The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3215 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Embrace Limitations for Zen Insight Serial: RB-00562 The talk explores the concept of limitations in Zen philosophy, emphasizing the limitations on intellectual understanding and personal capabilities and illustrating how these can lead to a deeper understanding and acceptance of... *Suffering, Composure, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1975
Integrating Zen Into Everyday Life Serial: RB-00561 The talk examines the challenge of integrating Zen practice into lay life, emphasizing how practice often becomes mere therapy rather than addressing the root of suffering. It explores the importance of concentration and morality... *Practice, Intention, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1975
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00014 The talk on October 26, 1975, focuses on the application of Zen practice in ordinary life outside monastic settings. Emphasizing the necessity of concentration and morality, it explores how lay practitioners can integrate Zen... *Practice, Intention, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1975
Invisible Interconnectedness: Beyond Modern Illusions Serial: RB-00335 The talk argues that modern life, symbolized by the difficulties and dangers inherent in various societal agreements, contrasts sharply with historical periods where enlightenment was more common and less commodified. The... *Work, Consciousness, Vow*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Creating Your Mindful Path Serial: RB-00560 The talk primarily focuses on the significance of the participant's state of mind during Sashin practice. It emphasizes that participants should actively create their experiences rather than passively follow schedules or external... *Zazen, Greed, Delusion*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Mindful Sesshin: Create Your Insight Serial: RB-00568 The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively engaging with one's own mind during the sesshin practice. The central thesis revolves around not depending solely on the external structures of sesshin but creating... *Practice, Zazen, Greed*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1975
Intrinsic Actions in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00558 The talk elaborates on the Zen principle that emphasizes spontaneous, intrinsic actions and reactions, using the example of "Why, when the bell rings, do you put on your robe?" It discusses the importance of dealing... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 08 1975
Zen Mastery in Everyday Details Serial: RB-00557 The talk emphasizes the significance of attention to details in Zen practice and warns against being misled by the superficial aspects of Buddhist practices. It explains that true understanding and mastery of Zen come not through... *Buddhism, Zazen, Hate*	Richard Baker	Oct 06 1975
Zen Posture and Inner Peace Serial: RB-00311 Summary: The talk emphasizes the importance of combining physical posture and relaxation in Zen practice, particularly through Zazen meditation. The discussion highlights the necessity of understanding oneself through suffering... *Practice, Posture, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 30 1975
Living Zen Through Shikantaza Serial: RB-00556 The main thesis of the talk emphasizes the practice of Shikantaza as both an experiential and experimental approach to Zen, focusing on the lineage and teachings passed down through generations. The discussion highlights the... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1975
Living Zazen Every Moment Serial: RB-00333 The talk emphasizes the principles of Shikantaza practice, focusing on the complete involvement in everyday activities as a form of Zazen. It describes the dual aspects of practice: perfecting oneself for enlightenment ("way... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 05 1975
Experiencing Zen Beyond Thought Serial: RB-00332 The talk centers on the concept of emptiness in Zen Buddhism, specifically its elusiveness and its relationship to direct experience beyond intellectual understanding. The narrative highlights the story from Blue Cliff Records... *Zazen, Emptiness, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Sep 04 1975
Embodied Emptiness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00555 The talk focuses on the concept of emptiness in Zen Buddhism, contrasting it with the tendencies to control or seek the mysterious. Emptiness is approached as an experiential reality, beyond rational comprehension. Key teachings... *Emptiness, Zazen, Practice*	Richard Baker	Sep 04 1975
Echoes of Stillness in Zen Serial: RB-00347 The talk explores the challenges and strategies of chanting in a Zen context, emphasizing the difficulties posed by the acoustics of a specific zendo compared to others like those at Tassajara or the Buddha Hall. It also delves... *Time, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 03 1975
Zen Moments and Eternal Now Serial: RB-00554 The talk primarily explores difficulties in chanting in different zendos, elaborates on the concept of time in Zen practice, and discusses the importance of understanding and integrating this perception into one's Zazen practice... *Time, Practice, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Sep 03 1975
Embracing Zen Through Stories Serial: RB-00013 This talk explores a story from the "Blue Cliff Records" concerning Wong Po, emphasizing the importance of developing a feeling and understanding of Zen tales rather than overanalyzing them. It discusses common human tendencies... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 02 1975
Intuitive Embrace of Zen Truths Serial: RB-00346 The talk examines the story of Wong Po from the Blue Cliff Records, emphasizing the importance of developing an intuitive understanding rather than analytical comprehension when studying Koans. It explores themes of inherent... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Sep 02 1975
