The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Living Zen Without Images Serial: RB-00604 The talk discusses the practice and philosophy of imageless Zen, emphasizing a consistent, gapless practice without reliance on images or concepts. Examples include stories from Zen masters and personal anecdotes to illustrate... *Practice, Time, Japan*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1979
Zen Presence in Modern Life Serial: RB-00603 The main thesis of the talk emphasizes the importance of being fully present in one's current state and place as the fundamental basis for Zen practice. Key points include reflections on Dogen's teachings, particularly the... *Time, Concentration, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1979
Zen Pathways to Inner Transformation Serial: RB-00617 The talk explores the Zen practice of meditation and koans as a path to a transformative inner experience akin to a sophisticated form of shamanism, emphasizing the importance of mad intention and concentration. It discusses the... *Buddha, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1979
Mindfulness Amid Nuclear Challenges Serial: RB-00602 The talk discusses the importance of concentration during sāsīn, tying the theme to recent events at the Harrisburg nuclear plant and broader environmental and social issues. It explores the idea of creating alternatives and... *Buddha, Work, War*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1979
Zen Alchemy: Natural Transformation Serial: RB-00601 The central theme of this talk revolves around the metaphorical comparison of Zen practice to fermentation and distillation, drawing parallels between spiritual transformation and the alchemical processes of turning simple... *Practice, Breath, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Mar 16 1979
Zen Women in Daily Life Serial: RB-00600 The talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice into daily life, with particular emphasis on the unique experiences and challenges faced by women practitioners. It explores how traditional Zen teachings intersect with modern... *Practice, Time, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Mar 08 1979
Zen and the Art of Nearness Serial: RB-00593 The talk primarily discusses the idea of nearness and non-locality in both a metaphysical and practical context, examining Zen teaching's emphasis on direct, non-conceptual engagement with reality. Key references include Mu Bing’... *Time, Study, Work*	Richard Baker	Mar 03 1979
Zen Serenity in Wild Places Serial: RB-00599 The talk begins with a discussion on Hanshan's poetry, emphasizing the deep serenity found in nature's wild and daunting places and relating it to the practice of Zen. It continues with reflections on individual independence and... *Time, Practice, Breath*	Richard Baker	Feb 16 1979
Zen Practice: Incense and Insight Serial: RB-00594 The talk on January 31st, 1979, Serial No. 00594, focuses on practical aspects of incense burning in Zen practice, shares a personal anecdote about the life and contributions of a relative, and discusses a complex legal and... *Time, Shikantaza, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Jan 31 1979
Transcending Ambivalence Through Zen Serial: RB-00592 The main thesis of the talk is the exploration of ambivalence in the context of Zen practice and life. It discusses how individuals experience, manage, and ultimately transcend ambivalence through sustained awareness, the... *Practice, Buddha, Time*	Richard Baker	Jan 26 1979
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00598 The discussion highlights the integration of Zen practice into daily life, emphasizing the necessity of thorough engagement with each act to realize deeper continuity and understanding. The practice period at Tassajara serves as... *Time, Tassajara, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jan 23 1979
Living the Bodhisattva Path Serial: RB-00632 The talk navigates various aspects of the Buddhist practice, focusing on the practical application of Bodhisattva vows and the nature of enlightened experience characterized by perceiving universals through observable particulars... *Practice, Buddhism, Love*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1978
Radical Privacy in Yogic Perception Serial: RB-00631 The talk delves into the concept of yogic perception, emphasizing the radical privacy and intimacy involved in such direct, non-conceptual perception. The narrative references the four jhanas, paramitas, and various Buddhist... *Buddhism, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1978
Awakening Through Zen Conjunction Serial: RB-00635 The talk explores the challenges and inherent value of practicing Zen in a structured community, emphasizing the transformative process of engaging with one's circumstances and distractions. It examines the philosophical... *Time, Buddha, Hyakujo*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1978
Seeing Beyond the Sitting Self Serial: RB-00637 The talk discusses the Zen teaching story of Matsu and Nanaku, focusing on the futility of seeking to become a Buddha through sitting alone, and the concept of "formless absorption" as an essential part of practice. The... *Buddha, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1978
Embracing the Interconnected Self Serial: RB-00638 The central thesis of the talk is the concept of "the pattern that connects" and its role in Zen practice, emphasizing the need for interconnectedness and the dangers of ego, which is seen as a closed system. The... *Ego, Practice, Effort*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1978
Beyond Meaning: Embracing Zen's Flow Serial: RB-00634 The talk analyzes concepts within Zen practice, focusing on the idea of "no meaning," as illustrated by stories of Zen masters like Linji and Sui Wei. It highlights the need for transcending conceptual thinking and emphasizes... *Breath, Zendo, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1978
Zen Paths to Inner Truth Serial: RB-00624 The talk primarily addresses the spiritual and philosophical concept of finding substantial reality within Zen practice. It explores the classic Zen story about Lung Ye and the patriarchs, emphasizing that true understanding... *Consciousness, Politics, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1978
Zen Resilience in Storms Serial: RB-00591 This talk addresses practical concerns about a remote living community during storms and examines Zen principles related to understanding reality amidst adversity. Guidance is provided on handling practical emergencies and... *Time, Zazen, Practice*	Richard Baker	Nov 22 1978
