The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3215 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Generosity and Interdependence in Action Serial: RB-00523 The talk reviews Dr. Schumacher's visit and his book "Small is Beautiful," discussing its relevance to Buddhist economics. It then explores the formation and purpose of their community, which evolved into a supportive, self-... *Community, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Aug 09 1974
Realizing Reality through Illusion Serial: RB-00519 The talk addresses the paradoxical relevance of Buddhism, focusing on concepts of self, suffering, and perception as highlighted in the Prajñāpāramitā literature and Zen teachings like the Blue Cliff Records. The discussion... *Suffering, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Embodied Mindfulness in Zazen Practice Serial: RB-00518 This talk explores the themes of intentionality and spontaneity within the practice of Zazen. Using the Blue Cliff Record's story number five, the speaker addresses the dynamic between purposeful action and natural occurrence,... *Consciousness, Zazen, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Bridging Breath and Intention in Zen Serial: RB-00165 The talk from August 1974 delves into various aspects of Zen practice, focusing primarily on the themes of intentionality, bodily consciousness, and the nuances of breathing during Zazen meditation. The discourse references key... *Consciousness, Zazen, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Zen Vows: The Flowing Journey Serial: RB-00162 The talk discusses the importance of vow or resolve in Zen practice, using the metaphor of a leaf in a stream to illustrate one's spiritual journey. It emphasizes that vows in Buddhism are not one-time commitments but are... *Vow, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 21 1974
Embracing Vows on Zen's Path Serial: RB-00510 The talk centers around practicing with intimacy and the significance of making and holding a vow in the context of Zen practice. The metaphor of a leaf in a stream is used to describe the vow and the inevitable push towards... *Vow, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 21 1974
Embracing Emptiness: Beyond Duality Serial: RB-00161 The talk examines the concepts of absolute and relative truths as expounded by Nagarjuna, emphasizing that understanding these truths is essential to comprehending Buddhism. The discussion delves into the nature of emptiness,... *Practice, Posture, Time*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1974
Embracing Non-Dual Wisdom Serial: RB-00511 The talk focuses on the distinction between absolute and relative truths, as emphasized by Nagarjuna, with a discussion of Tozan's circle number five, the practice of Zazen, and the integration of Zen teachings into daily... *Practice, Posture, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1974
Transcending Pain Through Poetic Effort Serial: RB-00160 The talk discusses the approach to pain, emphasizing that true nature transcends the ability to withstand pain or achieve calmness. The speaker references the poem by Setso and its reinterpretation, suggesting that Setso... *Time, Consciousness, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 19 1974
Embracing Pain and Paradox Serial: RB-00512 The talk explores how Zen practitioners grapple with the experience of pain and the concept of returning to one's true nature, emphasizing the importance of not getting caught in special powers like calmness or pain... *Time, Consciousness, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 19 1974
Zen Expressions: Beyond Words and Rituals Serial: RB-00159 The discussion delves into the significance of Vassa, or Baso, in Zen tradition, emphasizing his influence and the enigmatic response "sun-faced Buddhas, moon-faced Buddhas" given upon being asked about his health. The talk... *Buddha, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1974
Enlightenment Beyond Sun and Moon Serial: RB-00513 The talk focuses on the influential Zen master Vassa and his notable teaching encapsulated in the phrase "sun-faced Buddhas, moon-faced Buddhas." This phrase exemplifies the profound and seemingly paradoxical teachings found... *Buddha, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1974
Empathy and Enlightenment Through Zen Serial: RB-00514 The talk examines the nature of suffering and the fundamental Zen Buddhist concepts of Sangha, personal development, and societal engagement. The significance of suffering is emphasized through Buddhist scriptures which... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 17 1974
Buddhist Resilience Amid Suffering Serial: RB-00158 The talk from June 17th, 1974, primarily addresses the intellectual and experiential aspects of suffering in Buddhism, emphasizing the distinction between those who feel compelled to alleviate suffering and those who do not. It... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 17 1974
Beyond Duality: Zen Insights Serial: RB-00507 The talk focuses on the concepts of the Absolute and the Relative within Zen philosophy, emphasizing their pervasive yet often misunderstood roles in Zen literature and practice. It is discussed that most practitioners either... *Zazen, Suffering, First Principle*	Richard Baker	Jun 16 1974
Transcending Duality Through Zen Insight Serial: RB-00170 The talk centers on understanding the Zen concepts of the absolute and the relative, emphasizing their presence in Zen literature, particularly through the teachings of Bodhidharma, Dogen, and Tozan. It explores how individuals... *Suffering, Time, First Principle*	Richard Baker	Jun 16 1974
Stabilizing Mind Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00506 The talk on June 15th, 1974, centers around the meticulous practice of Zen meditation (Zazen) during a Sashin, emphasizing the importance of correct posture and breath control for stabilizing the state of mind. The discussion... *Suffering, Posture, Karma*	Richard Baker	Jun 15 1974
