The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Embracing Enlightenment in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00442 The talk discusses the concepts of parinirvana, nirvana, and enlightenment by examining the differences and similarities between knowing and not knowing through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It delves into the idea that... *Nirvana, Sangha, Pain, Buddha Nature, Mindfulness*	Richard Baker	Feb 12 1972
Enduring Impermanence: A Zen Exploration Serial: RB-00441 The talk primarily explores the rigorous practice of sesshin in the Zen tradition, highlighting the themes of endurance, humility, interdependence, and the ephemeral nature of existence. It discusses the significance of... *Buddha Nature, Humility, Impermanence, Bell, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Feb 09 1972
February 8th, 1972, Serial No. 00440 Serial: RB-00440 The lecture discusses the challenge of articulating Buddhist principles in English and addresses misconceptions about Buddhism's perceived emptiness and boredom. It highlights the importance of developing a language to accurately... *Pain, Sangha, Mahayana, Sesshin, Vow*	Richard Baker	Feb 08 1972
Selflessness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00439 The talk primarily explores the concept of 'no-self' in Buddhism and its elaboration through the practice of zazen. It draws on the teachings of prominent Buddhist figures, articulates the importance of the Eightfold Path and the... *Vow, Death, Observe, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Feb 07 1972
Zen and Environmental Balance Serial: RB-00438 The talk discusses the challenges of balancing external activism, such as anti-war efforts and environmental movements, with dedicated Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focus on Zazen and exploring the... *Sesshin, Peace, Patience, War, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Feb 06 1972
Buddhism Thrives in Community Serial: RB-00437 The talk addresses the necessity of creating a communal environment for practicing Buddhism, emphasizing the impossibility of achieving universal consciousness in isolation. Using both cultural anecdotes and discussions on Zen... *Diversity, Priest, Offering, Shikantaza, resistance*	Richard Baker	Jan 29 1972
Living Zen Beyond Cultural Boundaries Serial: RB-00436 The talk examines the intertwined nature of Suzuki Roshi's teachings and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing non-clinging and direct experience as central tenets. Practical aspects of Zen practice, such as the ceremonial behavior during... *Money, Love, Ceremony, Bell*	Richard Baker	Jan 22 1972
Zen of the Tea Bowl Serial: RB-00435 The talk discusses the significance of Suzuki Roshi's tea bowl, emphasizing how its selection reflects both personal connection and cultural depth. Using the tea bowl as a metaphor, it explores the nuances in appreciating beauty... *Buddha Nature, Lotus Sutra, Culture, Freedom, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Jan 20 1972
Zen Unfolded: East Meets West Serial: RB-00434 The talk explores the complexities of practicing Buddhism in America versus Japan, particularly through the teachings of Suzuki Roshi. It examines the cultural context necessary for understanding Zen practices and highlights the... *Mandala, Ceremony, Rinzai, Freedom, Love*	Richard Baker	Jan 18 1972
Zen Independence and Integration Serial: RB-00433 This talk recounts early experiences at Tassajara, focusing on the establishment process, cultural shifts within the community, and the challenges faced by practitioners transitioning between urban and rural settings. The speaker... *Freedom, Religion, Community, Study, Money*	Richard Baker	Jan 15 1972
Noticing Emptiness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00432 The talk revolves around the metaphor of the empty picture frame and movie screen to describe Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of noticing the emptiness and stillness within one's own mind, akin to recognizing the screen... *Freedom, Posture, Precepts, Lineage, Silence*	Richard Baker	Jan 08 1972
Framing Zen: Process Over Content Serial: RB-00431 The talk discusses the concept of Zen practice and the challenges of explaining and embodying it. Using the metaphor of a picture frame, it emphasizes that Zen is about the "frame" itself rather than what is inside it,... *Shikantaza, Priest, War, Culture, Non-discrimination*	Richard Baker	Jan 06 1972
Zen and the Flow of Time Serial: RB-00430 The talk explores concepts of time, permanence, and cultural attitudes towards these ideas, contrasting Western and Japanese views. It discusses how these perspectives affect architecture, daily living practices, and spiritual... *Building, Buddha Nature, Ego, Attachment, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Jan 01 1972
Contrasting Paths to Happiness Serial: RB-00429 This talk explores contrasting philosophical and temporal perspectives between Christianity and Buddhism, specifically focusing on the cultural implications of these beliefs on happiness and the pursuit thereof. It highlights how... *Money, Happiness, Suffering, Bell, Culture*	Richard Baker	Dec 25 1971
Zen Practice: Balancing Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00427 The talk addresses the appropriateness of lectures during sesshins and emphasizes practices and precepts in Zen Buddhism. It discusses the five precepts for laymen and monks, focusing on both their practical applications and... *Sesshin, Community, Buddha Nature, Precepts, Soto Zen*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1971
Zen Paths of Mindful Practice Serial: RB-00428 The talk discusses the five precepts of Buddhism, focusing on the last precept which addresses altering the mind and body, particularly through the use of psychedelics. It details the long-term impact of psychedelics on Zen... *Bell, Sangha, Big Mind, Zendo, Nirvana*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1971
Unconditioned Relationships in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00426 This talk emphasizes the distinction between conditioned and unconditioned relationships within Buddhist practice, highlighting the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and the importance of maintaining unconditioned relationships,... *Buddha Nature, Zendo, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Demons*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1971
Zen Mindfulness in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00425 The central thesis explores the integration of Zen practice into daily life and the inherent challenges of maintaining mindfulness amidst life's conditions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following precepts,... *Precepts, Chanting, Dharmakaya, Mahayana, Death*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1971
