The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Zen Engagement: Balancing Acceptance and Action Serial: RB-00143 The talk investigates the tension between the Zen precept of accepting things as they are and the desire to actively help others, inspired by a personal dialogue with Suzuki Roshi and the poetry of Lew Welch. Through reflections... *Big Mind, Religion, Love, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Aug 27 1973
Living Zen: Presence Beyond Ritual Serial: RB-00141 The discussion centers on the nature of Zen practice, emphasizing the integration of practice into daily life beyond mere adherence to ritual or form. It explores themes such as detachment, presence, and non-habituation,... *Buddha Nature, Greed, Love, Daily Life, Hindrances*	Richard Baker	Aug 16 1973
Flowing in the Zen Way Serial: RB-00140 The talk delves into the concept of ascension within Zen practice, emphasizing that all actions and experiences should flow naturally from the mind without discrimination or attachment, paralleling how sutras are recited. The... *Bowing, Chanting, Discrimination, Bell, Big Mind*	Richard Baker	Aug 10 1973
Living Buddha Mind in Action Serial: RB-00139 The talk emphasizes the direct practice and experience of mind itself as the core of Zen practice, pushing beyond the dualities of good and bad through presence and identification with one's activity. It explores the states of... *Samadhi, Vow, Lineage, Bell, Bowing*	Richard Baker	Aug 09 1973
Awakening Joy Through Selflessness Serial: RB-00138 The talk explores the core Buddhist principle of selflessness and compassion for all beings, emphasizing the practical transformation of conflicting emotions into states of joy through dedicated practice. It discusses the... *Samadhi, Daily Life, Priest, Imperturbability, Posture*	Richard Baker	Aug 08 1973
Zazen Connections: Thriving in Spirit Serial: RB-00137 This talk elaborates on the significance of spiritual friends in Zen practice and the interconnection of physical and mental presence, centering one's energies through Zazen. It emphasizes the stages of having spiritual friends... *Anger, Emotions, Compassion, Instruction, Bodhisattva Vow*	Richard Baker	Aug 07 1973
Transcending Perception in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00136 The talk explores the concept of perception and its importance in Zen practice, drawing analogies between seeing and crossing a bridge to illustrate the difference between aspirational views and actual experience. The discussion... *Pain, Sangha, Posture, Concentration, Buddha Nature*	Richard Baker	Aug 04 1973
Zen Community: Pathway to Awakening Serial: RB-00135 The talk delves into the essence of Sangha as one of Buddhism's Three Treasures and examines how individuals within a Sangha embody and express Buddhism through their collective practice. It discusses foundational Zen teachings,... *Sangha, Hate, Commitment, Culture, realization*	Richard Baker	Jul 26 1973
Living Zen: Embrace the Now Serial: RB-00134 The talk discusses the fundamental Zen practice of embracing the present moment and the importance of integrating all aspects of life into one's practice. It emphasizes the notion of not getting caught up with past experiences or... *Right Effort, Chanting, Mindfulness, Karma, Anger*	Richard Baker	Jul 07 1973
Zen in the Urban Jungle Serial: RB-00133 This talk addresses the practice of Zen in the context of city life and delves into the intricacies of Siddhi practice. Key discussions focus on the differences between merit and karma, the concept of ultimate reality, and the... *Separation, Practice Period, Breath, training*	Richard Baker	Jun 13 1973
Transcending Perception Through Meditation Serial: RB-00132 The central thesis of the talk examines the limitations of preconceived ideas about the world and the necessity of transcending them through meditation practice, situating one's experience within a broader understanding of... *Big Mind, Hindrances, Pain, heart, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Jun 12 1973
Beyond Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00131 The talk emphasizes the importance of returning to one's own experience in practicing Buddhism, shedding light on how subjective and objective perceptions can be misleading. It delves into the concepts of form and emptiness,... *Karma, Mindfulness, Heart Sutra*	Richard Baker	Jun 10 1973
Cultivating Depth Through Zazen Serial: RB-00130 The main thesis centers on understanding "big mind" or "essence of mind" through the practice of zazen and sasheen, illustrating the elusive nature of Dharmakaya and the necessity for practical, disciplined practice to cultivate... *Big Mind, Dharmakaya, Religion, Sambhogakaya, Mindfulness*	Richard Baker	Jun 09 1973
