The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3150 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Relax Into Presence: Embrace Impermanence Serial: RB-00803 Sesshin The talk emphasizes the fundamental Zen practice of relaxation as opposed to the pursuit of self-improvement strategies, highlighting the importance of feeling present in the moment without the need to achieve or gain. This is... *Koan, Buddhism, Faith*	Richard Baker	Roseburg
Solitude's Path to Collective Wisdom Serial: RB-00544 The talk explores the theme of complete personal responsibility and aloneness, which is considered the gateway to understanding and connecting with others. It discusses how recognizing one’s own complete responsibility and... *Buddha, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 07
Embodying Silence in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00802B Sesshin This talk delves into the dynamics and importance of silence within the Zen practice of Sesshin. It emphasizes the complexity of maintaining silence in a community setting, especially with necessary exceptions such as kitchen... *Silence, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Roseburg
Zen, Quantum, and Interconnected Reality Serial: RB-00595 The talk primarily explores the relationship between quantum mechanics and Zen Buddhism, highlighting the concept of non-locality and interconnectedness as explained by Bell's Theorem. It further examines how these scientific... *Koan, Buddhism, Time*	Richard Baker	Dec 07
Breaking Illusions: The Zen Path Serial: RB-00327 The talk focuses on the concepts of Zen practice and the role of mind in understanding reality, emphasizing teachings from the Sixth Patriarch and related Zen teachers. The discussion explores the practice of the samadhi of one... *Practice, Suffering, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	May 06
Embracing Presence Beyond Perception Serial: RB-00525 The talk centers on the Zen story of Ryutan's encounter with Tokusan, using it as a metaphor to explore core Zen concepts of 'being' over traditional subject-object relationships. By examining Buddhist precepts not as... *Buddhism, Time, Karma*	Richard Baker	Oct 27
Zen Rituals: Consciousness in Practice Serial: RB-04180F The talk explores the ritual aspect of Zen practice, emphasizing the necessity of structure in spiritual practice regardless of location, using an analogy of "three minds of daily consciousness"—immediate, secondary, and borrowed... *Consciousness, Practice, Buddha*
Zen Paradoxes and Cultural Evolution Serial: RB-01690B Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_2 The seminar discusses the relationship between attention and intention in Zen practice, emphasizing attention as a valuable resource that shapes one's life. It explores the paradoxes in Zen and Buddhism, referencing the Sixth... *Buddhism, Buddha, Mahayana*	Richard Baker
Embodied Mindfulness: Beyond Discursive Thought Serial: RB-01691 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_3 The talk focuses on the integration of mindfulness practices with an emphasis on the physical embodiment of attention and intention to cultivate awareness in Zen and yoga. It examines the cultural differences in body awareness... *Practice, Intention, Breath*	Richard Baker
Zen Wisdom: Merging Mind and Space Serial: RB-01692 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_4 The talk explores the Zen concept of wisdom and its role in understanding existence, highlighting how meditation can transform one's worldview by dissolving the distinction between inside and outside spaces. It details the... *Consciousness, Practice, Japan*	Richard Baker
Embracing Unity in Perception Serial: RB-01694 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_6 The talk addresses the concept of "otherness" and its implications in understanding mutual interiority and non-dualistic relationships within Zen practice. It explores the idea that perceiving the world through senses is... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen and Mind: A Harmonious Journey Serial: RB-01697A Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_9 This talk explores the intersection between Zen practice and psychological work, proposing that they can complement each other in cultivating a deeper understanding of the mind. It examines the integration of contemplative... *Practice, Work, Time*	Richard Baker
Mindful Perception Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-01697B Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_9 The talk explores the interplay between consciousness, meditation, and cultural influences on perception, emphasizing Zen practice's capacity to transform understanding through thoroughness and meditative approaches. A... *Consciousness, Time, Practice*	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*
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*
Mindful Transformation Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-04180B The transcript discusses the experiences and insights gained from a Zen retreat, highlighting the structure and practices that contribute to personal growth and mindfulness. Key topics include the benefits of a supportive group... *Practice, Time, Bell*
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*
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*
Embodied Consciousness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04180C The discussion explores the complexities of consciousness in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the interplay between immediate, secondary, and borrowed consciousness. It challenges participants to investigate self-identity through... *Consciousness, Time, Practice*
Bodyful Awareness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178G This talk focuses on the relationship between mindfulness and body awareness in Zen practice, emphasizing the need for a "bodyfulness" that matches mindfulness for a comprehensive spiritual experience. The discussion also... *Practice, Time, Enlightenment*
Translating Zen: Beyond Words Serial: RB-04179C The talk focuses on the nuanced approach to translating and interpreting Zen texts, particularly examining the variances in translations between languages and the challenges and insights derived from imperfect translations. The... *Time, Practice, Buddha*
Awaken to Jewel Mirror Consciousness Serial: RB-01024A The talk explores the concept of merging with formless absorption, emphasizing a Zen practice of liberation rather than mere meditation. The discussion contrasts learned behavior with the natural discovery of a foundational state... *Meditation, Time, Buddha*
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*
Embodied Zen: Unity Beyond Dualism Serial: RB-04179B This talk explores the concept of the "lived body" in Zen practice, emphasizing the inseparability of body and mind, and challenges the dualistic thinking of Western philosophy. It discusses the notion that decisions and actions... *Practice, Breath, Work*
