The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Title	Speaker	Date
Noticing Emptiness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00432 The talk revolves around the metaphor of the empty picture frame and movie screen to describe Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of noticing the emptiness and stillness within one's own mind, akin to recognizing the screen... *Zazen, Practice, Suzuki Roshi*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Jan 08 1972
Framing Zen: Process Over Content Serial: RB-00431 The talk discusses the concept of Zen practice and the challenges of explaining and embodying it. Using the metaphor of a picture frame, it emphasizes that Zen is about the "frame" itself rather than what is inside it,... *Practice, Japan, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Jan 06 1972
Zen Time: Embracing Present Impermanence Serial: RB-00430 The talk explores the concept of time from a Zen perspective, contrasting Western notions of linear progress with Eastern ideas of cyclical decay and change. It draws on Zen teachings to advocate embracing the present moment as... *Time, Practice, Japan*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Jan 01 1972
Contrasting Paths to Happiness Serial: RB-00429 This talk explores contrasting philosophical and temporal perspectives between Christianity and Buddhism, specifically focusing on the cultural implications of these beliefs on happiness and the pursuit thereof. It highlights how... *Time, Practice, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Dec 25 1971
Zen Paths of Mindful Practice Serial: RB-00428 The talk discusses the five precepts of Buddhism, focusing on the last precept which addresses altering the mind and body, particularly through the use of psychedelics. It details the long-term impact of psychedelics on Zen... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Dec 07 1971
Zen Practice: Balancing Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00427 The talk addresses the appropriateness of lectures during sesshins and emphasizes practices and precepts in Zen Buddhism. It discusses the five precepts for laymen and monks, focusing on both their practical applications and... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Dec 07 1971
Unconditioned Relationships in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00426 This talk emphasizes the distinction between conditioned and unconditioned relationships within Buddhist practice, highlighting the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and the importance of maintaining unconditioned relationships,... *Practice, Koan, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Dec 06 1971
Zen Mindfulness in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00425 The central thesis explores the integration of Zen practice into daily life and the inherent challenges of maintaining mindfulness amidst life's conditions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following precepts,... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Dec 04 1971
Body-Mind Shifts Across Cultures Serial: RB-00423 The talk critically examines the shift from body to mind culture in the West post-Plato, contrasting it with the persistent body culture of Japan. Key discussions include the lived experiences of Western practitioners in Japan,... *Practice, Japan, Culture*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Nov 14 1971
Mastering Zazen in Modern Life Serial: RB-00422 The talk primarily addresses detailed instructions for Zazen practice, focusing on posture, breathing techniques, physical calmness, and sensory engagement. It also discusses the differences between Rinzai and Soto Zen traditions... *Practice, Buddhism, Zazen*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Nov 14 1971
Zen Directness in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00421 The talk focuses on a koan related to the Soto Zen tradition, specifically from its Chinese founder, Tang Shan, also known as Cao Tung in Japanese. The discussion emphasizes the idea that inanimate objects are constantly... *Compassion, Emptiness, Practice*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Nov 08 1971
Zen Beyond Borders Serial: RB-00416 The discussion explores the challenges and cultural differences faced by Westerners practicing Zen in Japan. It highlights the barriers due to linguistic, cultural, and traditional differences, as well as how these affect... *Japan, Culture*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Nov 05 1969
Navigating Japan's Cultural Landscape Serial: RB-00418 The central thesis revolves around sharing insights about navigating Japanese culture, especially concerning the distinctions between American individualism and Japanese collectivism. Practical advice is provided for prospective... *Japan, Culture*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Oct 29 1969
Zen and Western Intersections Serial: RB-00419 The discussion revolves around the intersection of Buddhist practice, Japanese cultural mindset, and Western American socio-cultural perspectives. It explores distinct ways of thinking and perceiving, rooted in different... *Japan, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Zen Pathways: Rethinking Existence Serial: RB-00415 The principal thesis of the talk explores the Japanese cultural emphasis on relationships and processes over endpoints and products, drawing contrasts with Western approaches, and suggests that these cultural forms present... *Japan, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969
Navigating Zen Training in Japan Serial: RB-00414 The talk centers on the challenges and considerations involved in studying Buddhism in Japan as a Westerner, emphasizing the importance of understanding Japanese culture and language. A key point is the cultural friction that... Japan, Monastic Practice, Time	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Oct 18 1969
Zen Journeys: From Roshi to Reality Serial: RB-00420 The talk from February 1969 primarily reflects on a personal journey through Zen practice, detailing the experiences with Suzuki Roshi and the dynamics within the early Zen Center community. Insights are offered regarding the... *Time, Japan*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Feb 1969