Intimate Enlightenment in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00127 The talk explores the concept of "intimate enlightenment" in Zen practice, drawing from Dogen's teachings. It highlights that enlightenment is inherently intimate and that this intimacy is essential in understanding and... *Samsara, Anger, Buddha Nature, Intimacy, Suffering*	Richard Baker	May 20 1973
Intimate Enlightenment: Beyond Illusion Serial: RB-00149 The talk discusses the concept of "intimate enlightenment" as described by Dogen Zenji, emphasizing the idea that enlightenment is inherently accessible and intimate, but is obscured by our desires, aversions, and delusions. The... *Samsara, Anger, Buddha Nature, Intimacy, Big Mind*	Richard Baker	May 20 1973
Deep Engagement in Saturday Lectures Serial: RB-00126 The talk addresses how to deliver effective Saturday lectures focused on deep, meaningful engagement rather than introductory or superficial information. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intimate knowledge of oneself and... *Anger, Delusion, Practice Period, Freedom, Greed*	Richard Baker	May 19 1973
Urban Zen: Intimacy Amid Chaos Serial: RB-00148 The central theme of the talk focuses on the difficulty of delivering meaningful lectures on Buddhism in a city setting where intimate connections and understanding among participants are limited. The discussion weaves through... *Anger, Delusion, Practice Period, Freedom, Greed*	Richard Baker	May 19 1973
Nurturing Zen's True Practice Serial: RB-00125 The talk delves into developing a genuine "feeling for practice" in Zen, which transcends mere experiential learning or initial insights. It emphasizes that such a feeling evolves slowly through ongoing practice and tradition, as... *Obstacles, Mindfulness, Letting Go, Greed, Delusion*	Richard Baker	May 13 1973
Effortless Engagement with Reality Serial: RB-00147 The primary focus of the talk is on developing a genuine feeling for Zen practice, emphasizing that this feeling evolves gradually and cannot be solely based on insights or experiences. The discussion goes into the nature of... *Obstacles, Letting Go, Greed, Delusion, Discrimination*	Richard Baker	May 13 1973
Mindfulness in Every Moment Serial: RB-00124 The talk centers on the theme of practice within the Zen community and the integration of mindfulness in daily life. It addresses misconceptions about Zen practice, emphasizing that taking refuge in the sangha doesn't require a... *Mindfulness, Big Mind, Practice Period, Sangha, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	May 12 1973
Zen Living Beyond The Zendo Serial: RB-00146 The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the Sangha and mindfulness practice in Zen Buddhism. The speaker explains that taking refuge in the Sangha does not equate to holding a position within a Zen... *Mindfulness, Big Mind, Practice Period, Sangha, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	May 12 1973
Mastering Mind for Zen Enlightenment Serial: RB-00123 The talk revolves around understanding and practicing Zen Buddhism by emphasizing the importance of observing and controlling the mind to achieve enlightenment. The focus is on the teachings of the sixth patriarch, the practice... *Suffering, Pain, Delusion, Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch*	Richard Baker	May 06 1973
Surrender to the Present Buddha Serial: RB-00122 The talk primarily explores the concept of contentment and the Buddhist path to enlightenment, emphasizing that understanding one's own nature is key to perceiving the true nature of the universe, a concept referred to as the "... *Faith, Mindfulness, Right Speech, Practice Period, Intuition*	Richard Baker	May 05 1973
Mindfulness and the Sufficient Present Serial: RB-00326 The lecture emphasizes the principles of Buddhist practice, with a focus on mindfulness and the Eightfold Path. Key themes include the rejection of strategic thinking in favor of appreciating the present moment and accepting the... *Faith, Mindfulness, Right Speech, Practice Period, Intuition*	Richard Baker	May 05 1973
Unlocking Enlightenment Through Inner Clarity Serial: RB-00121 The talk emphasizes the necessity of developing the "eye of wisdom" or "eye of enlightenment" to practice Buddhism effectively. The journey towards enlightenment involves understanding and accepting one's weaknesses, enduring... *Right Speech, Right Effort, Concentration, Community, War*	Richard Baker	Apr 22 1973
Path to Wisdom and Clarity Serial: RB-00325 The talk emphasizes achieving the "eye of wisdom" or enlightenment through Buddhist practice. It explores the limitations of merely correcting one's weak points and highlights the importance of enduring criticism and transcending... *Right Speech, Right Effort, Concentration, Community, War*	Richard Baker	Apr 22 1973
