The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3215 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Zen Unbound: Beyond Duality Serial: RB-00098 The talk explores the intersection of Zen Buddhist practice with Western spirituality and physics, with a particular focus on how Zen principles can transcend traditional concepts such as chastity, solitude, and obedience,... *Practice, Buddha, Tassajara*	Richard Baker	Mar 04 1973
Pathways to Enlightenment Through Zazen Serial: RB-00095 The talk focuses on the practice of Zazen and its role in understanding the three modes of existence—gross, subtle, and combined. The discussion emphasizes the importance of physical composure during Zazen, the necessity of... *Practice, Zazen, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Mar 03 1973
Pathways to Mindful Liberation Serial: RB-00094 This talk from March 1, 1973, discusses the essence of Buddhist practice, focusing on the core concepts of non-attachment and the significant distinctions between the conditioned and unconditioned worlds. It elucidates the three... *Practice, Anger, Meditation*	Richard Baker	Mar 01 1973
Zazen and the Pursuit of Tranquility Serial: RB-00093 The talk primarily addresses the life of Rudy, an influential figure in Buddhism in America, his contributions to Buddhist practice, and the significance of zazen in maintaining one's practice. It also explores Suzuki Roshi... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 28 1973
Zen Practice: Beyond Physical Boundaries Serial: RB-00092 This talk discusses the importance of precepts in Zen practice, how zazen creates clarity of mind and activity, and the necessary conditions for effective practice, as described by the Tendai school. Emphasis is placed on the... *Practice, Time, Doubt*	Richard Baker	Feb 26 1973
Living the Precepts in Zen Serial: RB-00091 The talk addresses the importance of understanding and integrating the Buddhist precepts in daily practice. It emphasizes how initial societal precepts shape one's approach to Zen practice and how zazen (meditation) helps align... *Practice, Precepts, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 23 1973
Awakening Through Bodhicitta Practice Serial: RB-00129 The central thesis of this talk revolves around the transformative power of recognizing and realizing the "bodhicitta" or the mind of enlightenment, as well as the practical implications of maintaining a vow to enlighten all... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Vow*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1973
Zen Practice: Integrating Precepts and Zazen Serial: RB-00090 The talk primarily focuses on the practical application of Zen teachings, emphasizing the importance of practicing zazen and precepts as foundational to Buddhist practice. The discussion addresses the transitions in the state of... *Practice, Zazen, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1973
Collective Journey to Zen Clarity Serial: RB-00089 The talk discusses the advantages of practicing Zen in a collective setting, emphasizing the importance of shared routines and agreements that mitigate individual confusion. It addresses the complexity of practicing Zazen... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1973
Desires Extinguished: Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00088 The talk explores the concepts of nirvana and enlightenment, emphasizing the nuanced understanding of desires in Buddhist practice. It discusses the importance of relinquishing dominating desires to achieve serenity and... *Desire, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Feb 11 1973
Embracing Reality Through Zen Simplicity Serial: RB-00086 The talk explores the theme of a non-repeatable universe alongside the practice of Zazen in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the receipt and acceptance of everything "as it is" without alteration. It contrasts Zen practice with... *Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
Embracing Zen: Presence Over Perception Serial: RB-00298 This talk explores Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of sessions (sesshin) and Zazen for achieving a state of imperturbable mind and interconnectedness. The discussion elaborates on the nuances of Zen teachings, such as... *Practice, Dogen, Time*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
Zen Silence and Reflective Awareness Serial: RB-00084 The talk focuses on two main aspects of Zen practice: accepting one's present state and being ready for the world beyond thinking. It explores the Pali scriptures' guidance on understanding different mental states without... *Practice, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1973
Embrace Self and Unpredictability Serial: RB-00297 The talk revolves around the dual aspects of Zen practice: acceptance of oneself without interference and readiness for life's unpredictabilities, in relation to both personal development and understanding of deeper... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1973
Zazen Beyond Rational Boundaries Serial: RB-00296 The talk begins with a discussion on the personal experience of dealing with illness and its impact on the practice of Zazen. It then delves into the philosophical contrasts between the "world of light" and the "world of darkness... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jan 27 1973
Zazen: Beyond Sleep and Duality Serial: RB-00085 The discussion explores the practice of zazen and its transformative impact on experiencing sickness, emphasizing its contrast with sleep in relaxing the mind and body. The notion of practicing beyond understanding, especially... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jan 27 1973
Zen Practice: Individual and Irreplaceable Serial: RB-00083 The talk revolves around the concept of practice in Zen Buddhism, highlighting its individuality and non-repeatability. It critiques the modern Western inclination to seek verifiable and universal truths in spiritual practice,... *Practice, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Jan 23 1973