Mindfulness Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00157 This discussion emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining a stable state of mind through correct posture, breathing, and attentiveness during Zen practice, particularly in a Sashin. Essential details include the... *Suffering, Posture, Karma*	Richard Baker	Jun 15 1974
Buddhist Precepts for Authentic Living Serial: RB-00153 The talk describes the importance of the sixteen Buddhist precepts, highlighting their significance in the transmission of Buddha's teachings. The precepts, including the ten prohibitory precepts, three pure precepts, and the... *Precepts, Buddha, Practice*	Richard Baker	Apr 25 1974
Zen Unity: Beyond Duality's Veil Serial: RB-00154 This talk delves into Zen concepts of the relative and absolute, leveraging ancient teachings and stories to convey intricate ideas. The discourse centers on the duality of the relative and absolute, asserting that while... *Suzuki Roshi, Japan, Emptiness*	Richard Baker	Apr 21 1974
Zen Flow: The Art of Non-Doing Serial: RB-00504 The talk explores the Zen concepts of non-action and creativity, illustrating how practice and enlightenment are intertwined. The discussion includes an examination of stories and teachings, such as Wang Wei's poem and Layman... *Practice, Lotus Sutra, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1974
Zen Embodiment: Living Non-Duality Serial: RB-00503 The talk from April 5th, 1974, discusses the concept of non-duality and the relationship between the relative and the absolute within Zen Buddhism. The role of the teacher is emphasized in guiding students towards this... *Buddhism, Sixth Patriarch, Emptiness*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1974
Embodying Buddhism in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00502 The main thesis of the talk explores the nature of Buddhist practice, emphasizing that Buddhism manifests through practice rather than defined doctrines or schools. Key concepts include the recognition of absolute and relative... *Buddhism, Practice, Intimacy*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1974
Beyond Dualities in Buddhist Practice Serial: RB-00155 The talk discusses the various dimensions and principles of Buddhist practice, emphasizing the significance of moving beyond dichotomies like absolute and relative existence. It explores the concept of "practice" in Buddhism,... *Buddhism, Practice, Intimacy*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1974
Zen Precepts for True Perception Serial: RB-00501 The talk discusses the significance of taking the precepts and their role in Zen practice, emphasizing the Ten Prohibitory Precepts, Three Pure Precepts, and Three Refuges. It underscores that precepts serve to guide... *Precepts, Buddha, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1974
Zen Beyond Duality Serial: RB-00500 The talk centers on the concept of the Absolute versus the Relative in Zen practice, employing various koans and poetry to elucidate the balance between them. The essence is that Zen practice transcends the duality between the... *Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Japan*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1974
Inner Realization in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00156 This talk focuses on interpreting the Zen story from the Blue Cliff Records, emphasizing the interplay between the relative and absolute realities, particularly in teacher-student relationships. Discussion centers on Joshu's... *Joshu, Practice, Breath*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1974
Zen Insights Beyond Words Serial: RB-00263 The main thesis of the talk explores the intricate relationship between Zen teacher and student through the lens of the Blue Cliff Records, focusing on the second story and Engo's introductory words. It delves into the themes of... *Joshu, Practice, Breath*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1974
Lost to Find True Zen Serial: RB-00264 The talk emphasizes the importance of becoming disordered and lost during a sashim to find the true source of strength and create an intimate relationship with Zen practice. It critiques the idea of achievement and accumulation... *Time, Practice, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Mar 31 1974
Zen Mastery: Compassion and Wisdom Embodied Serial: RB-00265 The talk eulogizes a Zen master, reflecting on the teachings of Zen and the embodiment of compassion and wisdom in daily practice. It references the idea of interconnectedness, highlighting key Zen texts and figures that shaped... *Emptiness, Prajna Paramita, Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Feb 24 1974
Zen's Path to Self-Discovery Serial: RB-00266 The talk explores the nature of questioning within Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of personal exploration and understanding before seeking external answers. It discusses the concepts of studying and forgetting the self... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Work*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1974
Genuine Zen Practice Unveiled Serial: RB-00268 This talk addresses practical aspects of Zen monastery rituals, specific changes in meal chants, and the nature of Buddhist questioning. It also elaborates on the significant interactions between Bodhidharma and the emperor,... *Bodhidharma, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1974
Discovering Buddha Within Yourself Serial: RB-00269 The primary thesis of the talk addresses the concept of seeking within oneself versus seeking externally, using the story of Bodhidharma’s encounter with Emperor Wu as an illustrative backdrop. The narrative pivots around... *Bodhidharma, Practice, Japan*	Richard Baker	Feb 17 1974
Zen and Non-Dualistic Reality Serial: RB-00255 The talk explores the profound principles of non-dualism within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing how deeply embedded the concepts of relative and absolute realities are in the practice. Key teachings highlighted include the importance... *Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 09 1974