Buddhism: Engaging Life's Incompleteness Serial: RB-00120 The talk centers on the purpose and practice of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of self-observation without relying on external explanations like God or psychedelics. It highlights Buddhism's unique stance on exploring the... *Truth, Beginners, Observe, Balance, Nirvana*	Richard Baker	Apr 21 1973
Buddhist Practice: Seeking Beyond Answers Serial: RB-00294 The talk explores the motivations behind Buddhist practice, emphasizing that such practice arises from a fundamental desire for it and the recognition of incomplete explanations of life provided by conventional societal,... *Truth, Observe, Balance, Nirvana, Religion*	Richard Baker	Apr 21 1973
Zen Awareness Beyond Ego Serial: RB-00119 The talk discusses the significance of awareness in Zen practice and the importance of separating subject and object in one's perception. Explains that true Zen practice involves transcending ego through Zazen to reach a state of... *Tozan, Emotions, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Apr 15 1973
Mindfulness Through Zen Stillness Serial: RB-00295 The talk primarily explores the relationship between Zen practice and awareness, emphasizing the significance of achieving a thoughtless state through Zazen. It stresses that Zen differs from other religions in that each... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Emotions, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Apr 15 1973
Zen Practice Across Environments Serial: RB-00118 The talk centers on the distinctions between different practice environments, specifically contrasting urban practice at Green Gulch and Tassajara against the more isolated practice at Pasahara. Themes include the essence of Zen... *Practice Period, Sekito Kisen, Don't Know Mind, Sixth Patriarch, Samadhi*...	Richard Baker	Apr 14 1973
Unity in Diverse Zen Practices Serial: RB-00293 The talk addresses the differences in practice between Tassajara, Green Gulch, and urban settings, and emphasizes the underlying unity of these practices despite their varied outward forms. It explores the challenges and benefits... *Practice Period, Sekito Kisen, Samadhi, Sixth Patriarch, Observe*	Richard Baker	Apr 14 1973
Zen: The Eternal Shared Gift Serial: RB-00108 The thesis of the talk revolves around the nature of Zen practice as a communal and continuous gift that transcends personal possession, emphasizing interconnectedness and the practice of even-mindedness. Key discussions include... *Practice Period, Letting Go, Samadhi, Concentration, Balance*	Richard Baker	Apr 10 1973
Zen Beyond Illusion and Duality Serial: RB-00106 April 8th, 1973, Serial No. 00106 is a lecture and dialogue focusing on the Zen practice of seeing beyond dualistic thinking and recognizing the inseparability of self and reality. The discussion covers several critical Zen... *Ordinary Mind, Lay, Dragons, Doubt, Intention*	Richard Baker	Apr 08 1973
Ocean of Unwavering Zen Dedication Serial: RB-00107 The talk explores the importance of unwavering dedication to Zen practice and addresses the challenges of maintaining focus amidst distractions and temptations. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things, as symbolized by... *Balance, resistance, Big Mind, Practice Period, Avalokiteshvara*	Richard Baker	Apr 08 1973
Enlightenment: Essence Beyond Practice Serial: RB-00116 The talk focuses on the concept of sudden enlightenment and its relation to continuous practice, emphasizing direct perception of the mind's essence rather than traditional practices like the ten bhumis. It reflects on stories... *Soto Zen, Ceremony, Rinzai, Kinhin, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
Direct Realization in Zen Essence Serial: RB-00117 The talk discusses the nature of sudden enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing direct realization of the essence of mind without the need for extensive preparatory practices. It references Dogen's "Genjo Koan," the concept of... *Soto Zen, Samadhi, Ceremony, Dragons, Chanting*	Richard Baker	Apr 07 1973
