The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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
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, Name*	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, Name*	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
Embracing Mu for True Enlightenment Serial: RB-00491 The talk focuses on the interpretation of Mu (無) within Zen practice and its pivotal role in understanding the nature of enlightenment. It emphasizes direct experience over intellectual understanding, urging practitioners to... *Five Ranks, Community, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Money*	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
Zen Pathways to Joyful Practice Serial: RB-00482 The talk centers on the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing three main opportunities: the path or Sangha, the teacher and their instructions, and personal effort. It outlines three entrances into practice—vital energy (prana),... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 06 1972
Beyond Stepladder Zen Serial: RB-00481 The talk focuses on the challenges of scheduling and maintaining a rigorous Zen practice period at Tassajara, emphasizing the importance of overcoming self-involvement and anxiety to achieve genuine practice. It illustrates that... *Practice, Practice Period, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 01 1972
Zen in Daily Community Life Serial: RB-00480 The talk discusses the successful retention of Green Gulch Farm by the Zen Center after government intervention and highlights the significance of practicing Zen within community settings. The concept of interconnected practice... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Richard Baker	Sep 26 1972
Embrace Discomfort as Your Teacher Serial: RB-00479 The transcript discusses the intrinsic discomfort in Zen practice as a teaching tool and the importance of perceiving discomfort as guidance. Central to the talk is the idea that everything in life can serve as a teacher, and... *Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Sep 16 1972
Seed of Enlightenment Revealed Serial: RB-00485 The talk explores the teachings of Seppo, particularly his comparison of the world to a seed from the Blue Cliff Records. It emphasizes the theme of understanding enlightenment as an intrinsic state rather than an external... *Practice, Enlightenment, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Jul 08 1972
Zen's Cross-Cultural Wisdom Journey Serial: RB-00477 The talk discusses the relationship between East Coast intellectuals and Zen practice, noting a sociological contrast with West Coast practitioners drawn to Zen through direct engagement with Zazen. It emphasizes the importance... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jul 06 1972
Embracing Desires in Buddha Nature Serial: RB-00476 The talk addresses the concept of Buddha nature, focusing on distinguishing subjective and objective self-awareness. The central thesis emphasizes that desires—often regarded as evil—are integral to one's Buddha nature when... *Evil, Bodhidharma, Time*	Richard Baker	Jul 04 1972
Beyond Seclusion: Embracing Zen Stillness Serial: RB-00475 The talk focuses on the practice of Zen meditation as a path to achieving a profound mental calmness that transcends physical seclusion. It explores themes such as the relationship between posture and breath, the significance of... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Jun 10 1972
Everyday Enlightenment through Zen Routine Serial: RB-00474 The talk primarily addresses the psychological and practical aspects of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of commitment, the challenges of adhering to monastic rules, and the intricate understanding of koans. It highlights... *Buddha, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 07 1972
Zen in Each Moment Serial: RB-00473 The talk discusses the practice and philosophy of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the necessity for a continuous and self-sustained practice without relying on external validation or rigid instruction. It outlines how Suzuki Roshi,... *Suzuki Roshi, Practice, Culture*	Richard Baker	Jun 06 1972
Commitment in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00472 The talk discusses the importance of commitment in Zen practice, emphasizing three phases akin to the three refuges: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. The focus is on maintaining commitment during tough phases of practice without... *Practice, Zazen, Commitment*	Richard Baker	Jun 05 1972
Zen Wholeness Through Zazen Serial: RB-00471 The talk emphasizes the practice of Zazen and the idea of wholeness in Zen practice. It discusses how thoughts and actions should arise spontaneously and naturally without the interference of deliberative thinking. This natural... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jun 04 1972
Embracing Calm Through Daily Zazen Serial: RB-00470 The talk explores the concept of achieving calmness of mind through Zazen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this tranquility amidst distractions and daily activities. It underscores the necessity of consistent... *Practice, Zazen, Effort*	Richard Baker	Jun 03 1972

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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