Embrace Non-Dualism Through Zazen Serial: RB-00152 The talk discusses the concepts of relative and absolute perspectives in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of understanding non-dualism. The discussion includes references to the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and Joshu, as well as... *Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 09 1974
Zen Now: Beyond Scriptures and Time Serial: RB-00257 The talk explores the notion of Bodhidharma's influence and the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing that true understanding and the transmission of Buddhism are found outside formal scriptures, distinctly defined in personal... *Bodhidharma, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Feb 08 1974
Mindful Living Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00259 The talk centers on the practice of Zen and its importance in cultivating an attitude of mindfulness and presence in every moment. It emphasizes the idea that Zen practice is not about following precepts or rituals rigidly, but... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 07 1974
Zen Beyond Words: Embracing Timeless Practice Serial: RB-00261 The talk delves into the concept of "transmission outside the scriptures" and emphasizes the importance of a fervent, almost obsessive dedication to the practice of Zen, which is necessary to transcend suffering and find true... *Practice, Time, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Feb 06 1974
Zen Practice: Simplicity and Discipline Serial: RB-00262 The talk fundamentally addresses the practice of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concepts of simplicity in practice, the significance of facing grief and fear, and the importance of physical discipline through zazen and the use of... *Zazen, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Feb 05 1974
Embodying Compassion in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00087 The talk explores the concept of Buddhist practice beyond systematic approaches, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility and the embodiment of the heart of compassion, often exemplified by Kanzeon Bosatsu (Avalokiteshvara). It... *Dogen, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Feb 04 1974
Zen Work Beyond Ego Serial: RB-00249 The talk focuses on the concept of "work" in Zen practice, emphasizing that true work involves the dissolution of the self and the world to achieve a state of non-duality and profound presence. It draws heavily on the ten ox-... *Work, Bodhisattva, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 04 1974
Embracing Zen Through True Interconnectedness Serial: RB-00250 The primary thesis of the talk explores the nature of Zen practice, focusing on understanding one's true life and interconnectedness through Sashin, and the importance of non-attachment and alertness in practice. Key topics... *Practice, Dogen, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1974
Embracing Interconnected Awareness in Zen Serial: RB-00251 The talk reflects on the life and contributions of a Zen practitioner, Boscia Fisk, while delving into themes of impermanence, practice, and the interconnectedness of life. The discussion emphasizes the importance of practice,... *Practice, Joshu, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 02 1974
Zen Practice: Present Moment Realization Serial: RB-00252 The talk emphasizes the realistic and practical nature of Zen practice, arguing that understanding begins with recognizing the present moment rather than intellectualizing beyond it. The value of the "stick" as both a literal and... *Practice, Time, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Jan 31 1974
Embodied Zen: Living the Koans Serial: RB-00253 This talk explores the first story in the Blue Cliff Records, focusing on Bodhidharma’s encounter with the emperor, as introduced by Engo. It delves into understanding how Zen stories and koans should be internalized, emphasizing... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1974
Living Zen: Embrace Suffering, Find Peace Serial: RB-00254 The talk delves into the habitual nature of the mind, the significance of detachment and vulnerability, and the experiential understanding of the Four Noble Truths in Zen philosophy. It underscores the necessity of an... *Suffering, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Jan 26 1974
Embracing Fluid Buddhist Practice Serial: RB-00246 The main thesis of the talk discusses the nature of Buddhist practice, emphasizing the importance of engaging in practice without preconceptions or rigid structures. It highlights the necessity of integrating body, speech, and... *Practice, Practice Period, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jan 20 1974
Proportional Zen: Dogen's Mindful Practice Serial: RB-00248 This talk centers on understanding Zen practice through various traditions and practical applications, emphasizing the proportionality of elements in one's life as aligning with the teachings of Dogen. Initially discussing... *Practice, Time, Nirvana*	Richard Baker	Jan 20 1974
Understanding Existence to Alleviate Suffering Serial: RB-00243 The talk explores the fundamental misunderstandings about human existence that lead to suffering and mental illness, emphasizing the need to comprehend our true situation to alleviate these problems. The discussion pivots around... *Practice, Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Dec 13 1973
Zen Practice in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00318 This talk discusses the initiation and sustaining of Zen practice in different environments, with a focus on the inherent challenges and nature of practice in various contexts. Emphasis is placed on the idea that practice should... *Practice, Time, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 1973

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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