The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Pathways to Zen Mastery Serial: RB-00109 This talk explores the intricate practices and philosophies behind preparing for and engaging in zazen. It addresses the fundamental stages of preparation, focusing on the six paramitas—generosity, morality, patience, energy,... *Sixth Patriarch, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Silence, Zendo*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Zen Preparation Through Deep Resolve Serial: RB-00301 The discourse emphasizes the significance of preparation in Zen practice, detailing stages such as zazen posture, establishment of good habits, and the critical importance of individual resolve. Key points include the practice of... *Silence, Balance, Soto Zen, Kinhin, Breath*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Pathways to Zen Equanimity Serial: RB-00322 The talk explores the stages of preparation for zazen in Zen practice, emphasizing the six paramitas sequence: giving, morality, patience, energy, samadhi, and wisdom. The preparation involves creating favorable conditions, like... *Sixth Patriarch, Silence, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Balance*	Richard Baker	Apr 01 1973
Living Beyond Ego Through Zen Serial: RB-00105 The talk delves into the nature of Zen stories, emphasizing that their meaning is tied to their practical use and understanding through personal practice. It explores the concept of 'giving up life' not in terms of physical death... *Letting Go, Death, War, Balance, Separation*	Richard Baker	Mar 28 1973
Unfolding Zen Through Practice Serial: RB-00300 The talk explores the notion that Zen stories serve a practical teaching purpose rather than holding inherent meaning. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using these stories in practice to uncover their true significance... *Letting Go, Death, War, Separation*	Richard Baker	Mar 28 1973
Zen and Non-Discriminative Thinking Serial: RB-00104 The talk discusses the third patriarch of China’s statement on non-discriminative thinking and how it compares with the Blue Cliff Record #35 and Dogen's teachings. It emphasizes the importance of zazen (meditation) as a practice... *Doubt, Ego, Lay Ordination, Heart Sutra, Shuso Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Mar 25 1973
Transcending Thought: Zen's Supreme Way Serial: RB-00299 The talk discusses key Zen concepts, focusing on non-discriminative thinking and its significance in practice as illustrated by the statements of the third Chinese patriarch and the teachings of Dogen. The idea that "the supreme... *Doubt, Ego, Blue Cliff Record, Lay Ordination, Heart Sutra*	Richard Baker	Mar 25 1973
Mindful Preparation in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00103 The talk focuses on the concept of preparation in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of mindful engagement with daily activities and maintaining continuous awareness. Various aspects of preparation are discussed, from the... *Zendo, Aspects of Practice, Ceremony, Balance, Silence*	Richard Baker	Mar 18 1973
Zen in Everyday Awareness Serial: RB-00102 The main thesis of the talk is the integration of Zen practice into daily life with a focus on overcoming discrimination and karma through mindful awareness of one's consciousness and activities. Key Points Discussed: Zen... *Non-discrimination, Discrimination, Observe, Karma, Dragons*	Richard Baker	Mar 17 1973
March 11th, 1973, Serial No. 00100 Serial: RB-00100 The main thesis of the talk highlights the essence of Buddha’s teaching as universally accessible wisdom rather than a divine prescription. The discussion encompasses faith in Buddhism, the significance of the precepts, the... *Faith, Right Effort, Precepts, Anger, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 11 1973
March 10th, 1973, Serial No. 00097 Serial: RB-00097 The central focus of the talk addresses the inevitability of death and the importance of letting go of attachments and preconceptions to fully engage in the present moment. Emphasis is placed on the practice of zazen to attain a... *Precepts, Sangha, Freedom, War, Faith*	Richard Baker	Mar 10 1973
March 4th, 1973, Serial No. 00098 Serial: RB-00098 This talk discusses the integration of Zen practice in everyday life, contrasting it with Western contemplative traditions. Points include the concept of a calm mind through Zazen, differences in monastic and spiritual practices... *Avalokiteshvara, Sangha, Manjushri, Money*	Richard Baker	Mar 04 1973
March 3rd, 1973, Serial No. 00095 Serial: RB-00095 The talk discusses the three modes of existence—gross, subtle, and their combination—highlighting the importance of experiencing the subtle through zazen. The practice of zazen facilitates understanding bodhicitta with its three... *Precepts, Building, Passions, Kinhin, Composure*	Richard Baker	Mar 03 1973
Pathways to Mindful Liberation Serial: RB-00094 This talk from March 1, 1973, discusses the essence of Buddhist practice, focusing on the core concepts of non-attachment and the significant distinctions between the conditioned and unconditioned worlds. It elucidates the three... *Anger, Passions, Conversation, Freedom, Aspects of Practice*	Richard Baker	Mar 01 1973
Zazen and the Pursuit of Tranquility Serial: RB-00093 The talk primarily addresses the life of Rudy, an influential figure in Buddhism in America, his contributions to Buddhist practice, and the significance of zazen in maintaining one's practice. It also explores Suzuki Roshi's... *Money, Offering, Religion, Non-thinking*	Richard Baker	Feb 28 1973
Zen Practice: Beyond Physical Boundaries Serial: RB-00092 This talk discusses the importance of precepts in Zen practice, how zazen creates clarity of mind and activity, and the necessary conditions for effective practice, as described by the Tendai school. Emphasis is placed on the... *Doubt, realization, Letting Go, Precepts, Bell*	Richard Baker	Feb 26 1973
Living the Precepts in Zen Serial: RB-00091 The talk addresses the importance of understanding and integrating the Buddhist precepts in daily practice. It emphasizes how initial societal precepts shape one's approach to Zen practice and how zazen (meditation) helps align... *Precepts, realization, Sangha, Don't Know Mind, confusion*	Richard Baker	Feb 23 1973
