The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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... *heart, Avalokiteshvara, Lotus Sutra, Ceremony, Sesshin*	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-... *Lotus Sutra, Letting Go, Building, Death, Sesshin*	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... *Lotus Sutra, Bodhidharma, Buddha Nature, Nirvana, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1974
February 2nd, 1974, Serial No. 00251 Serial: RB-00251 The talk discusses the life and contributions of Boscia Fisk, emphasizing her dedication to Buddhism and her influence on the community. It also delves into the importance of practices such as zazen and sesshin in realizing one's... *Joshu, Bowing, Funeral, Death, Nirvana*	Richard Baker	Feb 02 1974
January 31st, 1974, Serial No. 00252 Serial: RB-00252 The talk focuses on the practical and realistic nature of Zen practice, emphasizing continual beginning as a key aspect of the practice. Discussion centers on understanding the use of the stick in Zen practice, noting its... *Doubt, Practice Period, Lotus Sutra, Sixth Patriarch, Hate*	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... *Bodhidharma, Mindfulness, Truth, Mahayana, Breath*	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... *Vow*	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 Period, Buddha Nature, Breath, Posture, Bodhidharma*	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 the... *Nirvana, Vow, American, Evil, Doubt*	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... *Fox, Samadhi, Practice Period, Doubt, Darkness and Light*	Richard Baker	Dec 13 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... *Mindfulness, Doubt, Delusion, Lineage, Anger*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 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... *Tozan, Issan, Baso, Sixth Patriarch*	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... *Breath, Avalokiteshvara, Perfect Wisdom, Daily Life, Way-Seeking Mind*	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-... *Don't Know Mind, Concentration, Attachment, Anger, Ego*	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... *Lotus Sutra, Avalokiteshvara, Observe, Priest, Vow*	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... *Way-Seeking Mind, Concentration, Gratitude, Samadhi, Faith*	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... *Ego, Attachment, Big Mind, Shuso Ceremony, Priest*	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, Concentration, Lay, Ego, Shuso Ceremony*	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... *Shuso Ceremony, Practice Period, Gratitude, Soto Zen, Anger*	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... *Anger, Precepts, Mindfulness, resistance, confusion*	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... *Emotions, Perfect Wisdom, Precepts, Samadhi, Abhidharma*	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... *Peace*	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... *Sangha, Fox, Lineage, Perfect Wisdom, Funeral*	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
Buddhism: The Unavoidable Path Serial: RB-00229 The talk addresses the concept of practicing Buddhism as an inherent, unavoidable path rather than a chosen one, comparing it to falling in love. It delves into the Heart Sutra’s rejection of rigid formulas and contrasts a life... *Love, Heart Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Vow, heart*	Richard Baker	Nov 13 1973
November 7th, 1973, Serial No. 00228 Serial: RB-00228 The talk explores the relationship between Zen practice and the sociopolitical environment, particularly emphasizing the importance of understanding and defining Zen Center from both internal and external perspectives. It... *Practice Period, Hate, Samadhi, Tozan, Bodhisattva Vow*	Richard Baker	Nov 07 1973
November 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00227 Serial: RB-00227 This talk explores the analogy between Zen practice and inter-species communication, particularly with whales. It delves into the similarities between human self-awareness and whale consciousness, advocating the ideals of minimal... *Sangha, Community, Cultivation, Big Mind, Lineage*	Richard Baker	Nov 04 1973
October 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00226 Serial: RB-00226 The talk focuses on the relationship between faith and doubt in Zen practice, the practice of the Six Paramitas, and the specific nature of Zen meditation (dhyāna). It examines the role of faith as foundational to Buddhist... *Faith, Doubt, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1973
October 26th, 1973, Serial No. 00644 Serial: RB-00644 This session primarily discusses the relationship between faith and doubt in Buddhist practice, focusing on the significance of faith in the path toward realization and wisdom. The discussion explores Zen practice as integral to... *Faith, Doubt, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1973
Buddhism: Falling in Love with Reality Serial: RB-00225 The main thesis of the talk compares practicing Buddhism to the experience of falling in love, emphasizing the transformative realization and commitment involved in both. The speaker discusses how right concentration, or jhana (... *Love, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Manjushri*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1973
Love and Buddhism's Transformative Power Serial: RB-00641 The talk explores the parallels between practicing Buddhism and falling in love, emphasizing the transformative moment of recognition and acceptance in both processes. Right concentration, or jnana—the fifth paramita—is... *Love, Concentration, Perfect Wisdom, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Oct 25 1973
Zen Paramitas: Embracing All Actions Serial: RB-00224 The talk emphasizes the idea that Zen is fundamentally a practice, particularly through the lens of the paramitas, with a special focus on samadhi or jnana. It assesses the misperception that Zen is solely about developing... *Concentration, Paramitas, Patience, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 24 1973
Zen and the Five Perfections Serial: RB-00642 The talk focuses on Zen as a practice integral to the first five paramitas, particularly emphasizing the fifth paramita, samadhi or jnana. The essence of Zen practice is detailed through the lens of non-possession, continuous... *Concentration, Paramitas, Patience, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 24 1973