Mind Moves The Flag Serial: RB-00114 The talk focuses on the nature of thinking and perception in Zen practice, using a famous Zen story about the wind and the flag to illustrate key points. It delves into the distinction between mind and external phenomena, the... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Heart Sutra, Ego, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Inside the Mind's Untouched Reality Serial: RB-00115 The discussion focuses on the Zen practice of evaluating the movement of the mind, using the story of the Sixth Patriarch and the koan about the flag and the wind. The talk highlights the importance of understanding the mind... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Samadhi, training, Oneness*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Mind Over Matter: Zen Perception Serial: RB-00292 The talk explores the Buddhist conceptualization of the mind and its role in perceiving reality, emphasizing the deceptive nature of sensory information and how our ego prioritizes certain perceptions. It discusses the difference... *Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Ego, Heart Sutra, Samadhi*	Richard Baker	Apr 06 1973
Seizing Enlightenment Right Now Serial: RB-00113 The talk focuses on the continuous, integrated practice of meditation and the importance of ongoing commitment to Zen practice. The concept of "seizing the jewel" is highlighted, implying that enlightenment and clarity are... *Pain, Monastic Practice, Freedom, Bodhisattva Vow, Don't Know Mind*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1973
Unwavering Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00291 The talk discusses the central tenet of Zen practice focusing on unwavering meditation and enlightenment in everyday life. The metaphor of a "valiant man" in Hakun Zenji and Mumon Roshi's teachings underscores continuous... *Pain, Monastic Practice, Freedom, Bodhisattva Vow, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Apr 05 1973
Real Dragons in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00112 The talk emphasizes the importance of form in Zen practice as a means to ensure the transmission of teachings, referencing the historical Zen figures Nansen, Tozan, and their interactions. The discussion explores the contrasting... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Zen Beyond Doctrine and Illusion Serial: RB-00330 This talk focuses on the nature of Zen practice, its role in counteracting the complexities and distractions of civilization, and the importance of direct transmission in Zen Buddhism. The discussion addresses foundational Zen... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Baso*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Zen: The Road to Ordinary Mind Serial: RB-00331 The discussion outlines Zen as an antidote to civilization, emphasizing its non-existence in conventional terms and its role in transmitting authentic teachings. Zen practice focuses on returning to one's original nature, and... *Dragons, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Ordinary Mind, Tozan*	Richard Baker	Apr 04 1973
Eternal Flow of Zen Practice Serial: RB-00111 The thesis of the talk revolves around the idea that Zen practice should be continuous and free of the pursuit of progress or accomplishment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of persistence and mindfulness, suggesting that... *Baso, Obstacles, Zendo, Practice Period, Vinaya*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Endless Zen: Persistent Practice Serial: RB-00328 The talk emphasizes the nature of Zen practice as continuous and without attachment to traditional notions of progress or accomplishment. The idea is to engage fully in the present moment, without preconceived ideas or... *Yaoshan, Baso, Hyakujo, Obstacles, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Presence Through Persistent Practice Serial: RB-00329 The talk emphasizes the concept of persistent practice in Zen Buddhism, stressing the importance of practicing without a fixed goal or expectation. It argues against the idea of measuring progress or seeking specific outcomes,... *Baso, Hyakujo, Obstacles, Zendo, Practice Period*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 1973
Zen in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-00323 The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice, specifically zazen or "just sitting," into everyday life, highlighting that the essence of practice is found in ordinary activities and that true understanding transcends both... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Seigen Gyoshi, Gutei*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1973
Living Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00324 This talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice with everyday life, stressing the importance of consistent practice without expectation or distraction. The narrative weaves through various historical anecdotes and teachings... *Tozan, Yaoshan, Gutei, Seigen Gyoshi*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 1973

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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