The Way-Seeking Paradox Serial: RB-00082 The main thesis of the discussion revolves around the paradox of studying and practicing Buddhism—an endeavor that's inherently beyond structured learning and fixed concepts. The practice demands a "way-seeking... *Practice, Practice Period, Enlightenment*	Richard Baker	Jan 18 1973
Unbroken Zen: Commitment and Lineage Serial: RB-00081 The talk explores the concepts of beginnings and continuity within Zen practice, focusing on the teachings of Umon (Ummon) and his lineage. It emphasizes the need for unwavering commitment, highlighting examples from historical... *Practice Period, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Jan 15 1973
Embracing Imperfection in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00321 The central thesis of the talk emphasizes the paradoxical nature of Zen practice, specifically the necessity of giving up desires and conventional life priorities to realize one's true self. The discussion critiques clinging to... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Richard Baker	Jan 06 1973
Awaken Through Desire's Death Serial: RB-00079 This talk emphasizes the necessity of giving up desires to truly practice Zen. It discusses the importance of prioritizing practice above all else and maintaining a balanced state of mind despite life's distractions. The talk... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Richard Baker	Jan 06 1973
Zen Living Beyond Routine Serial: RB-00078 The talk explores the core question of how to practice Zen Buddhism in daily life, focusing on staying present in each moment and confronting ingrained habits and values. Examples from the lives of Zen masters Joshu and Nansen... *Practice, Nansen, Joshu*	Richard Baker	Dec 30 1972
Sustaining Zen Teachings Together Serial: RB-00077 The talk centers on a memorial service for Suzuki Roshi, reflecting on his teachings and the importance of sustaining these teachings. The narrative delves into the significance of memorial services in Zen tradition, using... *Suzuki Roshi, Tozan, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 23 1972
Renewing Wisdom Through Zen Memorials Serial: RB-00247 The talk discusses the significance and practice of memorial services in Zen, particularly referencing Suzuki Roshi. It emphasizes how memorial services are a means to continuously re-energize and renew one's relationship with... *Suzuki Roshi, Tozan, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 23 1972
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00076 This talk addresses the intersection of Zen Buddhist practice with one's personal life, especially during vulnerable times like Christmas. It emphasizes the importance of experiencing life’s moments directly and without... *Time, Practice, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Dec 18 1972
Cultivating Continuous Mindful Practice Serial: RB-00245 The talk addresses the end of a practice period, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline, continuity, and mindfulness as a foundation for deeper practice. The idea of shared practice and commitment, particularly in... *Practice, Practice Period, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 16 1972
Living Zen: Embrace Every Moment Serial: RB-00075 The talk delves into the practicalities and philosophies associated with Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of experiencing life "just as it is" and highlighting the significance of direct experiences over theoretical... *Practice, Time, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 1972
Living Zen in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00319 The talk delves into the initiation and nuances of Zen practice, emphasizing the relevance of situating one's practice "as it is," regardless of the setting. It highlights the significance of being alert and recognizing the... *Practice, Tozan, Karma*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 1972
Eternal Circles of Life Illuminated Serial: RB-00074 The talk revolves around the concept of reincarnation and the interconnectedness of life and death. It discusses how life is viewed as a continuum without separation, using the metaphor of lighting one candle with another to... *Suzuki Roshi, Effort*	Richard Baker	Dec 10 1972
Zen Mind Unbound Daily Life Serial: RB-00073 The discussion revolves around the profound inquiry into Buddhist teachings and practices, emphasizing the nature of mind, obstacles in Zen practice, and the essence of meditation and mindfulness within daily life. The questions... *Practice, Hindrances, Monkey Mind*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 1972
Zen Practice Beyond Enlightenment Serial: RB-00072 The central thesis of the talk underscores the importance of recognizing the true nature of one's mind through sustained Zen practice, particularly via seshin (intensive meditation retreats). It delineates that real progress in... *Time, Work, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1972
Mindfulness in Every Moment Serial: RB-00499B This talk delves into the Zen concept of everyday practice, emphasizing that every action, including mundane tasks, is interconnected and a part of one's spiritual practice. The concept of non-discrimination in Zen practice is... *Zazen, Practice, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1972
Effortless Equanimity in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00499A The talk discusses the concept of non-discrimination in Zen practice, emphasizing how practitioners should approach zazen (sitting meditation) without distinguishing between good and bad experiences. It is suggested that... *Practice, Buddha, Consciousness*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1972