Naming the Essence of Zen Serial: RB-00590 The discussion centers on the theme of naming and form in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of rituals, understanding one’s true purpose, and the distinction between the superficial and the essential. Stories and examples... *Name, Ceremony, Time*	Richard Baker	Nov 17 1978
Zen's Harmony Amidst Societal Structures Serial: RB-00589 The talk explores the intersection between Zen practice and societal structures, emphasizing the historic relationship between religious institutions and governmental authority. It addresses the decision-making in a Zen community... *Time, Practice, Emptiness*	Richard Baker	Oct 31 1978
Unpredictable Presence in Daily Life Serial: RB-00588 The talk explores the concept of influence and presence through personal anecdotes and Zen teachings. The discussion includes the impact of being observed, the significance of unpredictable events, and how the practice of... *Time, Buddha, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Oct 16 1978
Zen Beyond Boundaries Serial: RB-00587 The talk discusses the nature of Zen as an "ecstatic religion" in comparison to other religions that transcend cultural boundaries. It explores the non-dualistic perception achieved through Zen practice, emphasizing concepts like... *Consciousness, Practice, Breath*	Richard Baker	Oct 16 1978
Embracing Zen's Traceless Lightness Serial: RB-00579 The talk elucidates the concept of "sashi" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of lightness and tracklessness in both understanding and application. By referencing various Zen stories and teachings, it underscores the... *Buddha, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Jun 26 1978
Invisible Treasures of Zazen Serial: RB-00578 The talk addresses the inherent value of Zazen practice despite physical discomfort and the unyielding pursuit of spiritual growth. The narrative recounts personal experiences and insights from other masters highlighting the... *Sangha, Practice, Effort*	Richard Baker	Jun 25 1978
Zen Resilience After the Flames Serial: RB-00577 The talk recounts the recent burning of the Zendo at Tassajara, emphasizing the incident's magnitude and the community's response to the fire. It details mistakes in fire preparedness, the rapidity with which the fire spread due... *Zendo, Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Apr 16 1978
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... *Practice, Rinzai, Time*	Richard Baker	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, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	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... *Buddha, Work, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	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... *Time, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	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... *Time, Work, Practice*	Richard Baker	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, Time, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	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, Suzuki Roshi, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	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... *Practice, Joshu, Emptiness*	Richard Baker	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, Buddha, Time*	Richard Baker	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, Buddha, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	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, Zazen, Suffering*	Richard Baker	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... *Name, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	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... *Concentration, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Mar 08 1978
Zen Connections Beyond Validation Serial: RB-00586 The talk focuses on the concept of "no confirmation" in Zen Buddhism, exploring how profound relationships are developed independent of external validation and employing koans to reach deeper understanding. It discusses the... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Mar 07 1978
Zen Intention: Individuality in Sangha Serial: RB-00570 The talk focuses on the concept of reconstructing one's personality within the structure of the Sangha life, emphasizing the unique individual experience in a communal setting. It explores the practice of Zen through aspects such... *Intention, Suzuki Roshi, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1978
Seeing Beyond Constructed Reality Serial: RB-00569 The talk explores the practice of detachment and mindfulness within Zen Buddhism, focusing on how individuals can make their actions and thoughts accessible to them. It stresses the importance of seeing reality as a constructed... *Practice, Buddha, Anger*	Richard Baker	Feb 15 1978
Zen's Path: Beyond Words and Concepts Serial: RB-00597 The talk focuses on the importance of particularity in Zen practice and cautions against the commodification of teachings. The discussion spans the relevance of transcribed teachings, stories of perseverance and object permanence... *Time, Study, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 16 1977
Egolessness Through Ordinary Zen Practice Serial: RB-00596 The talk explores the concept of egolessness within Zen Buddhism, contrasting it with contemporary therapeutic practices emphasizing both selflessness and ego strengthening. It discusses Zen practice as a path to realizing... *Time, Practice, Ego*	Richard Baker	Nov 06 1977
Zen and the Art of Communication Serial: RB-00071 The talk primarily discusses communication challenges at Tassajara, focusing on the practical and financial aspects required to establish reliable communication systems in remote areas. It transitions into a discussion on form,... *Time, japanese, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	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... *Time, Karma, Practice*	Richard Baker	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... *Time, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	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... *Time, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1977
Echoes of Truth in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00066 The talk explores the themes of truthfulness, the function of truth, and the practice of non-duality within Zen Buddhism, using the koan of National Teacher Echu calling his disciple Ocean three times as a focal point. It... *Practice, Time, Koan*	Richard Baker	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... *Work, Practice, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Jul 15 1977

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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