The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 542 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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-... *Shikantaza, Pain, Hindrances, Ego, Priest*	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... *Manjushri, Commitment, Anger, Zendo, Shuso Ceremony*	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... *Shuso Ceremony, Okesa, Ceremony, Vow, Study Period*	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, Vow, Heart Sutra, Continuous 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... *Ego, Anger, Heart Sutra, Money, Passions*	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... *Vow, Soto Zen, Samadhi, confusion, Rinzai*	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... *Doubt, Sangha, Love, Samadhi, Hindrances*	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... *Faith, Love, Doubt, Ego*	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 Buddha. It... *Doubt, Faith, Precepts, Buddha Nature, Right Effort*	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... *Buddha Nature, Posture, Karma, Instruction*	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 Period, Posture, Breath, Chanting, Bowing*	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 Period, Priest, Dokusan, Soto Zen, Tozan*	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... *Big Mind, Don't Know Mind, Priest, Community, Culture*	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... *uchiyama, Priest, Dream World, Building, Continuous Practice*	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... *First Principle, Vow, Evil, Bodhisattva Vow*	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... *Culture, Buddha Nature, Posture, Evil, Community*	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, Buddha Nature, Rinzai, Heart Sutra*	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... *Perfect Wisdom, Commitment, Pain, Breath, Bell*	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... *Commitment, Ordinary Mind, Sesshin, Bowing, Intimacy*	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,... *Culture, Priest, Concentration, Commitment, Bell*	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... *Commitment, Sangha, Posture, Sesshin*	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... *Shikantaza, Buddha Nature, Breath, Karma, Compassion*	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... *Dream World, Sesshin, Pain, Silence, Sangha*	Richard Baker	Jun 03 1972
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... *Tozan, First Principle, Soto Zen, War*	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... *Tozan, First Principle, Heart Sutra, resistance*	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... *Silence, Bodhidharma, Buddha Nature, War, Letting Go*	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... *War, Lineage, Peace, Vow, Breath*	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... *Breath, Bodhidharma, Truth, causation, Koan*	Richard Baker	May 13 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... *Delusion, Truth, Koan, Mahayana, Community*	Richard Baker	May 10 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,... *Ceremony, Dragons, Building, Buddha Nature, Bodhidharma*	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... *Bodhidharma, Breath, Attachment, Mahayana, Koan*	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... *Sangha, Attachment, Posture, Money, realization*	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... *Bodhidharma, First Principle, Dragons, Love, Passions*	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... *Anger, Community, Vow, Sangha, Freedom*	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 Nature, Buddha's Birthday, Sangha, Ceremony, Offering*	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... *Vow, Posture, Community, Mahayana, Sesshin*	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... *Doubt, Buddha Nature, Culture, Sesshin, Faith*	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... *Buddha Nature, Death, Intimacy, Precepts, Bell*	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... *Shikantaza, Sambhogakaya, Dharmakaya, Sesshin, Nirmanakaya*	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... *Vow, Suffering, Compassion, First Principle, Daily Life*	Richard Baker	Apr 03 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. Various... *Shikantaza, Tozan, Gutei, Monkey Mind*	Richard Baker	Apr 02 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... *Love, Sesshin, Faith, Death, Nirmanakaya*	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... *Posture, Composure, Instruction, Sambhogakaya, Bodhidharma*	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, observing... *First Principle, Commitment, Practice Period, Priest*	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... *Vow, Bodhisattva Vow, Lotus Sutra, Anger, Passions*	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... *Intention, Lotus Sutra, Bowing, Suffering*	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... *Offering, Right Effort, Heart Sutra, Sixth Patriarch, Buddha Nature*	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... *Money, Community, Practice Period, Priest, Sangha*	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 "... *Bowing, Hate, Composure, Building, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Feb 19 1972

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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