Riding the Breath of Zen Serial: RB-04178F The talk explores the experiential process of Zazen practice, highlighting the struggle of communicating the depth of this internal journey to those unfamiliar with Zen. It examines the metaphor of being in a "wave of breath" to... *Breath, Practice, Zazen*
Embodied Truth in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178H The discussion explores the relationship between mindfulness, discursive thinking, and embodiment in Zen practice. It considers the tension between intellectual understanding and physical experience, focusing on how questions and... *Breath, Time, Zazen*
Transcending Boundaries: Friendship Through Practice Serial: RB-04178I The talk primarily explores the concept of friendship within the practices of Buddhism and Catholicism, aligning them as pathways to a deeper interconnectedness with the world, akin to enlightenment. The discussion extends to the... *Practice, Love, Zazen*
Zen in Silence and Subtlety Serial: RB-04181L The talk focuses on the complexity of Zen pedagogy, emphasizing the contrast between implicit and explicit teaching methods. There is a discussion on Zen practices, the challenges in teaching, and the nuanced understanding of Zen... *Practice, Consciousness, Study*
Transcending Worldviews Through Zazen Meditation Serial: RB-04182D The central thesis of the talk centers on the practice of Zazen or sitting meditation as foundational to Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of integrating mindfulness into this practice. The discussion explores the concept of... *Practice, Consciousness, Buddhism*
Living in Present Awareness Serial: RB-04182J The talk explores the distinction between awareness and consciousness, using personal anecdotes and practices to illustrate this theme. It emphasizes transitioning from 'guest mind' to 'host mind' to engage more deeply with the... *Consciousness, Love*
Awakening Through Mindful Perception Serial: RB-01695 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_7 This seminar explores the intricate dynamics of consciousness and mindfulness, focusing on the transition from object-focused perception to a more content-independent awareness, framed within the context of Buddhism. The... *Consciousness, Buddhism, Wisdom*	Richard Baker
Harmonizing Mind and Body Rhythm Serial: RB-04187H The central thesis of the talk explores the concept of the realm beyond body and mind, as discussed in Zen philosophy. The speaker addresses how thoughts and actions must be harmonized, drawing parallels to Zen practices and... *Ceremony, Practice, Balance*
Embodied Enlightenment Through Layered Perception Serial: RB-04187B The talk examines the transformative nature of one's views and their role in achieving enlightenment, drawing from the Buddha's teachings on the Eightfold Path and Zen master's Dogen's perspectives on cultivating and experiencing... *Dogen, Practice, Time*
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*	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*	Richard Baker	Johanneshof
Zazen Mind Meets Everyday Mind Serial: RB-01696 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_8 The talk primarily explores the distinction and relationship between the zazen mind and the ordinary, everyday mind, focusing on how practitioners can notice and develop this relationship. It discusses concepts such as the Four... *Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker
Beyond Consciousness: Embracing Awareness Serial: RB-04182K This discussion explores the distinctions between awareness and consciousness, emphasizing their roles during meditation and daily life. It argues that awareness is more related to the body and movement, aligning with activities... *Consciousness, Time, Breath*
Harmony in Stillness: Blending Beliefs Serial: RB-04182E The talk explores the coexistence of Christianity and Buddhism, emphasizing how their combined practice might create personal growth and transformation, although a definitive answer on compatibility remains elusive. The... *Stillness, Time, Meditation*
Weaving Realities Through Zen Absorption Serial: RB-04181M The talk explores the concept of objectivity and the interaction between subjective experiences and external reality in the context of Zen practice. It examines the idea of "absorption" as a form closer to jhana or zen,... *Practice, Stillness, Koan*
Mindful Path from Awareness to Samadhi Serial: RB-04182M The talk explores the distinction between awareness and consciousness, emphasizing that awareness initially lacks words and is later conceptualized through language. The practice of mindfulness, serving as a bridge between... *Consciousness, Time*
The Gates of Every Moment Serial: RB-04182G The talk explores the concept of "the gate of each moment" as an entryway into understanding Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes the significance of the verticality of words as opposed to their linear progression, drawing... *Practice, Meditation, Time*
Mind's Interdependent Reality Shift Serial: RB-04185M The talk explores the nature of mind and its influence on perception and reality, emphasizing the distinction between experiencing the world as a collection of entities versus activities. It advocates for shifting from seeing the... *Time, Interdependence, Bell*
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*	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*	Richard Baker
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*	Richard Baker	Wien
Zen's Evolution: Naturalness Through Impermanence Serial: RB-04187E The talk explores the evolving nature of Zen practice, emphasizing spiritual evolution over temporal change. It discusses Zen's capacity to adapt while retaining its integrity, touching upon Stonehouse and Dogen's teachings.... *Practice, Consciousness, Time*
Reading Reality: Mindful Perspectives Unveiled Serial: RB-04185N The talk explores the nature of reality as an abstraction, suggesting that multiple, simultaneous realities exist within individuals, influenced by personal circumstances. The concept of reality is examined as a text that one... *Practice, Zazen, Work*
Unity Through Mindful Breathing Serial: RB-04182F This talk discusses the foundational practice of breath counting in Zen, emphasizing its role in unifying mind and body, promoting truthfulness, and understanding deeper Buddhist practices like the Eightfold Path and samadhi.... *Bell, Practice, Breath*
Zen Mind: Fluid States and Awareness Serial: RB-04182L This talk explores the complex concepts of self-reference, states of mind, and consciousness within the framework of Zen philosophy. The discussion includes a comparison between different states and forms of the mind, such as the... *Time, Practice, Monkey Mind*
Layers of Mind in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04182P The talk explores the differentiation between awareness, consciousness, and mind, emphasizing the complexity of discerning their physical experiences and depicting their layered nature. The discussions engage deeply with Zen... *Consciousness, Concentration, Buddhism*

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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