Engage Wisdom Alpha Archive

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Title Speaker Date

That is the purpose of counting

Serial: SR-00034 This talk explores Zen practice and its approach to dealing with anger, truth, and enlightenment, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. Key discussions include the purpose of counting in Zen walking,...
Truth, Daily Life, Anger, reality, Karma, Emptiness, Wisdom
Jul 28 1969
Tassajara

Blue Cliff Records-43

Serial: SR-00032 Tozan's hot and cold. The talk explores the Zen koan "Blue Cliff Records-43" focusing on a dialogue between a monk and Zen Master Tozan regarding handling extreme conditions like heat and cold. The discussion emphasizes the practice of "killing hot...
Blue Cliff Record, Emptiness, Pain, Monks, difficulty, Forms, Hate, Commitment, sitting,...
Jul 26 1969
Tassajara

Embracing Change Through Mindful Balance

Serial: KR-00028 The talk delves into the Buddhist concept of "right view" and "right thought," emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of existence through the constant dynamics of change, and the principles of the Middle Path,...
Concentration, Monastic Practice, Ceremony, Delusion, Meditation, Instruction, lecture...
Jul 22 1969

Enjoy Your Life

Serial: SR-00031 Talk on the moon landing The talk explores the insignificance of external achievements, such as the moon landing, emphasizing the importance of introspection and cultivating a deeper understanding of life through zazen practice. It highlights that true...
heart, Observe
Jul 20 1969

I have nothing in my mind

Serial: SR-00029 The talk explores the practice of shikantaza in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing its distinction from simply sitting without purpose and its comparative nature to koan practice. It underscores the importance of integrating effort,...
Emptiness, Forms, Zazen, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Passions, Interview, Beginners, Balance,...
Jul 15 1969
Sokoji

Eulogy For Trudy Dixon Given During Her Funeral Ceremony

Serial: SR-00028 Words from the funeral eulogy for Trudy Dixon. Magnanimous mind This eulogy reflects on the completion of a disciple's practice, emphasizing the profound realization and embodiment of the Buddha-mind, as delineated by Dogen Zenji. It outlines the transformation into the joyful, compassionate...
Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Dogen, Buddha Mind, Buddha Mind, Passions, Compassion...
Jul 11 1969
Sokoji

FORM AND EMPTINESS II

Serial: SR-00027 Wednesday, July 9, 1969 Tassajara The talk explores the intricate relationship between form and emptiness, focusing on how understanding these concepts in Zen practice can transcend dualistic thinking. Emphasis is placed on the roles of different minds within the...
Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Forms, reality, Enemies, Truth, training, American, Duality, Balance...
Jul 09 1969
Tassajara

Zen in Action: Mindful Living

Serial: KR-00027 The talk explores the concept of the union of mind and object, or "Sinkyo Ichi," within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of integrating this state into daily life rather than viewing it as merely an ecstatic, detached...
Hate, Bell, Concentration, American, Discrimination, Observe, training, Meditation, Pain,...
Jul 09 1969

Question And Answer Session

Serial: SR-00025 Tuesday, July 8, 1969 San Francisco The talk revolves around various aspects of Zen practice, particularly focusing on the concepts of purity, naturalness, and enlightenment within the context of zazen. It is emphasized that the goal of practice should not be...
Question-and-Answer, Don't Know Mind, Anger, Greed, Emotions, Zazen, Culture, Precepts,...
Jul 08 1969
Sokoji

Practice Should Be The Practice Of “Right Now.”

Serial: SR-00024 Thursday, July 3, 1969 Tassajara The talk examines the Zen principle of practicing in the present moment, illustrated by the concepts of "shochuhen" (reality manifesting as form) and "henchusho" (form arising from reality). It emphasizes understanding "Form is...
Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Forms, Faith, reality, training, Enemies, War, Death...
Jul 03 1969
Tassajara

Zen Clarity Through Communal Practice

Serial: KR-00021 The talk examines the concept of "jyakujo," which signifies tranquility or silence in Zen practice. It emphasizes that true clarity and tranquility in Zen arise from continuous and communal practice rather than isolated...
Silence, Monastic Practice, Delusion, Birth-and-Death, Community, Obstacles, Balance,...
Jul 03 1969

It Is Rather Difficult For Us To Figure Out Why We Started To Practice Zazen

Serial: SR-00023 Tuesday, July 1, 1969 Tassajara The talk focuses on the significance of practicing zazen and how determination and understanding of one’s true nature impact this practice. It questions the cultural perception of zazen in both America and Japan, emphasizing the...
American, Freedom, Priest, zen, Offering, Religion, Culture, Ceremony, difficulty, sitting...
Jul 01 1969
Tassajara

