The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Facing the Absolute in Zen Serial: RB-00469 The talk centers on the question "What is the Absolute?" and how one can face it. Drawing on various Zen texts and historical accounts, the discussion delves into stories involving Seppo and his disciples to illustrate the... *Practice, Tassajara, Time*	Richard Baker	May 27 1972
Embracing the Absolute with Zen Serial: RB-00468 The talk analyzes Zen teachings by exploring the themes of the Absolute and the unreliability of tangible concepts through Zen stories like one from the Hekigan Roku (Blue Cliff Record) about Seppo and the appearance of a snake... *Practice, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	May 26 1972
Embracing Ignorance: The Zen Response Serial: RB-00467 The talk discusses Blue Cliff Record case number 18, focusing on the Zen concept of an "untiered monument" and the significance of the response "I don't know" in interactions with emperors and political figures. The discussion... *Practice, Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	May 20 1972
Eternal Echoes of Zen Practice Serial: RB-00465 The talk explores the lineage of Zen practice and the intricate, often ineffable nature of teachings passed down from one teacher to another. It emphasizes living each moment fully without conceptualizing time and the challenges... *Practice, Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker	May 17 1972
Zen Moments: Breathing and Being Serial: RB-00464 The talk delves into the historical lineage and the continuity of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of moment-to-moment awareness in practice. Key points include the analogy of time and practice, the significance of... *Time, Practice, Consciousness*	Richard Baker	May 13 1972
Zen Gardens as Living Memorials Serial: RB-00466 The talk discusses the creation of a cemetery for Suzuki Roshi, emphasizing the symbolic importance of his garden at Tassajara as a living monument. The speaker reflects on the relevance of history and tradition in Zen practice,... *Suzuki Roshi, Japan, Time*	Richard Baker	May 10 1972
Zen and Tantra: Deep Relationships Serial: RB-00463 This talk delves into the examination of Zen and Tantric Buddhism, specifically drawing comparisons between Zen koans and Tantric meditation techniques. Emphasis is placed on the themes of relationship, question and answer... *Practice, Buddhism, Wisdom*	Richard Baker	May 10 1972
Echoes of Practice, Voices of Zen Serial: RB-00462 This talk centers on the practice and philosophy of Zen, emphasizing the significance of repetitive practice, the teaching of non-sentient beings, and the importance of community and mutual support in Zen practice. It outlines... *Practice, Time, Zazen*	Richard Baker	May 09 1972
Pure Presence in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00461 The lecture from May 6th, 1972, centers on the Zen Buddhist practice of zazen and doksan, emphasizing the fundamental principle of not adding anything to oneself. The discussion elucidates the practice of taking refuge in the... *Practice, Zazen, Karma*	Richard Baker	May 06 1972
Living the Paradox of Zen Serial: RB-00460 The talk delves into the complexities of communicating and understanding Buddhism, emphasizing the challenges in simplifying its concepts. Two key points are highlighted: the necessity of openness among practitioners for... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Apr 29 1972
Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Shells Serial: RB-00459 This talk focuses on the metaphor of a shell to describe personal and spiritual limitations, referencing Model Subject Number 16 from the Blue Cliff Records. It emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the inner journey... *Time, Practice, Work*	Richard Baker	Apr 22 1972
Buddha Nature Beyond Ideas Serial: RB-00458 This talk, given on April 8th, 1972, primarily explores the conceptualization of Buddha nature versus human nature and the distinction between performing actions naturally and actions directed by our Buddha nature. It delves into... *Buddha, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Apr 08 1972
Zen's Path Through Sesshins Serial: RB-00457 The talk discusses the purpose and practice of sesshins within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that although challenging, they serve as a straightforward method of practice compared to daily continuous practices. Highlights include... *Practice, Vow, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1972
Buddhism in Daily Acts Serial: RB-00456 The central thesis of the talk emphasizes the simplicity of daily life and practice as the essence of Buddhism, captured in the anecdote of "washing your face and putting on your clothes," contrasting this with deeper... *Practice, Buddhism, Culture*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1972
Solitary Path to Buddha Nature Serial: RB-00455 Summary The talk emphasizes the solitary nature of zazen practice, suggesting that true transmission of Buddhism comes through individual introspection and solitary practice without external guidance. It highlights that... *Practice, Buddhism, Suffering*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1972
Embracing Awareness Through Shikantaza Serial: RB-00454 The talk delves into the practice of shikantaza, emphasizing its role in fostering intimacy with oneself and everything else. It contrasts shikantaza with mere concentration, explaining that shikantaza involves an inclusive... *Practice, Buddhism, Shikantaza*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1972
Personal Pathways to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00453 The talk discusses the challenges of guiding individual practice in daily life, emphasizing that practice is deeply personal and enlightenment is found in one’s unique approach. Practice evolves through three stages: individual... *Practice, Vow, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1972
Dying to Self, Embracing Oneness Serial: RB-00452 The talk discusses the practice of understanding and transcending self-knowledge within Buddhist philosophy. It compares the Buddhist idea of selflessness with the Western concept of self-awareness, exemplified by Socrates. The... *Practice, Buddha, Love*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1972
Zen in Everyday Sitting Serial: RB-00110 The talk on April 2nd, 1972, focuses on the relationship between Zen practice and everyday life, with an emphasis on the concept of "just sitting" or Shikantaza as an essential foundation for diverse forms of practice.... *Practice, Tozan Ryokai, Time*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1972
Zen Mind Balanced Body Serial: RB-00451 The talk explores the dual aspects of Zen practice: practicing and observing everything as it is without preconceived ideas, especially during Sasheen. Emphasis is placed on starting meditation with a clear and unburdened... *Practice, Zazen, Consciousness*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1972