Zen Journey Beyond Fear Serial: RB-00649A The talk explores the practice of Zen, emphasizing the need for perseverance, humor, and the willingness to explore discomfort as pathways to personal growth and enlightenment. It discusses the "five fears" as outlined in the... *Practice, Pain, Faith*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Building Rituals and Resilient Spaces Serial: RB-00316 This transcript covers a discussion about a ceremony with unclear purposes, touching upon cultural references such as the movie "Rock Chimone" and American Indian practices. It further delves into logistical challenges relating... *Time, Practice, Work*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Right Livelihood: Mindful Ethical Living Serial: RB-00652 The talk focuses on the concept of "right livelihood" within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its place within the eightfold path. It discusses the interplay between personal morality, decision-making, and awareness of one... *Time, Buddhism, Practice*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Unified Consciousness: Dolphins and Humanity Serial: RB-00349 The talk explores the concept of a unified consciousness shared by humans and dolphins, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings through shared elements like breathing, prana, and consciousness. It suggests that while... *Consciousness*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Bridges: Teaching, Tradition, and Psychology Serial: RB-00417 The discussion explores the integration of English language teaching in Japan, the extensive commitment required for Rinzai and Soto Zen training, and the challenges faced by foreigners and women in monastic settings. It also... *Practice, Japan, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Mindfulness Bridging Ancient Wisdom Today Serial: RB-00639 The main thesis of the talk centers around integrating ancient Buddhist wisdom with contemporary practice by emphasizing mindfulness and meditation to cultivate a state of "original mind," free from habitual thoughts and societal... *Practice, Consciousness, Breath*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Western Harmony with Buddhist Wisdom Serial: RB-00315 The talk discusses the integration and influence of Buddhism in the Western tradition, highlighting the Western thinkers and movements that align closely with Buddhist philosophy. The discussion asserts that this fusion is not an... *Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Harmony in Cultural Contexts Serial: RB-00649B The talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of discipline, order, and the formation of an understanding through collective agreement within a Sangha. It highlights how the form and practice of Zen... *Practice, Yoga, Practice Period*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Journeys and Lifestyle Shifts Serial: RB-00348 The transcript primarily discusses personal updates between two individuals regarding their upcoming commitments and transitions related to Zen practices and lifestyle changes. The conversation touches on plans to engage with the... *Time, Love, Commitment*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Essentials: Practice, Perception, Presence Serial: RB-00350 The talk examines the integration of Zen practices with the precepts and zazen, emphasizing their role in maintaining mental clarity and preparing one for genuine meditation. It highlights the five concurrent causes essential for... *Practice, Doubt, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Today: Tradition Meets Innovation Serial: RB-00505 The talk discusses the complexities of maintaining a Zen practice and community in a modern context, exploring the balance between tradition and adaptation. It highlights the influence of Zen teachings on community structure,... *Community, Time, Culture*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Movement and Stillness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00314 The talk discusses specific practices within Zen Buddhism, focusing on the physical aspects of meditation through examples of kin-hin, a form of walking meditation, and the challenges of adhering to traditional postures and... *Practice, Buddha, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Embracing Unity: Dissolving Dualities Serial: RB-01024B The talk explores the Zen concept that "the whole world is our body," emphasizing the interconnectedness and fluidity of existence as taught by Matsu. The discussion contrasts Western notions of individuality with Eastern... *Intimacy, Practice, Meditation*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Merging Mind and Body in Zen Serial: RB-01559 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk examines the relationship between physical and mental phenomena in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practice of integrating the body and mind into daily life. The focus is on how Zen practice enables practitioners to... *Buddhism, Practice, Breath*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Constructing Consciousness: Buddhism Meets Psychology Serial: RB-01560 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk explores the intersection of intellectual and philosophical thought within Buddhism, contrasting it with concepts from Jungian psychology and Eastern religious traditions. It delves into the use of thinking in Buddhism... *Consciousness, Buddhism, Emptiness*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Tracing Thoughts, Finding Presence Serial: RB-01561 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk focuses on the practice of tracing thoughts back to their origins in meditation and the role of the five skandhas in understanding one's mental processes. Through examining the skandhas, individuals can develop self-... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Beyond Perception: The Zen Mind Serial: RB-01562 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk explores the Zen concept of the "skandhas" and their relationship to perception, emotions, and consciousness. It delves into the distinctions between feelings and emotions, illustrating how they contribute differently to... *Buddhism, Consciousness, Emotions*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Beyond Names: Embracing Wholeness Serial: RB-01563 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The main thesis of this talk examines the transition from divided to undivided perception through the practices of the six dharmas. These practices involve the conscious removal of names and associations from objects, shifting... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Pathways to Western Wholeness Serial: RB-01564 Talk_Is_the_West_Still_Salvageable? The talk explores the theme "Can the West be Saved?" from a Zen Buddhist perspective, examining how Western and Asian approaches to Buddhism differ yet converge. The central thesis suggests that through Zen practice, particularly... *Practice, Consciousness, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Berlin
Evolving Zen: Lay Practice Innovations Serial: RB-03502 Dharma-Wheel_Introduction The talk explores the integration and evolution of Zen practice within a lay community, emphasizing the process of transmission, which involves formal ceremonies and deeper personal realization. It highlights the importance of... *Practice, Practice Period, Sangha*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Johanneshof
Engaging Stillness: Active Meditation's Impact Serial: RB-03503 Dharma-Wheel_2_Talk The talk explores the concept of simultaneous engagement and non-engagement in practice periods, examines the integration and evolution of meditation practices in the West, and discusses the benefits of meditation, including... *Practice, Practice Period, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Johanneshof
Embodying Awareness Through Mindful Presence Serial: RB-03504 Talk The talk focuses on transitioning from a mental focus to embodying attention, encouraging a shift from a mental to a bodily attentional location. It highlights practices like mindful breathing (referred to as "uniquing") and... *Practice, Breath, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker	Wien
Zen Harmony: Bridging Generations Serial: RB-03505 Talk The talk explores the development of a Dharma Sangha in Europe, particularly focusing on the concepts of sangha as a multigenerational shared practice founded on shared values and aloneness rooted in stillness. It questions the... *Sangha, Practice, Zazen*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Buddhist Narratives and Identity Transformation Serial: RB-03506 Talk The talk examines the integration of personal narratives within a Buddhist framework, emphasizing the impact of upbringing in a family with deep Buddhist roots. It delves into how the foundational Buddhist teachings, especially... *Buddhism, Practice, Suffering*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Mindfulness Across Cultures Serial: RB-03499 Talk The talk explores the integration of Zen practices, particularly mindfulness, across different cultural contexts and its transmission to laypeople. It addresses the challenges of adapting Zen teachings to Western audiences,... *Practice, Mindfulness, Buddhism*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Illuminating Zen: Moonlit Mindfulness Serial: RB-03500 Talk This talk explores the symbolism in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the distinction between literal and metaphorical understanding, using the example of the moon and its reflection. It challenges the notion that sutras are merely... *Time, Buddha, Wisdom*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Vividness in the Zen Fog Serial: RB-03501 Talk_The_Miracle_of_Consciousness The talk explores the essential nature of consciousness in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its inherent limitations and the mystery that surrounds it. A distinction is made between productive consciousness, which generates civilization... *Consciousness, Buddhism, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen and the Dance of Culture Serial: RB-04178A The talk discusses the intersection of Zen practice and cultural influences, with a focus on how demographics and gender roles shape Buddhism and its related practices. The discussion touches upon the integration of female... *Practice, Monastic Practice, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Zen Improvisation: Navigating Shared Spaces Serial: RB-04178B The main thesis of the talk focuses on the concept of "great functioning" within Zen practice, emphasizing a non-theoretical engagement with one's experiences and interactions. The speaker relates this to practices like... *Practice, Work, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Breath and Embodiment in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178C The talk explores the distinction between directing attention to one's breath and perceiving the breath within each moment, suggesting the latter is more profound and representative of authentic Zen practice. It argues that real... *Breath, Buddha, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Dissolving Boundaries Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178D The main thesis of the talk revolves around the exploration of the concept of "peripersonal space" within the practice of Zazen, examining how personal boundaries and spatial awareness transform during meditation. This discussion... *Heart Sutra, Buddha, Practice*	Zentatsu Richard Baker
Embracing Openness: Zen's Evolving Journey Serial: RB-04178E The talk delves into the challenges and expectations tied to focused Zen practice, specifically in reference to mindfulness and maintaining openness without self-armoring. It also explores the concept of integrating families into... *Practice, Work, Time*	Zentatsu Richard Baker

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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