Awakening Through Bodhicitta Practice Serial: RB-00129 The central thesis of this talk revolves around the transformative power of recognizing and realizing the "bodhicitta" or the mind of enlightenment, as well as the practical implications of maintaining a vow to enlighten all... *Vow, Right Speech, Dharmakaya, Samadhi, Mandala*	Richard Baker	Feb 22 1973
Zen Practice: Integrating Precepts and Zazen Serial: RB-00090 The talk primarily focuses on the practical application of Zen teachings, emphasizing the importance of practicing zazen and precepts as foundational to Buddhist practice. The discussion addresses the transitions in the state of... *Precepts, Greed, Equanimity, Hate, Patience*	Richard Baker	Feb 21 1973
February 18th, 1973, Serial No. 00089 Serial: RB-00089 The main thesis explores the importance of collective practice and the role of individual discipline within Zen communities. It emphasizes practicing as Buddha's disciples rather than personal disciples of specific teachers, the... *Nirvana, Sixth Patriarch, Happiness, Suffering, confusion*	Richard Baker	Feb 18 1973
February 11th, 1973, Serial No. 00088 Serial: RB-00088 The talk primarily addresses the concepts of nirvana and enlightenment within the context of Buddhist practice, especially as related to the upcoming celebration of Buddha's Nirvana Day on February 15th. Emphasis is placed on... *Nirvana, Vow, Suffering, Separation, Freedom*	Richard Baker	Feb 11 1973
February 3rd, 1973, Serial No. 00086 Serial: RB-00086 The talk primarily discusses the nature of practice and existence within the framework of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the non-duality of mind and body, subjective and objective reality. The discussion explores the concept of... *Manjushri, Vimalakirti, Tozan, Rinzai, Don't Know Mind*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
February 3rd, 1973, Serial No. 00298 Serial: RB-00298 This talk discusses the necessity and importance of Sazen practice in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing an imperturbable mind rather than the practice itself. It explores various meanings of the precept "don't kill," including not... *Lotus Sutra, Bodhidharma, Nirvana, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Feb 03 1973
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... *Manjushri, Tozan, Silence, Anger, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 1973
Zen: Embrace Self and Unpredictability Serial: RB-00297 The talk revolves around the dual aspects of Zen practice: acceptance of oneself without interference and readiness for life's unpredictabilities, in relation to both personal development and understanding of deeper philosophical... *Manjushri, Tozan, Silence, Anger, Vimalakirti*	Richard Baker	Jan 28 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... *Don't Know Mind, Anger, Liberation, Faith, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Jan 27 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... *Don't Know Mind, Faith, Liberation, Discrimination, Anger*	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,... *Samadhi, Faith, Vow, Priest, heart*	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 mind," persistence... *Way-Seeking Mind, Practice Period, Breath*	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... *Lineage, Practice Period, Rinzai, Commitment, Lay*	Richard Baker	Jan 15 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... *Duality, Building, Patience, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Jan 06 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... *Building, Patience, Rinzai, Balance*	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... *Joshu, Discrimination, Tozan, Delusion*	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... *Tozan, Baso, Priest, Bell*	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... *Tozan, Baso, Priest, Bell*	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... *Baso, Vow, Seigen Gyoshi, Love, Sixth Patriarch*	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 Period, Mandala, Anger, Love, Nirmanakaya*	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... *Tozan, Issan, Sixth Patriarch, Baso*	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... *Tozan, Karma, Baso, Sixth Patriarch*	Richard Baker	Dec 12 1972
December 10th, 1972, Serial No. 00074 Serial: RB-00074 The talk on December 10th, 1972, centers around the exploration of Zen principles with a specific focus on the doctrine of emptiness and the practical application of Zazen. The discussion traverses pivotal Buddhist texts...	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... *Hindrances, Monkey Mind, Bell, Big Mind, heart*	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... *Sixth Patriarch, Bowing, Monkey Mind, Shosan, Oneness*	Richard Baker	Dec 06 1972
December 5th, 1972, Serial No. 00499, Side B Serial: RB-00499B The talk explores the concept of everyday practice in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the interdependency of actions and the impossibility of escaping karma. It stresses the importance of integrating practice into every moment of life... *Tozan, Sixth Patriarch, Freedom, Baso, Instruction*	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... *Buddha Nature, Right Effort, Breath, Non-discrimination, Karma*	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... *Joshu, Blue Cliff Record, Discrimination, Tozan, Delusion*	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... *Tozan, Patience, Anger, Bell, Baso*	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... *Karma, Study, Oneness*	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, Death, Love*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 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... *Nirvana, Soto Zen, Observe, heart, Pain*	Richard Baker	Nov 28 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... *Kinhin, Nirvana, Soto Zen, Observe, heart*	Richard Baker	Nov 28 1972

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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