Embodied Zen Through Sincere Practice Serial: RB-00012 The main thesis of this talk centers on the profundity of Zen practice, specifically emphasizing the essential qualities necessary for true understanding and realization as exemplified by the Zen master Obaku (Wang Po). The talk... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1975
Rediscovering Zen's True Essence Serial: RB-00345 The talk references the Blue Cliff Record, specifically case number 11, to illustrate the profound yet simple teachings of Obaku, also known as Huang Po. The discussion focuses on the true essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1975
Embracing Zen's Multidimensional Presence Serial: RB-00011 This talk delves into the complexities of Zen practice, focusing on the presence, relaxation, and the multiplicity of consciousness. It explores how true presence is not simply a cognitive state but an experiential whole where... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Aug 31 1975
Zen Practice: Relaxation Through Presence Serial: RB-00344 This talk centers on the intricacies of Zen practice, focusing on the concepts of presence, relaxation, suffering, and the essential nature of having no fixed observer. It examines how various Zen teachings and historical... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Aug 31 1975
Serenity Through Balanced Zazen Serial: RB-00010 The talk focuses on the practice of zazen, emphasizing a balance between straight posture and complete relaxation. It uses the analogy of grooming both the horse and the cart to illustrate the need for awareness and self-... *Practice, Zazen, Posture*	Richard Baker	Aug 30 1975
Mindful Karma and Spiritual Freedom Serial: RB-00007 The talk delves into fundamental questions of Zen practice, focusing on the relationship between karma, free will, and consciousness. It explores the integration of right inquiry with zazen practice, discusses the concept of... *Practice, Fox, Time*	Richard Baker	Jul 12 1975
Embodied Awakening in Collective Practice Serial: RB-00009 The talk discusses the challenges and insights gained from the experience of Sesshin (intensive meditation practice), emphasizing the importance of collective practice and the realization of one's fundamental desire through... *Desire, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 13 1975
Journey to Zen Mastery Serial: RB-00005 The main thesis of the talk focuses on guiding beginners through the initial stages of Zen practice, emphasizing breath counting, mind-body integration, and the progression through the four trances towards a deeper state of... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 11 1975
Embodying Zen Beyond Signs Serial: RB-00004 The talk discusses the responsibilities of a Zen practitioner, emphasizing the importance of practicing Zazen and maintaining a supportive environment for fellow practitioners. It highlights the inherent signlessness of true... *Practice, Buddhism, Perfect Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Jun 10 1975
Zen Patience Through Sitting Challenges Serial: RB-00002 The talk primarily addresses the significance of maintaining patience in Zen practice, specifically through the physical and mental challenges of sitting postures. The discussion elaborates on different sitting methods—such... *Practice, Patience, Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1975
Baking Souls: Zen's Path to Wisdom Serial: RB-00282 The talk discusses the intricate relationship between questioning and faith in Zen practice, elaborating on how persistent questioning combined with faith leads to enlightenment. Key themes include the metaphor of "baking a jar"... *Perfect Wisdom, Effort, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 08 1975
Zen Alchemy: Questions Fuel Wisdom Serial: RB-00281 The talk emphasizes the theme of cultivating perfect wisdom through persistent questioning combined with faith, particularly within the context of a seven-day Sashin. The discussion explores how Zen practice during Sashin... *Faith, Perfect Wisdom, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 07 1975
Zen Living: Embrace the Present Moment Serial: RB-00310 The talk focuses on the concept of living fully in the present moment by integrating Zen practice into everyday life. It emphasizes the relinquishment of attachment to future expectations and possessions, encouraging living... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Delusion*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Zen Wisdom in Everyday Interactions Serial: RB-00279 The talk explores the intertwined concepts of prajna (wisdom) and upaya (skillful means) within the practice of Zen, emphasizing how they relate to sharing one's realization. It delves into how skillful means involves expressing... *Practice, Buddhism, Hyakujo*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Upaya and Prajna: Interconnected Realizations Serial: RB-00309 The talk centers on the concept of Upaya, or skillful means, in Buddhist practice, and how it relates to the cultivation of Prajna (wisdom). Emphasis is placed on not overstepping in sharing one's spiritual insights and letting... *Practice, Buddhism, Hyakujo*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Embrace the Present: Intentionless Living Serial: RB-00280 The talk emphasizes the practice of living fully in the present moment by embracing and understanding the notion of "effort" in practice. It challenges the common perception of life's progression through distinct phases such as... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1975
Silent Wisdom in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00308 This talk addresses the complexity of not depending on words and names in Zen practice, emphasizing deep perception of reality and the importance of transmission outside scriptures and ceremonies. It explores the concept of... *Practice, Compassion, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1975
