 86) highlighting "...
Beginners, Study Period, Politics, Concentration, War
Jul 13 1977

July 12th, 1977, Serial No. 00055

Serial: RB-00055 This talk delves into the intersection of Buddhism and Western culture, emphasizing the mutual influence and necessary adaptations in Buddhist practice. It discusses the significance of expression in Buddhist practice, drawing...
Posture, Chanting, training, Bodhidharma, American
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
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
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
Jul 10 1977

July 1977 talk, Serial No. 00067

Serial: RB-00067 The talk focuses on the concept of "right livelihood" within the Buddhist context, exploring its principles, applications, and necessary conditions for enactment. It delves into the Eightfold Path, especially as it pertains to...
Right Speech, Mindfulness, Community, Politics, Mahayana
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
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
Apr 12 1977

December 20th, 1976, Serial No. 00063

Serial: RB-00063 The talk delves into the concept of "everyday mindedness" in Zen Buddhism, exploring its nuanced implications and exemplifications. It references Zen masters like Nyocho Zenji and Tofuku, who employ metaphors to illustrate the...
Intention, Death, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Zendo
Dec 20 1976

November 5th, 1976, Serial No. 00042

Serial: RB-00042 The talk focuses on the sustainability and cohesion of intentional communities, emphasizing the significance of commitment, repetition, and clear community priorities. A key assertion is that successful communities depend on long...
Community, Right Effort, Money, Love, Commitment
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jun 15 1976

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