Rinzai Zen and Soto Zen

Serial: SR-00033 July 1969San Francisco Morning. The talk analyzes the differences between Rinzai Zen and Soto Zen, emphasizing Dogen Zenji’s resolution of the koan regarding the necessity of zazen if all beings have buddha-nature. The discussion highlights Dogen's conclusion...
Dogen, Buddha Nature, Evil, Freedom, Priest, Ego, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Transmission...
Jul 1969
Sokoji

Awakening Through Mindful Practice

Serial: KR-00018 The talk emphasizes the importance of not forgetting and seeking a good teacher, protector, and helper through the practice of right thought, known as Shonen, and reflects deeply on the Buddhist principles of transiency and cause...
Observe, Meditation, training, causation, Evil, Posture, Community, Religion, Karma, Breath...
Jun 30 1969

Emptiness is Form

Serial: SF-05968 Sunday, June 29, 1969 San Francisco Newly uploaded version has speed adjustments made; should be a little clearer for transcript - not just end, but correcting throughout. The talk explores the interplay between form and emptiness, emphasizing that understanding and embodying "form is emptiness" and "emptiness is form" is crucial in Zen practice. The discussion highlights the necessity of...
Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Current Events, Balance, Faith, Beginners, Continuous Practice...
Jun 29 1969
Tassajara

Mindfulness in Motion: Zen Wisdom

Serial: KR-00017 The talk delves into the concept of "right thought" (shonen) within the context of transiency and emptiness in Buddhism, emphasizing how one's mind should persistently adapt to the world of constant change. It draws from Zen...
Ceremony, Observe, Delusion, Meditation
Jun 28 1969

Mindful Presence in Zen Practice

Serial: KR-00016 The talk delves into the concepts of right mindfulness, or "shonen," and "not forgetting," integral to Zen practice. The discussion emphasizes that maintaining right mindfulness equates to continuously thinking and being present...
Mindfulness, lecture, Concentration, Happiness
Jun 24 1969

Direct Experience of Reality

Serial: SR-00020 The lecture emphasizes the importance of direct experience and practice in attaining enlightenment, drawing a distinction between "teisho" (teaching with koan) and "kowa" (philosophical lecture). The discussion stresses the...
Baso, Dogen, lecture, Sutra, Forms, Pain, sitting
Jun 22 1969
Sokoji

How should we establish our system of practice in San Francisco

Serial: SR-00019 Tuesday Evening, June 17, 1969San Francisco Just sit, and follow the teacher's instruction. Story of four kinds of horse. Humans go to the moon, but don't understand themselves. Have no ideas about Buddhahood, or worry... The talk discusses the importance of establishing a structured and genuine zazen practice in San Francisco. It explores the distinction between merely formal or rigid practices and practices that truly integrate and realize...
Rinzai, Soto Zen, Dogen, Zazen, New Year, Concentration, Big Mind, Priest, Pain, Addiction,...
Jun 17 1969
Sokoji

Reviving Dogen's Dharma Transmission

Serial: KR-00081 The talk focuses on the contrasting views of Manzan and Doctrine regarding the Dharma transmission in Sōtō Zen during the Edo period. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for realization in both teachers and disciples,...
Dharma Transmission, Transmission, realization, Ceremony, difficulty, Mandala, Soto Zen...
Jun 10 1969

Zen Water Wisdom: Unyielding Effort Unfolds

Serial: KR-00015 The talk discusses the concept of human effort in Zen philosophy, using the metaphor of striving energetically as a trickle of water bore a hole in a rock. The terms "shojin" and "shozen shojin" are analyzed through their...
Consciousness, Big Mind, Obstacles, Emotions, New Year, Samadhi, Suffering, Ego, Hate,...
Jun 10 1969

Yakusan did not give lectures for a long time

Serial: SF-05961 June 1969Tassajara Story of Yakusan saying he was not a teacher to give lectures. Making effort, and paying attention. What is right effort? The primary focus of the talk is on the concept of effort in Zen Buddhism, particularly contrasting "right effort" with the typical efforts driven by materialistic goals. This discourse emphasizes learning from the story of...
Priest, Freedom
Jun 1969
Tassajara

Suzuki's 65th Birthday

Serial: SR-00018 Sunday Morning, May 18, 1969Sokoji, San Francisco The talk centers on the importance of sincere practice in Zen, using the example of the Zen master Joshu to illustrate the value of simple, humble practice. Emphasizes the necessity of foundational practices such as counting...
Priest, Building, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Beginners, Instruction, Anger, Posture, Pain...
May 18 1969
Sokoji