Zen Beyond Everyday Discrimination Serial: RB-00320 The talk primarily explores the challenges and methods of practicing Zen in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and the relinquishing of discrimination in daily activities. Discussion revolves around... *Practice, Joshu, Nansen*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1972
Embracing Patience in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00498C The talk from December 3rd, 1972, delves into the Zen concepts of patience, waiting, and engagement with the present moment during practice, contrasting structured and unstructured approaches to Zen meditation sessions. The... *Time, Suzuki Roshi, Bell*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1972
Buddhism's Paradox of Non-Doing Serial: RB-00498B Main Thesis The discussion focuses on the paradoxical practices in Buddhism, notably the concept of non-doing, and the distinction between ignorance and enlightenment in relation to karma. Concepts such as practicing singular... *Buddhism, Practice, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1972
Breath as the Essence of Being Serial: RB-00498A This talk emphasizes the significance of breath in one's life and death, connecting it to the broader notions of understanding and acceptance. It advocates for awareness of one's breath as a fundamental practice, aligning it with... *Breath, Consciousness, Love*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1972
Zen Practice: Letting Go Now Serial: RB-00497 The talk focuses on the distinction between preparatory practice and pure practice in Zen Buddhism, exploring the necessity of giving up attachments to achieve enlightenment. Central to the discussion is the nuanced... *Practice, Buddha, Time*	Richard Baker	Nov 28 1972
Embracing Desire in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00317 The central thesis of the talk discusses the nature of pure practice in Buddhism, contrasting it with preparatory practice. It emphasizes the necessity of embracing both desires and aversions as part of the practice. It also... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Nov 28 1972
Seeing Beyond Self: Shikantaza Unveiled Serial: RB-00496 The talk centers on the practice of Zazen, specifically Shikantaza, and the importance of seeing beyond superficial distinctions to experience the interconnectedness of all things. It emphasizes the challenges of overcoming self-... *Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Nov 23 1972
Zen Friendship and Courage Essence Serial: RB-00495 The talk primarily covers the significance of the Shusho ceremony, emphasizing its role in Zen practice as a moment of communal and personal testing. It then discusses the qualities of true friendship, applying Zen principles of... *Practice, Manjushri, Anger*	Richard Baker	Nov 18 1972
Embracing Zen: Questioning and Vows Serial: RB-00494 The main thesis of the talk focuses on the upcoming Shuso Ceremony and its significance in Zen practice, particularly around the act of questioning as a central part of Buddhist inquiry. The talk emphasizes a more cooperative and... *Practice, Japan, Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Nov 16 1972
Engaging Suffering Through Buddhist Practice Serial: RB-00492 The talk explores the concept of suffering in Buddhism, emphasizing its central role in understanding the practice. It discusses the difference between Buddhist and ordinary thinking, highlighting the situational and actionable... *Suffering, Karma, Practice*	Richard Baker	Nov 11 1972
Zen Practice: Interconnectedness and Form Serial: RB-00491 The talk focuses on the practice and understanding of orioke, describing its evolution from informal observation of others to a more structured routine. It correlates this practice with Zen's broader spiritual teachings,... *Practice, Work, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Nov 01 1972
Transcending Karma Through Perception Serial: RB-00490 The talk discusses the concept of karma in Buddhism, emphasizing that karma encapsulates one's existence and practice. It asserts that our sensory perceptions and familial attributes constitute karma, which should be observed... *Karma, Time, Practice*	Richard Baker	Oct 31 1972
Zen Practice in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00489 The talk discusses the challenges and nuances of communicating Buddhism to different audiences. Emphasizing a non-traditional approach, there is reflection on the teachings of Suzuki Roshi, who often gave introductory lectures... *Practice, Buddhism, Vow*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1972
Attaining Enlightenment Through Practice Paradox Serial: RB-00488 The main thesis of the talk explores the practice of Buddhism, focusing on cultivating an enlightened attitude or bodhichitta. The discussion examines the paradox of requiring practice while asserting that Zen practice is... *Practice, Buddha, Enlightenment*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1972
Living Zen: Essence and Practice Serial: RB-00486 The principal thesis explores the essence of Zen practice, focusing on comprehending the actual situation of our lives and integrating faith in Zen without the dichotomy of doubt and belief. It elaborates on the Buddhist view of... *Practice, Buddhism, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Oct 14 1972
Trusting Zen's Natural Flow Serial: RB-00484 The talk primarily explores the essential role of faith and confidence in Zen practice, emphasizing the notion of abandoning the search for a "missing link" and instead developing trust in the world as described by... *Practice, Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Oct 11 1972
Discovering Zen in Daily Life Serial: RB-00483 The talk, delivered on October 8, 1972, delves into the expansive nature of zazen beyond its traditional posture, encouraging a natural discovery of meditation practices amidst daily activities. It addresses the importance of... *Time, Practice, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Oct 08 1972

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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