The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Zen and the Constructed Self Serial: RB-00674B Sesshin The talk discusses the intertwining of individual and communal identities through Zen practice within the context of a sesshin, emphasizing mindfulness and the creation and perception of identity in both societal and existential... *Practice, Bell, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1989 Crestone
Zen Bridges: Embracing Paradox and Unity Serial: RB-00674A Sesshin This talk explores the complexities inherent in Zen practice, highlighting its inherent contradiction of being a practice not solely reliant on meditation yet deeply connected to Zazen. It dissects Zen's simplicity and directness... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1989 Crestone
Awakening Through Mindful Balance Serial: RB-00664 Seminar The seminar explores the concept of rising mind versus sinking mind using a personal anecdote, linking it to Zen meditation postures and the integration of body and mind energy. This discussion transitions into a broader... *Buddhism, Practice, Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1989 Münster
Heart Sutra: Embodying Wisdom's Womb Serial: RB-00663 Seminar The talk explains the concept of a "heart sutra," likening it to a woman or womb that embodies wisdom, an essential teaching within Buddhism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the "heart-mind" as a unifying force that... *Buddhism, Wisdom, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1989 Münster
Zen Harmony: Beauty in Imperfection Serial: RB-00665 Seminar The talk delves into the philosophical exploration of beauty, asymmetry, and cultural perspectives, particularly emphasizing the importance of experiencing both beauty and imperfection. It connects these themes to Zen practices,... *Practice, Time, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1989 Münster
Embracing Emptiness: Beyond Duality Serial: RB-00666 Seminar The talk focuses on the concepts from the Heart Sutra, specifically discussing the perception of the five skandhas (form, feelings, perceptions, impulses, consciousness) as empty, highlighting the mantra "O Shariputra, form does... *Practice, Samadhi, Culture*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1989 Münster
Embodied Wisdom in Buddhist Practice Serial: RB-00667 Seminar The talk revolves around the exploration of the intricate interplay between body, speech, and mind in Buddhist philosophy, delving into the assertion that both body and mind possess innate wisdom. The speaker emphasizes the equal... *Culture, Time, japanese*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1989 Münster
Embodying Zen: Mind-Body Unity Serial: RB-00670 Sesshin The talk focuses on the intricacies of Zen practice during Sesshin, emphasizing the integration of mind and body through daily rituals such as handling eating bowls. The discourse explores the cultural and philosophical aspects... *Culture, Practice, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Jun 1989 Maria Laach
Zen Insight: Breath, Emptiness, Awareness Serial: RB-00672 Sesshin The talk centers on the practice of dokusan within a sesshin, emphasizing personal connections and the unique experiential depth it provides compared to seminars. It explores the fundamental aspects of Zen practice such as the... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Richard Baker	Jun 1989 Maria Laach
Zen: Alone Together in Practice Serial: RB-00671 Sesshin The talk explores the concept of "going alone together" in Zen practice, particularly within the context of sesshins, focusing on Doksan as an individualized yet communal experience. It discusses the approach of Yasutani Roshi,... *Practice, Zazen, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Jun 1989 Maria Laach
Sesshin: Balancing Effort and Emptiness Serial: RB-00673 Sesshin The talk examines the intricacies of Zen practice, particularly within the context of Sesshin, emphasizing the necessity of creating conditions conducive to enlightenment, such as cultivating the right balance between effort and... *Practice, Enlightenment, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 1989 Maria Laach
Everyday Koans: Zen in Action Serial: RB-00669 Talk_The_Everyday_Koan The talk primarily explores the concept of the "everyday koan," a practice derived from Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes engaging with life's challenges as koans to bring mindfulness and transformation to everyday experiences. It... *Practice, Koan, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	May 05 1989 Wien
Zen Friendships: The Heart's Journey Serial: RB-00668 Talk The talk examines the concept of "Dharma Friend" in Buddhist practice, exploring its multifaceted role as a guide, catalyst, and support system for practitioners. The discussion emphasizes the importance of friendship within the... *Practice, Karma, Zazen*	Richard Baker	May 03 1989 Wien
1989, Serial No. 00662 Serial: RB-00662 Seminar_The_Miracle_of_Awareness_and_Existence The talk explores the concepts of awareness, energy, and consciousness within the practice of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between energy leakage and nourishment, and the role of practices... *Practice, Consciousness, Time*	Richard Baker	1989 Heidelberg
Zen Adaptability: Navigating Lifes Currents Serial: RB-00661 Seminar_The_Miracle_of_Awareness_and_Existence The seminar titled "The Miracle of Awareness and Existence" discussed the adaptability of Zen practice in everyday situations, such as being stuck in traffic, highlighting the importance of developing an adaptable state of mind.... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	1989 Heidelberg
Backbone of Mindful Existence Serial: RB-00659A Seminar_The_Miracle_of_Awareness_and_Existence The seminar titled "The Miracle of Awareness and Existence" explores the Zen concept of mindfulness and self-awareness through meditation, focusing particularly on the importance of posture and the metaphorical role of the... *Posture, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	1989 Heidelberg