Mastering Zazen in Modern Life Serial: RB-00422 The talk primarily addresses detailed instructions for Zazen practice, focusing on posture, breathing techniques, physical calmness, and sensory engagement. It also discusses the differences between Rinzai and Soto Zen traditions... *Doubt, Soto Zen, Study, Rinzai, Culture*	Richard Baker	Nov 14 1971
Body-Mind Shifts Across Cultures Serial: RB-00423 The talk critically examines the shift from body to mind culture in the West post-Plato, contrasting it with the persistent body culture of Japan. Key discussions include the lived experiences of Western practitioners in Japan,... *Obstacles, Big Mind, Lay, Ego, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Nov 14 1971
Zen Directness in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00421 The talk focuses on a koan related to the Soto Zen tradition, specifically from its Chinese founder, Tang Shan, also known as Cao Tung in Japanese. The discussion emphasizes the idea that inanimate objects are constantly... *Compassion, Sangha, Soto Zen, Obstacles, Avalokiteshvara*	Richard Baker	Nov 08 1971
Zen Beyond Borders Serial: RB-00416 The discussion explores the challenges and cultural differences faced by Westerners practicing Zen in Japan. It highlights the barriers due to linguistic, cultural, and traditional differences, as well as how these affect... *Priest, American, Rinzai, Soto Zen, training*	Richard Baker	Nov 05 1969
Navigating Japan's Cultural Landscape Serial: RB-00418 The central thesis revolves around sharing insights about navigating Japanese culture, especially concerning the distinctions between American individualism and Japanese collectivism. Practical advice is provided for prospective... *Culture, Study, American, Religion, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 29 1969
October 28th, 1969, Serial No. 00415 Serial: RB-00415 The talk examines the intrinsic bodily knowledge and cultural rhythms embedded in Japanese society, juxtaposing it with Western tendencies towards conscious awareness and endpoint emphasis. Employing examples from daily practices... *Big Mind, Mandala, Priest, Peace, Money*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Zen and Western Intersections Serial: RB-00419 The discussion revolves around the intersection of Buddhist practice, Japanese cultural mindset, and Western American socio-cultural perspectives. It explores distinct ways of thinking and perceiving, rooted in different... *Buddha Nature, American, Building, Money, zen meditation*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Navigating Zen Training in Japan Serial: RB-00414 The talk centers on the challenges and considerations involved in studying Buddhism in Japan as a Westerner, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japanese culture and language. A key point is the cultural friction that... *Study, Rinzai, training, American, Priest*	Richard Baker	Oct 18 1969
Zen Bridges: Teaching, Tradition, and Psychology Serial: RB-00417 The discussion explores the integration of English language teaching in Japan, the extensive commitment required for Rinzai and Soto Zen training, and the challenges faced by foreigners and women in monastic settings. It also... *Big Mind, Soto Zen, American, Rinzai, Commitment*	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... *Kinhin, Posture, Patience, Zendo, Pain*	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... *Lineage*	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... *training, Ceremony, American, Building, Instruction*	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... *Love, Money, Commitment, Greed, Hate*	Richard Baker
Unified Consciousness: Dolphins and Humanity Serial: RB-00349 The talk explores the concept of a unified consciousness shared by humans and dolphins, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings through shared elements like breathing, prana, and consciousness. It suggests that while... *heart*	Richard Baker
Zen Essentials: Practice, Perception, Presence Serial: RB-00350 The talk examines the integration of Zen practices with the precepts and zazen, emphasizing their role in maintaining mental clarity and preparing one for genuine meditation. It highlights the five concurrent causes essential for... *Doubt, Hindrances, Precepts, Bell, Building*	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, Building, Sangha, Interdependence, Precepts*	Richard Baker
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... *Mindfulness, Breath, Interdependence, Posture, Daily Life*	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... *Faith, Pain, Death, Balance, Sangha*	Richard Baker
Zen Harmony in Cultural Contexts Serial: RB-00649B The talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of discipline, order, and the formation of an understanding through collective agreement within a Sangha. It highlights how the form and practice of Zen... *Practice Period, Sangha, Bell, Posture, Truth*	Richard Baker
Right Livelihood: Mindful Ethical Living Serial: RB-00652 The talk focuses on the concept of "right livelihood" within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its place within the eightfold path. It discusses the interplay between personal morality, decision-making, and awareness of one's actions as... *Right Speech, Concentration, Chanting, Observe, Intention*	Richard Baker
Breaking Illusions: The Zen Path Serial: RB-00327 The talk focuses on the concepts of Zen practice and the role of mind in understanding reality, emphasizing teachings from the Sixth Patriarch and related Zen teachers. The discussion explores the practice of the samadhi of one... *Way-Seeking Mind, Samadhi, Doubt, Pain, Delusion*	Richard Baker	May 06
Embracing Presence Beyond Perception Serial: RB-00525 The talk centers on the Zen story of Ryutan's encounter with Tokusan, using it as a metaphor to explore core Zen concepts of 'being' over traditional subject-object relationships. By examining Buddhist precepts not as... *Precepts, Zazen Mind, Truth, Dharmakaya*	Richard Baker	Oct 27
Solitude's Path to Collective Wisdom Serial: RB-00544 The talk explores the theme of complete personal responsibility and aloneness, which is considered the gateway to understanding and connecting with others. It discusses how recognizing one’s own complete responsibility and... *Delusion, Money, Sangha, Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Dec 07
Zen, Quantum, and Interconnected Reality Serial: RB-00595 The talk primarily explores the relationship between quantum mechanics and Zen Buddhism, highlighting the concept of non-locality and interconnectedness as explained by Bell's Theorem. It further examines how these scientific... *American, causation, Fox, Avalokiteshvara, War*	Richard Baker	Dec 07

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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