Embracing Wisdom Through Unity Serial: RB-00450 The talk, delivered during a practice period, emphasizes the significance of non-differentiation and non-discrimination, aligning with the Four Wisdoms in traditional Buddhism—great mirror wisdom, universal wisdom,... *Practice, Zazen, First Principle*	Richard Baker	Mar 26 1972
Zen Rituals Mind Essences Serial: RB-00449 The talk explores themes of Zen practice, the concept of "no Buddha," the nature of mind, and the relationship between ritual and Zazen. It delves into the teachings of Suzuki Roshi and Sekheto, particularly around understanding... *Practice, Zazen, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Mar 18 1972
Zen Love and Singlehood Wisdom Serial: RB-00448 The talk delves into the complexities of love problems from a Zen Buddhist perspective, highlighting the futility of seeking specific relationships and promoting the benefits of singlehood. It explores the concept of turning... *Practice, Zazen, Time*	Richard Baker	Mar 11 1972
Seeing Reality Through Restraint Serial: RB-00447 The talk explores the fundamental simplicity and difficulty of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of perceiving reality as it is, without illusions. It discusses the necessity of restraining the senses and breaking habitual... *Practice, Desire, Time*	Richard Baker	Mar 04 1972
Zen Center: Tradition Meets Modernity Serial: RB-00445 The talk explores the structure and administration of Zen Center, emphasizing the balance between maintaining traditional Buddhist practices while adapting to American cultural contexts. Discussion includes the bifurcation of... *Practice, Work, Tassajara*	Richard Baker	Feb 26 1972
Infinite Emptiness, Endless Possibilities Serial: RB-00443 The talk centers around the concept of emptiness, infinite possibilities, and the interplay between meditation (jnana) and wisdom (prajna) in Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the many identities or "... *Practice, Karma, Time*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1972
Embracing Enlightenment in Everyday Life Serial: RB-00442 The talk discusses the concepts of parinirvana, nirvana, and enlightenment by examining the differences and similarities between knowing and not knowing through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It delves into the idea that... *Practice, Buddha, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Feb 12 1972
Enduring Impermanence: A Zen Exploration Serial: RB-00441 The talk primarily explores the rigorous practice of sesshin in the Zen tradition, highlighting the themes of endurance, humility, interdependence, and the ephemeral nature of existence. It discusses the significance of... *Time, Buddhism, Desire*	Richard Baker	Feb 09 1972
Zen Translation: Bridging Cultures Mindfully Serial: RB-00440 The talk discusses the challenges of expressing Zen Buddhism in English, focusing on translating key concepts, such as guilt versus shame, and the distinction between persona and person. It mentions the significance of practicing... *Buddhism, Suffering, Practice*	Richard Baker	Feb 08 1972
Selflessness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00439 The talk primarily explores the concept of 'no-self' in Buddhism and its elaboration through the practice of zazen. It draws on the teachings of prominent Buddhist figures, articulates the importance of the Eightfold Path and the... *Buddha, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 07 1972
Zen and Environmental Balance Serial: RB-00438 The talk discusses the challenges of balancing external activism, such as anti-war efforts and environmental movements, with dedicated Zen practice. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focus on Zazen and exploring the... *Time, Sesshin, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Feb 06 1972
Buddhism Thrives in Community Serial: RB-00437 The talk addresses the necessity of creating a communal environment for practicing Buddhism, emphasizing the impossibility of achieving universal consciousness in isolation. Using both cultural anecdotes and discussions on Zen... *Practice, Culture, Japan*	Richard Baker	Jan 29 1972
Living Zen Beyond Cultural Boundaries Serial: RB-00436 The talk examines the intertwined nature of Suzuki Roshi's teachings and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing non-clinging and direct experience as central tenets. Practical aspects of Zen practice, such as the ceremonial behavior during... *Suzuki Roshi, Culture, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jan 22 1972
Zen of the Tea Bowl Serial: RB-00435 The talk discusses the significance of Suzuki Roshi's tea bowl, emphasizing how its selection reflects both personal connection and cultural depth. Using the tea bowl as a metaphor, it explores the nuances in appreciating... *Time, Japan, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Jan 20 1972
Zen Unfolded: East Meets West Serial: RB-00434 The talk explores the complexities of practicing Buddhism in America versus Japan, particularly through the teachings of Suzuki Roshi. It examines the cultural context necessary for understanding Zen practices and highlights the... *Suzuki Roshi, Buddhism, Japan*	Richard Baker	Jan 18 1972
Zen Independence and Integration Serial: RB-00433 This talk recounts early experiences at Tassajara, focusing on the establishment process, cultural shifts within the community, and the challenges faced by practitioners transitioning between urban and rural settings. The speaker... *Buddhism, Time, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Jan 15 1972
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*	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*	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*	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*	Richard Baker	Dec 25 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*	Richard Baker	Dec 07 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*	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*	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*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 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*	Richard Baker	Nov 14 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*	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*	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... *japanese, Japan, Culture*	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, japanese, Culture*	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... *japanese, Japan, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1969

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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