1989, Serial No. 00659, Side B Serial: RB-00659B Seminar_The_Miracle_of_Awareness_and_Existence The talk explores the subtle yet thorough nature of Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing the practice of staying with fundamental questions rather than seeking definitive answers. It presents the concept of "self" from both Buddhist... *Culture, Buddhism, Suffering*	Richard Baker	1989 Heidelberg
Embodied Awareness: Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00660 Seminar_The_Miracle_of_Awareness_and_Existence The talk explores the nature of existence and enlightenment, emphasizing that enlightenment is a definitive, ongoing experience not achievable through intellectual or accumulated experiential means, but through direct, bodily... *Buddhism, Practice, Karma*	Richard Baker	1989 Heidelberg
Dharma Friends: Catalysts of Insight Serial: RB-03557 Seminar_Dharma-Friend The talk explores the concept of "Dharma Friend" in Buddhist practice, emphasizing the importance of friendship in spiritual development and practice. It delves into how such friendships allow one to experience deeper insights,... *Practice, Samadhi, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Jan 01 1989
Zen Moments: Haiku and Meditation Serial: RB-02834 Talk The talk primarily highlights two traditional haiku poems, presenting them as illustrative of Zen principles. The first is a haiku by Basho, famously known as the "Old Pond," while the second by Buson reflects the transient and... *Meditation, Instruction, Enlightenment*	Richard Baker	Dec 11 1988
Mindful Interconnectedness: Perception in Practice Serial: RB-02833 Talk The talk explores the intricacies of mindfulness, awareness, and consciousness within the framework of Zen and Mahayana Buddhism. It highlights the complexities of Mahayana practice, which is suited for laypeople and contrasts it... *Practice, Buddhism, Mindfulness*	Richard Baker	Dec 11 1988
Zen Mindfulness: Bridging Tradition and Practice Serial: RB-02832 Talk This talk explores the challenges and strategies of teaching Zen Buddhism to lay audiences, emphasizing that the essence of Mahayana Buddhism holds that laypersons are pivotal in the practice. It covers the notion that... *Practice, Mindfulness, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 13 1988
1988, Serial No. 00653, Side A Serial: RB-00653A Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The talk primarily discusses the physical and mental aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of posture and the views brought to sitting in meditation. It is highlighted that the effectiveness of meditation is... *Time, Posture, Meditation*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
1988, Serial No. 00656 Serial: RB-00656 Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The talk discusses the nuances of awareness and alertness in Zen Buddhism, noting the complexity and linguistic challenges in translating specific Buddhist concepts into English. The seminar explores the concept of reality,... *Buddhism, Practice, War*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
1988, Serial No. 00655 Serial: RB-00655 Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The talk explores meditation within Zen practice, emphasizing the distinction between contemplation and sitting meditation. The discussion highlights the importance of detaching mind from habitual thinking, suggesting that... *Practice, Mindfulness, Chanting*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
1988, Serial No. 00653, Side B Serial: RB-00653B Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The main thesis of the talk revolves around integrating Zen Buddhism into a Western context, emphasizing the fundamental differences between a Western, mind-oriented culture and a body-oriented Eastern perspective. The discussion... *Practice, Time, Breath*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
1988, Serial No. 00654 Serial: RB-00654 Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The talk focuses on the importance of posture in Zen meditation, emphasizing the need for a straight back to facilitate a proper meditative state. It discusses Zen as both common sense and a Buddhist practice, highlighting the... *Practice, Buddhism, Posture*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
1988, Serial No. 00657 Serial: RB-00657 Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The talk centers around the importance of meditation practice and its relationship with teachers and peer groups within Zen Buddhism. Emphasis is placed on the connection between students and teachers, the concept of Dharma... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
Awakening Through the Heart Sutra Serial: RB-00658 Seminar_Introduction_to_Zen The seminar provides an in-depth exploration of the "Heart Sutra," emphasizing the concept of the Dharmakaya Buddha manifesting through the Sambhogakaya body, exemplified by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. This teaching underlines... *Suffering, Sambhogakaya, Buddha*	Richard Baker	1988 Heidelberg
Zen's Inner Silence Beyond Sound Serial: RB-00648 The talk on November 24, 1982, delves into the concept of silence within Zen practice, contrasting it with the notion of literal silence. It explores how true silence exists even within sound and speech and highlights the... *Practice, Silence, Faith*	Richard Baker	Nov 24 1982
Zen Community Principles and Practice Serial: RB-00404 The main thesis of the June 1981 talk, identified as Serial No. 00404, centers on the evolution and principles underlying the Zen Center community, emphasizing practice, stability, community dynamics, and the philosophical... *Community, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 1981
Embodied Zen and Conscious Community Serial: RB-00403 The June 1981 talk discusses the role of physical communication in Zen practice, emphasizing its importance only when students are prepared to understand it. The discussion transitions to how conscious awareness and the energy... *Culture, Work, Community*	Richard Baker	Jun 1981
Zen Community: Balancing Self and Sangha Serial: RB-00405 Summary The discussion primarily revolves around the Zen Center's formation, community structure, and interdependence principles derived from Zen practice. Zen practice is exemplified through the daily meditation routine coined... *Community, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 1981
