The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Breath as a Gateway to Merit Serial: RB-00025 The talk explores the concept of accumulation versus leaking within Zen practice, focusing on the subtle differences in experiencing one's breath and the notion of merit. Emphasis is placed on following the exhale to enhance... *Commitment, Breath, Samadhi, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Jun 15 1976
Zen Patience and Genuine Practice Serial: RB-00179 This talk emphasizes the importance of expectation and patience in Zen practice, focusing on the concept of integrating 'flesh and fantasy' through Buddhist teachings. It discusses the challenges of confronting the unconscious... *Ordination, Samadhi, Delusion, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 15 1976
Transcending Limits Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00647 The talk centers on the distinction between Buddhism and other religions, emphasizing Buddhism’s focus on human experience and logical limits, versus the divine revelations characteristic of other faiths. It highlights Zen... *Baso, Religion, Oneness, Concentration, Non-discrimination*	Richard Baker	Jun 13 1976
Finding Truth Within Zen Practice Serial: RB-00023 This talk delves into the practice of sesshin and the essence of Zen practice, focusing on the realization that truth is not external but inherent. The discourse emphasizes the importance of objectless concentration in zazen (... *Truth, Concentration, Blue Cliff Record, Sesshin, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Jun 12 1976
The Ultimate Path of No Choice Serial: RB-00029 The talk explores the concept outlined in the saying, "The ultimate path has no difficulty, only avoid picking and choosing," emphasizing the philosophical and practical implications in Zen practice. Several stories involving... *Intention, Joshu, Concentration, Transmission, Dharma Transmission*	Richard Baker	Apr 18 1976
Zen and the Art of Non-Choosing Serial: RB-00194 The talk examines the Zen teaching "The ultimate path has no difficulty, only avoid picking and choosing," attributed to Third Patriarch Sengcan and expounded by Joshu. Emphasis is placed on how this principle relates to non-... *Intention, Joshu, Concentration, Transmission, Dharma Transmission*	Richard Baker	Apr 18 1976
Innate Enlightenment Interconnected Histories Serial: RB-00028 The main thesis revolves around the interconnectedness of all beings and histories within the practice of Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the innate Buddha nature inherent in every individual. It discusses the concept of... *Manjushri, Dragons, Intention, Concentration, Vow*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1976
Embracing Your Inner Buddha Nature Serial: RB-00193 This talk discusses the Zen philosophy's core teaching that all individuals inherently possess Buddha nature, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and cultivating this intrinsic potential. Using the analogy of road... *Manjushri, Intention, Dragons, Vow, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1976
Mindful Precision in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00032 The talk delves into the Eightfold Path, particularly focusing on the nuances of "Right View," "Right Conduct," and "Right Livelihood." It is emphasized that suffering should not be seen merely as something to eliminate but as an... *Community, Fundraising, Intention, Chanting, Non-discrimination*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1976
Transforming Suffering Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00191 This talk delves into the Eightfold Path, emphasizing right views, thoughts, speech, intention, concentration, mindfulness, conduct, action, and livelihood. The discussion interprets suffering not as something to be eradicated... *Community, Four Noble Truths, Fundraising, Intention, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1976
Live With Right Intention Serial: RB-00197 This talk discusses the practice of taking personal responsibility and the futility of relying on external systems, highlighting the principles of Right Livelihood and the importance of intention in Buddhism. It underscores that... *Concentration, Intention, Right Speech, Humility, Joshu*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1976
Awakening Through Faithful Questioning Serial: RB-00033 The talk discusses the relationship between questioning and enlightenment in Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of questioning grounded in faith, explaining that questioning leads to realization, contrasting with... *Vow, realization, Truth*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1976
Questioning the Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00196 This talk explores the relationship between questioning and enlightenment within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of persistent inquiry rooted in faith. It critiques the conventional understanding of Dharma and self,... *Vow, realization, Truth*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1976
Transcending Boundaries: True Meditation Unveiled Serial: RB-00031 The talk focuses on the concept of rightly transmitted dharma and true meditation, primarily through the teachings of Dogen and Rojin. It discusses the non-dualistic nature of true meditation and contrasts it with externalized... *Chanting, Religion, Rinzai, Samadhi, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1976
Zen Meditations and Mystical Insights Serial: RB-00195 The talk delves into the concept of "rightly transmitted dharma" as discussed by various Zen teachers. It explores the essence of true meditation through the teachings of Rojin, Hakuin Zenji, and Rinzai, emphasizing direct... *Chanting, Religion, Rinzai, Samadhi, Dragons*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1976
Seamless Unity in Zen Meditation Serial: RB-00030 The main thesis revolves around the non-dual nature of existence and the concept of seamless samadhi as understood within Zen and referenced through works like Blake’s poetry and Dogen’s teachings. The discussion emphasizes the... *Sixth Patriarch, Samadhi, Joshu, Religion, Nirmanakaya*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1976