Zen Lessons Beyond Words Serial: RB-00277 The talk explores the concept of non-dependence on words and names in Zen, emphasizing the transmission of teachings outside of scriptures and ceremonies. It underscores the importance of direct experience and engagement with... *Practice, Compassion, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1975
Intentionless Zen: Embrace the Ordinary Serial: RB-00275 The talk on April 5th, 1975, focuses on the concept of intentionless activity in Zen practice, using various parables and historical narratives to illustrate the point. The discussion includes reflections on bathing practices... *Time, Effort, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1975
Zen Intentionless Acceptance Unveiled Serial: RB-00312 The talk primarily explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing intentionless activity and non-discriminative acceptance. It incorporates several narratives to elucidate key Zen principles, referencing interactions between... *Time, Sixth Patriarch, Effort*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1975
Embodying Zen in Everyday Rituals Serial: RB-00306 The talk discusses the practices in Zen, particularly focusing on the posture and methods employed during walking meditation (kin-hin) and the rituals associated with bathing at monastic sesshins. It also delves into the... *Buddha, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1975
Walking in Zen's Quiet Harmony Serial: RB-00274 The talk primarily addresses the practice of kinhin (walking meditation) and bathing routines within a Zen monastery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity and effort in Zen practices. The discussion transitions... *Buddha, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1975
Engage Enlightenment Through Daily Practice Serial: RB-00273 The talk focuses on setting forth the mind and cultivating the way through practices like the six paramitas. It explores naming the unnameable, the distinction between activity and information, and emphasizes practical engagement... *Desire, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1975
Embodied Zen in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00305 This talk examines the practice of setting forth the mind and cultivating the way through the six paramitas and unnameable aspects of life. It discusses the differences between activity and information, emphasizing that Buddhist... *Practice, Time, Dogen*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1975
Every Day a Good Day Serial: RB-00272 The talk emphasizes the centrality of personal experience and realization in Zen, suggesting that true understanding cannot be taught but must be discovered individually. Referencing Blue Cliff Record case number six, the... *Time, Zazen, Observe*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1975
Realize Zen Beyond Words Serial: RB-00304 This talk emphasizes the fundamental Zen teaching that true understanding comes from personal realization rather than external instruction. Specific references include the Blue Cliff Records, the teachings of various historical... *Time, Zazen, Japan*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1975
Focus and Faith in Enlightenment Serial: RB-00303 This talk explores the importance of single-minded focus during Sesshin and the larger implications of such practice. It compares Pure Land Buddhism with Zen practice, suggesting Pure Land's emphasis on belief parallels Zen's... *Practice, Sangha, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1975
Just One Thing: Zen Focus Serial: RB-00271 This talk explores the practice of Sashin and Zen, focusing on the concept of doing "just one thing" to unravel deeper existential questions and reflect on human experiences. It contrasts Zen with Pure Land Buddhism, highlighting... *Practice, Sangha, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1975
Zen Birth: Embracing Interconnected Presence Serial: RB-00270 The talk emphasizes the transformative nature of Zen practice, comparing it to a birthing process requiring care, trust, and humility. It discusses the importance of mutual participation in spiritual growth, highlighting the... *Practice, Zazen, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1975
Embracing Zen's Web of Unity Serial: RB-00288 The talk delves into the intricacies of Zen practice, emphasizing the necessity of interconnectedness and simplicity. It outlines how practice fosters unity and mutual recognition among practitioners while underscoring the... *Practice, Zazen, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1975
Unveiling True Self Through Zen Serial: RB-00287 The talk focuses on the core essence of Buddhism, emphasizing the stripping away of preconceived notions to understand the true self and achieve a form of enlightenment. It highlights specific Zen stories and koans to elucidate... *Practice, Time, Intention*	Richard Baker	Feb 20 1975
Zen Practice: Embodying Presence and Freedom Serial: RB-00553 The talk explores the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of transcending attachments and conceptual understandings of Buddhism. It reflects on traditional teachings, examining the notion of the "true man of no... *Practice, Time, Intention*	Richard Baker	Feb 20 1975
Embodying Eastern Wisdom in West Serial: RB-00552 The talk discusses the integration of Asian Buddhism into Western practice, emphasizing the importance of forms, symbols, and traditions in enhancing spiritual understanding and practice. Concepts such as Buddhist vows, non-... *Buddhism, Practice, Vow*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1975

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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