October 23rd, 1973, Serial No. 00223 Serial: RB-00223 This talk focuses on the concept of continually confirming one's path in Zen practice, which enhances trust in one's actions and diminishes the fear of the consequences. Emphasis is placed on experiencing the interconnectedness... *Paramitas, Tozan, Doubt, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 23 1973
Living Every Moment as Practice Serial: RB-00645 The main thesis of the talk is the importance of unwavering practice and trust in one's actions along the spiritual path, and the ultimate recognition that practice encompasses every aspect of life. The discussion emphasizes... *Paramitas, Tozan, Doubt, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 23 1973
Beyond Duality: Entering Samadhi Serial: RB-00222 The talk centers on the concepts of consciousness, concentration, and the experiential path of Buddhism. It discusses the necessity of moving beyond conventional logic to embrace deeper meditative states, such as samadhi, which... *Evil, Concentration, Compassion, Paramitas, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 22 1973
Boundless Bliss Through Samadhi Serial: RB-00651 Summary The talk elaborates on the path of Buddhism, highlighting the interplay between personal experience and meditation. It discusses the fifth paramita of jhana and samadhi, emphasizing the importance of love, positive... *Evil, Concentration, Samadhi, Paramitas, Love*	Richard Baker	Oct 22 1973
Embodied Breath, True Nature Serial: RB-00221 The talk emphasizes the importance of deepening one's commitment to Zen practice, particularly during a Sashin retreat. A core theme is the realization of the oneness of mind through Zazen. The discussion also addresses the... *Sixth Patriarch, Perfect Wisdom, Breath, Aspects of Practice, Patience*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1973
Enlightenment Here and Now Serial: RB-00650 The talk addresses the concept of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that it is not something to be attained in the future but is realized in the present. It highlights the importance of practicing Zen with a deep... *Perfect Wisdom, Breath, Sixth Patriarch, Patience, Commitment*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1973
Mind as Field of Wisdom Serial: RB-00220 The talk explores the Sixth Patriarch's assertion that the mind is a "field of blessedness" where wisdom naturally arises, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding and practicing this concept. The discussion transitions... *Sixth Patriarch, Abhidharma, Anger, Perfect Wisdom*	Richard Baker	Oct 20 1973
Mind's Field of Blessedness Serial: RB-00643 The discussion centers on understanding the Sixth Patriarch's statement that "your mind is a field of blessedness which does not stray and in which wisdom naturally arises." This notion is explored through the lens of recognizing... *Sixth Patriarch, Abhidharma, Anger, Perfect Wisdom, Ego*	Richard Baker	Oct 20 1973
Awakening Through Zazen Practice Serial: RB-00219 The talk explores the realm in which Zen Buddhists live, emphasizing the persistent yet minor role of personal identity in causing suffering. Zazen practice, which comprises the paramitas, aims to transcend the notion of self and... *Perfect Wisdom, Sixth Patriarch, Paramitas, Daily Life, Letting Go*	Richard Baker	Oct 16 1973
Zen Paths of Impermanence Serial: RB-00217 The talk dissects the nature of knowledge and practice, emphasizing Zen Buddhism's approach to the impermanence of things. The notion of giving as the first paramita is explored deeply, evaluating what it means to possess and... *Mindfulness, Building, Patience, Vow*	Richard Baker	Oct 11 1973
Navigating Naturalness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00216 The talk discusses the challenge of finding reliable guidelines for actions, focusing on concepts of naturalness and appropriateness. The discussion probes whether actions are inherently natural and whether preferences guide... *Letting Go, Samadhi, Sesshin, resistance*	Richard Baker	Oct 01 1973
Urban Mindfulness Mountain Wisdom Serial: RB-00151 The talk explores the distinction between metropolitan Buddhism and mountain Buddhism, highlighting how the geographical and societal settings impact practice and teaching methods. Key concepts include practicing selflessness,... *Patience, Practice Period, Anger, Equanimity, Separation*	Richard Baker	Sep 28 1973
Absorbing Spirits in Society Serial: RB-00215 The talk on September 28, 1973, Serial No. 00215, explores the six paramitas, emphasizing their role as shock absorbers that adapt Buddhism to different societal contexts while maintaining the spirit of the bodhisattva. It... *Patience, Practice Period, Paramitas, Attachment*	Richard Baker	Sep 28 1973
Zen Harmony Through Patience Serial: RB-00150 This talk emphasizes the intertwining of satisfaction and resistance within Zen practice, highlighting the role of collective activities and unconscious behaviors in understanding oneself and others. The discussion draws... *Patience, Paramitas, Monastic Practice, Greed*	Richard Baker	Sep 21 1973
Zen Patience in Collective Practice Serial: RB-00214 The talk discusses the interrelation of individual practice and communal life in Zen monastic settings, emphasizing self-awareness through interactions with others and conscious conduct. The six paramitas (giving, conduct,... *Patience, Paramitas, Monastic Practice, Greed, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Sep 21 1973
Samadhi in Everyday Conduct Serial: RB-00145 The talk explores the integration of conduct and samadhi in practical life. It emphasizes that maintaining peace within activities, understanding and fulfilling precepts, and practicing the six paramitas are essential in Mahayana... *Samadhi, Big Mind, Religion, Precepts, Compassion*	Richard Baker	Sep 07 1973
September 1st, 1973, Serial No. 00144 Serial: RB-00144 The talk examines the essence of suffering in Buddhism and its causes, exploring the path to liberation by addressing these causes. The discussion highlights the importance of acceptance in Buddhism, balancing non-doing and... *Intuition, Lotus Sutra, Freedom, Big Mind, Anger*	Richard Baker	Sep 01 1973

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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