Embracing Non-Dual Cosmic Unity Serial: RB-00199 The talk emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and the dangers of externalizing nature, drawing parallels between Blake's symbolism and Buddhist teachings. It connects Albion's fall in Blake's works to Buddhist concepts of... *Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, Joshu, Religion, Nirmanakaya*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1976
Illusions of Daily Existence Serial: RB-00034 The talk delves into the exploration of identity, decision-making, and the illusion of form. It emphasizes the ephemeral nature of decisions and physical embodiment through metaphoric contemplation of getting up in the morning... *Freedom, Sesshin, Bell*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1976
Ephemeral Identity in Zen Existence Serial: RB-00198 The talk explores the nature of self-identity and the interplay between the physical and ephemeral aspects of existence, particularly within the context of Zen practice. It discusses the decision-making process behind actions... *Sesshin, Bell, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1976
Engaging Life Through Zen Mindfulness Serial: RB-00064 The talk focuses on the concept of everyday mind in Zen Buddhism and its integration into daily life. It explores the paradox of Zen practice as a form of engagement rather than escapism, emphasizing the importance of sincerity... *Joshu, Transmission, Four Noble Truths, causation, Vow*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1976
Living Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00200 The talk from February 22, 1976, centers on the concept of "everyday mind" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its simplicity and complexity. The discussion further explores the moral and political queries practitioners face,... *Joshu, Transmission, Four Noble Truths, causation, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1976
Unveiling Zen Through Stories Serial: RB-00351 The talk centers on elucidating complex Zen concepts by discussing well-known Zen stories, emphasizing the nature of form and emptiness, everyday mindedness, and the integration of primary and secondary consciousness. Key Topics... *Dragons, Sesshin, Silence, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1976
Living on the Edge of Mindfulness Serial: RB-00204 The talk delves into the concept of "everyday mindedness," which, in Buddhist thought, resembles facing a precipitous cliff, symbolizing the challenge of grasping such a deeply ordinary yet profound state. The discussion draws on... *Intention, Death, Buddha Nature, Letting Go, Zendo*	Richard Baker	Feb 20 1976
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00062 The talk explores the Zen concept of "everyday-mindedness," emphasizing the importance of present-focused awareness. Key stories and discussions illustrate how true understanding and practice involve embracing what is directly... *Avalokiteshvara, Joshu, Compassion, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1976
Zen in the Everyday Moment Serial: RB-00203 The talk delves into the concept of Zen practice focusing on the "everyday mind" and the notion that the path is what lies directly in front of oneself. It includes a significant discussion of U Mon's teachings, emphasizing that... *Avalokiteshvara, Joshu, Mindfulness, Compassion*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1976
Sincerity Over Intellect in Buddhism Serial: RB-00061 The talk delves into the challenges and nuances of understanding Buddhism, emphasizing that true comprehension arises through intense sincerity rather than mere intellectual effort. It highlights Tozan's Five Ranks, illustrating... *Dragons, Five Ranks, Tozan, Soto Zen, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1976
Serendipity and Sincerity in Zen Serial: RB-00202 The talk explores the profound intricacies of understanding Buddhism, particularly through the lens of Tozan's Five Ranks and various Zen teachings. It highlights the role of sincerity and serendipity in comprehending the vast... *Dragons, Five Ranks, Tozan, Soto Zen, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1976
Tea and the Zen Way Serial: RB-00060 This talk explores the essence of Zen practice as experienced through daily routine and emphasizes the teachings from Suzuki Roshi and the lineage of Zen masters. Central to the discussion is the story of Joshu's "go have a cup... *Silence, Joshu, Intention, Truth, Demons*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1976
Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00201 The talk primarily explores the notion of integrating Zen practice into daily life, emphasizing "bearing" as an active principle synonymous with form, intention, and presence. Drawing on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and various... *Silence, Joshu, Intention, Truth, Demons*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1976
Engage Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00059 This 1976 talk examines the intricacies of Zen practice, focusing on primary consciousness, personal experience, and integration of minute particulars. Key themes include the story of the Lotus, the causal nature of experience,... *Tozan, Fox, Posture, causation, Blue Cliff Record*	Richard Baker	Feb 15 1976
Unraveling Interconnectedness Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00302 The talk delves into the profound nature of cause and effect in Zen practice, as inspired by teachings of Seppo, stories from the Blue Cliff Record, and the practice philosophy of realizing primary consciousness through Zazen.... *Posture, causation, Tozan, Fox, Blue Cliff Record*	Richard Baker	Feb 15 1976
Awakening Through Zen Consciousness Serial: RB-00058 This talk centers on Zen Buddhist teachings concerning the nature of consciousness and the concept of causation. Through discussions of classical stories like Chimon and the lotus, as well as Hyakujo and the fox, it explores... *Hyakujo, causation, Fox, Seigen Gyoshi*	Richard Baker	Feb 14 1976
Zen Pathways to Non-Discrimination Serial: RB-00343 The talk explores the concepts of causation, consciousness, and enlightenment within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing historical anecdotes and koans to illustrate these principles. It discusses the story of Chimon and the lotus,... *Hyakujo, causation, Fox, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Feb 14 1976