Living Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00623 The talk explores the concept that Zen practice requires one to focus on the present and avoid clinging to past experiences or seeking validation. Zen is described as a way of living that involves complete immersion in the... *Study, Practice, Consciousness*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1979
The Weight of Emptiness in Zen Serial: RB-00621 The talk expounds on the inherent pessimism in Buddhist philosophy, particularly its view on suffering (samsara) and the absence of inherent meaning in life's events. The discussion references the Mahayana concept of emptiness,... *Buddha Nature, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1979
Embodying Zen in Daily Life Serial: RB-00620 The central thesis of the talk addresses the practice of Zen and the embodiment of its principles in daily life. The discussion spans from the importance and practical application of dharmakaya (the ultimate reality or truth body... *Buddha Nature, Time, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1979
Beyond Duality in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00619 The talk explores the concept of subtle differences in Zen practice and understanding, particularly focusing on the idea of 'a hair's breadth difference' as highlighted in various koans. It examines the tension between order and... *Time, Koan, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1979
Zen's Secret of Interconnected Perception Serial: RB-00618 The main thesis revolves around the concepts of interdependence, merit, and secret teachings in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of perceiving interconnectedness and overcoming conceptual divisions. Key Points Covered: 1... *Practice, Buddha, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 16 1979
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00615 The talk discusses various aspects of everyday Zen practice and its integration into daily life. Key points include comparisons between Japanese and American bathing customs, methods for managing children's fevers using non-... *Time, Zazen, Practice*	Richard Baker	Nov 14 1979
Zen Stories: Pathways to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00613 The talk explores Zen teachings, emphasizing the metaphorical use of Zen stories and parables to illustrate aspects of enlightenment and self-understanding. Key references include Dogen's poem "Black Rain on the Roof," the story... *Buddhism, Fox, Enlightenment*	Richard Baker	Nov 03 1979 Tassajara Zen Mountain Center
Descriptions and Realizations Unveiled Serial: RB-00612 The talk revolves around the complexities of financial management and accounting within an organization, using metaphors and analogies to explore how descriptions shape our understanding and actions. The discussion then... *Posture, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 02 1979
Title: Zen Practice Through Tara's Grace Serial: RB-00611 The talk revolves around acquiring a Tara statue to bolster the representation of feminine energy in the Zen Center's religious artifacts. It explains the logistical and financial challenges faced in obtaining the statue,... *Time, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1979
Honoring Feminine Energy in Zen Serial: RB-00190 The talk on October 27th, 1979, covers several topics including the acquisition of a Tara statue for the altar of the Zen Center to honor feminine energy and the financial challenges associated with it. Furthermore, the talk also... *Time, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1979
Being Straight Ahead in Zen Serial: RB-00610 The main thesis of the talk is the elucidation of the concept of "straight ahead" from a well-known Zen story as a metaphor for practicing Zen by responding to the phenomenal world with "tenseless being" and... *Buddhism, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	Oct 02 1979
Nurturing Buddha Nature Within Reality Serial: RB-00189 The talk focuses on the nature and purpose of Zen practice, highlighting the difference between training and practice within Buddhist traditions. It emphasizes the understanding of Buddha nature and inherent teachings as opposed... *Practice, Buddhism, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Oct 01 1979
Compassion in Adversity Serial: RB-00609 The talk from October 1st, 1979, centers on the profound humanness and simplicity of a prominent spiritual figure, emphasizing compassion amidst personal and collective adversities. The discussion highlights the individual's... *Time, Compassion, Practice*	Richard Baker	Oct 01 1979
Breath and the Nature of Change Serial: RB-00608 The lecture discusses the fundamental principles of Buddhism with a focus on the nature of change and the importance of breathing in practice. It differentiates between unnoticed and noticed change, emphasizing that the act of... *Buddhism, Breath, Practice*	Richard Baker	Aug 15 1979
Zen Actions: Embracing Imperfection and Insight Serial: RB-00607 The talk revolves around the complex and often controversial teachings related to the 63rd koan from the Blue Cliff Records concerning Nansen's story of killing a cat. The discussion emphasizes the multifaceted interpretation of... *Time, Japan, Koan*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1979
Objectless Seeing in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00606 The talk explores the concept of dharma in Buddhism, emphasizing its mysterious and elusive nature, and argues that it goes beyond mere conceptual frameworks. It discusses the idea that everyday life itself is the teaching,... *Buddhism, Time, Koan*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1979
Zazen and Everyday Mindfulness Serial: RB-00605 This talk focuses on the practical and philosophical aspects of Zen practice, particularly emphasizing the physical practice of zazen (seated meditation) as essential for achieving true Zen understanding. The discussion covers... *Zazen, Religion, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1979

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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