The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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
Zen Unity in Duality Serial: RB-00170 This talk delves into the Zen concepts of the Absolute and the Relative, exploring the common misunderstanding and practical implications of these ideas. The discussion includes references to Zen literature and teachings,... *Zazen, Suffering, Time*	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 Insightful Inquiries Serial: RB-00266 The talk on February 22nd, 1974, with Serial No. 00266 primarily discusses the essence of asking meaningful questions in Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes the profound difference between superficial and insightful inquiries... *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
Falling Leaves of Emptiness Serial: RB-00242 The talk focuses on the realization of non-possession and ego's non-existence, using metaphors such as leaves and trees. It emphasizes understanding one's inherent nature without ego and participating in life's responsibilities... *Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 1973
Living Enlightenment in Daily Life Serial: RB-00241 The talk commemorates Buddha's enlightenment and explores the continuity of his realization in contemporary life. It emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and breath in Zen practice, which transcends the material and... *Buddha, Buddhism, Enlightenment*	Richard Baker	Dec 09 1973
Trusting Mind in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00240 The talk centers on understanding the realm of experience in Zen practice, focusing on the elusive nature of practice and the mind's tendencies. It emphasizes the importance of acting without hesitation, the concept of non-... *Practice, Bodhisattva, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1973
Zen's Essence in Everyday Action Serial: RB-00239 The talk, delivered on December 4th, 1973, addresses the concept of experience and its relevance to Zen practice, emphasizing that achieving unusual mental states is not the goal. Instead, it underscores the importance of... *Practice, Culture, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1973
Entrusting Dharma in Daily Practice Serial: RB-00238 The talk explores principles of proper attire to maintain bodily warmth during Rohatsu Sashin at Tassajara, guidelines for appropriate conduct during practice, reflections on gratitude and mind clarity, the importance of... *Buddhism, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1973
Unity of Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00237 The talk explores the Buddhist tenet that the material and spiritual are unified, focusing on how this unity influences practice and perception. The seventh bhumi, characterized by a lack of attachment and forming opinions, is... *Buddhism, Practice, Effort*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1973
Embodied Enlightenment Through Posture Serial: RB-00236 The talk emphasizes the importance of correct posture in Zen practice, specifically in the context of Sashin. It defines the posture as a sign of enlightenment with historical roots predating the Buddha. The discussion covers how... *Posture, Practice, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1973
Interconnected Zen: Purpose in Practice Serial: RB-00234 The talk delves into the paradox of purpose and practice within Zen philosophy, discussing that although practice has no clear cosmic purpose, it is fundamentally integral to Buddhist living. It emphasizes the experiential nature... *Practice, Buddha, Time*	Richard Baker	Nov 28 1973
Presence Through Zen Paradoxes Serial: RB-00233 The talk on November 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00233, explores the dichotomy between Zen practice's immersion in society and its apparent detachment from societal concerns. This paradox is highlighted alongside an emphasis on direct... *Practice, Time, Anger*	Richard Baker	Nov 26 1973
Zen in Action and Understanding Serial: RB-00232 The talk explores the distinctive nature of Zen as a school of Buddhism, contrasting it with societal practices and environmental engagement. It critically examines the interplay between Zen practice and psychology and the... *Practice, Work, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 25 1973
Embracing Emptiness Through Devotion Serial: RB-00231 The talk from November 18th, 1973, focuses on devotional recitations and the importance of the Prajnaparamita mantra in Zen practice. The speaker emphasizes the integration of various devotional chants and the significance of... *Emptiness, Buddha, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Nov 18 1973
Buddhist Founders and Modern Struggles Serial: RB-00646 The talk centers on the concept of the founder in Buddhism, emphasizing the significant role figures like Alan Watts, Dogen, and Nagarjuna play in confronting societal and karmic challenges. It highlights the transformative... *Practice, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Nov 18 1973
Hubris and the Zen Lineage Serial: RB-00230 The talk addresses the concept of hubris, exploring its implications in Western and Zen philosophy. It emphasizes a cause-and-effect relationship between one’s mental state and external events, warning against the dangers of... *Fox, Lineage, Funeral, Priest, Heart Sutra*	Richard Baker	Nov 16 1973

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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