Zen Realization in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00051 The talk focuses on the central column of consciousness and various Zen stories, particularly those of Gutei and Avalokiteshvara, to illustrate deeper philosophical insights. Key themes include the necessity of transcending... *Avalokiteshvara, Truth, Discrimination, Dragons, Continuous Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1975
Zen Effort and Mindful Presence Serial: RB-00050 The talk explores themes of effort and mindfulness in Zen practice, focusing on the story of Gutei's one finger to illustrate profound Zen teachings. It discusses the misconception about effort, suggesting that true concentration... *Gutei, Mindfulness, Concentration, Evil, Love*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1975
Compassion in Unpredictable Reality Serial: RB-00035 The talk delves into the unpredictable nature of reality as aligned with Buddhist principles, focusing on the teachings about Avalokiteshvara and their implications for practice. It underscores how the differences and sameness... *Avalokiteshvara, First Principle, Lotus Sutra, Sixth Patriarch, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1975
Zen Perception and Equidistant Action Serial: RB-00049 The talk examines Zen Buddhist principles with a focus on the difficulty in expressing profound truths, the concept of equidistance, and the teachings of Avalokiteshvara. Emphasis is placed on the inherent challenges in... *Avalokiteshvara, Liberation, Demons, Equanimity*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1975
Zen's Dance with Time Serial: RB-00342 The talk explores the challenge of conveying Zen philosophical concepts, emphasizing the need for personal engagement and interpretation. The discussion touches on themes like mindfulness, action without delay, equidistance, and... *Avalokiteshvara, Liberation, Demons, Equanimity*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1975
Zen Path: Consistency and Balance Serial: RB-00048 This talk underscores the importance of a sincere and consistent approach to practicing faith, particularly within Zen Buddhism, while addressing the potential pitfalls of excessively strict or lax discipline. It further delves... *Tozan, Sixth Patriarch, Intimacy, Way-Seeking Mind*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1975
Balancing Zen: Seriousness Without Strictures Serial: RB-00341 This talk addresses the intricate nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining seriousness without becoming overly dependent on strict enforcement. It explores themes such as the balance between ascetic... *Intimacy, Way-Seeking Mind, Priest, Tozan, Truth*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1975
Embracing Zen Beyond Words Serial: RB-00047 The talk revolves around the Zen koan of Tozan and the phrase "three pounds of flax," exploring its meaning and implications in Zen practice. Instead of traditional teaching methods, Tozan's response encourages practitioners to... *Posture, Tozan, Shuso Ceremony, Practice Period, Pain*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1975
Buddha in Everyday Awareness Serial: RB-00340 The talk highlights the significant question in Zen philosophy: "What is Buddha?" using Tozan's remark, "three pounds of flax," as a central example. It discusses the life-giving and life-taking sword techniques of teaching,... *Tozan, Shuso Ceremony, Posture, Hate, Breath*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1975
Consciousness and Unconditional Being Serial: RB-00046 The talk emphasizes the significance of approaching Sashin with an open mind and staying aware of one's consciousness. It discusses how physical postures and muscles relate to mental states, advising to focus attention on organs... *Posture, Concentration, heart, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1975
Zen Awareness and Body Consciousness Serial: RB-00339 The talk from December 1st, 1975, focuses on the continuous awareness and presence during sesshin without drifting into thoughts about past, future, or distractions. It delves into the importance of maintaining a soft and... *Posture, Concentration, heart, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1975
Silent Harmony in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00021 The talk addresses the challenge of overcoming ingrained cultural ideas in Zen practice, emphasizing direct perception over accumulated knowledge. It explores the concept of "silence" as an active acceptance, not merely the... *Silence, Mindfulness, Religion, Ceremony, realization*	Richard Baker	Nov 26 1975
Buddhist Economics: Flight Patterns of Change Serial: RB-00043 The talk provides a comprehensive analysis of the social and economic challenges related to integrating Buddhism into Western society, specifically highlighting the influence of Buddhist ideas on Western thought. It discusses the... *Money, Building, Community, Sangha, Intimacy*	Richard Baker	Nov 22 1975
Budgeting Harmony for Zen Center Serial: RB-00044 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the financial overview and budgeting for a Zen Center, addressing the costs of residency for students, the allocation and calculation of scholarships, and strategies to sustain the... *Money, Community, Tenzo, Balance, Offering*	Richard Baker	Nov 22 1975
Zen Economics: Balancing Budgets for Growth Serial: RB-00045 The talk discusses financial management and budgeting strategies for a Zen community center. Emphasis is placed on the need to balance cutting expenses with improving fundraising efforts. The practical measures suggested include... *Money, Community, Fundraising, Building, Balance*	Richard Baker	Nov 22 1975
Zen Pathways: From Karma to Balance Serial: RB-00020 The talk addresses the distinction between society and the sangha, emphasizing the necessity to reconsider the wisdom inherited from Buddhist tradition given contemporary societal complexities. It highlights the practical aspects... *Concentration, Practice Period, Chanting, Vow*	Richard Baker	Nov 13 1975
Sangha: Interconnected Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00019 This talk focuses on the "three treasures" in Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, with a particular emphasis on understanding Sangha. It discusses various stages of comprehending Sangha and the spiritual practice of realizing... *Vow, Sangha, Thich Nhat Hanh, Priest, War*	Richard Baker	Nov 11 1975

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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