How To Take Our Bodhisattva's Vow

Serial: SR-00017 Tuesday Morning, April 29, 1969 San Francisco The talk focuses on the nature and significance of the Bodhisattva's Vow within Buddhism, arguing that it transcends the dichotomy of Mahayana and Hinayana traditions. The discussion critiques rigid adherence to precepts and...
Bodhisattva Vow, Dogen, Agama Sutra, Precepts, Mahayana, Sutra, Observe, Freedom, Vow, Enemies...
Apr 29 1969
Sokoji

Transcending Ego: Embracing Zen Selflessness

Serial: KR-00313 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen Buddhism, guided by Dogen's writings, specifically the chapter "Genjo Koan" in Shobo Genzo. It emphasizes that enlightenment, life and death, and moral dualities such as good...
Evil, Birth-and-Death, Attachment, Don't Know Mind, Community, Religion, Suffering, Pain...
Apr 29 1969

Jumping Off the 100-Foot Pole

Serial: SR-00016 Sunday Lecture Sunday, April 20, 1969 The talk explores the purpose of Zen practice despite possessing inherent buddha-nature, delving into the teachings of Dogen Zenji. The discussion emphasizes the misunderstanding of buddha-nature as an innate, static quality,...
Buddha Nature, Evil, Priest, Big Mind, Compassion, Continuous Practice, reality...
Apr 20 1969

Zen Is Not Something To Talk About, And Also It Is Something To Talk About

Serial: SR-00015 Shunryu Suzuki (with Ryogen Yoshimura) Afternoon Sesshin Lecture Sunday, April 19, 1969 Audio includes Yoshimura at beginning. The talk explores the paradoxical nature of Zen, emphasizing that Zen is both beyond words and conveyed through words. It emphasizes the importance of an empty mind and direct experience in understanding Zen teachings, rather...
Sesshin, Suffering, lecture, Monks, Don't Know Mind, Priest, Community, Posture, training...
Apr 19 1969

Transcending Suffering Through Zen Practice

Serial: KR-00013 The talk examines the concept of suffering in relation to Zen philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the self through daily life practice and maintaining a steadfast presence in the face of adversities akin to "a...
Silence, Big Mind, Suffering, Meditation, Birth-and-Death, Fox, Patience, Vow, Compassion,...
Apr 19 1969

Scratching the Itch of Existence

Serial: KR-00014 The talk on April 18th, 1969, explores the paradoxical nature of desires and suffering through the metaphor of scratching an itch, questioning the true essence of happiness and the nature of change. It delves into the practice of...
Obstacles, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Intention, Vow, Ceremony, training...
Apr 18 1969

Zen Beyond Imitation and Ritual

Serial: KR-00012 This talk emphasizes the necessity of transmitting the essence of Zen Buddhism authentically, without imitation or excuse, especially in the context of establishing Zen practice in the United States. Discussions also surface...
New Year, Lotus Sutra, Instruction, Buddha Nature, resistance, Demons, Mindfulness, Tassajara...
Apr 17 1969

Journey Through Suffering to Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00042 The talk discusses the concept of "skillful means" (upaya) in Buddhism, illustrating how these teachings help individuals reach enlightenment by understanding their innate ignorance and suffering. It emphasizes the necessity of...
Silence, Nirvana, Meditation, training, Don't Know Mind, causation, Suffering, Pain,...
Apr 15 1969

Climbing Life's Peaks for Insight

Serial: KR-00031A The talk examines the themes of existential struggle and enlightenment through reflections on Buddhist concepts and personal experiences. It delves into the teachings of the Shobo Genzo and the Buddhist principle of causation,...
Birth-and-Death, New Year, Silence, lecture, Suffering, Pain, causation, Continuous Practice,...
Apr 14 1969

Embracing Life's Simple Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00031B The talk emphasizes the intrinsic nature of existence, suffering, and understanding life beyond intellectual discussions. Drawing upon the teachings and experiences of Dogen and the simplicity of enlightenment as illustrated in...
Silence, causation, Suffering
Apr 14 1969

Beyond Perceptions: Embracing Buddha's World

Serial: KR-00025 The main thesis examines the complexity of understanding the Buddha's world as discussed in the second chapter of Saddharma-Pundarika Sutra. The discourse emphasizes that true comprehension of the Buddha's world requires...
Monastic Practice, Patience, Offering, Buddha Mind, Lotus Sutra, Ceremony, Continuous Practice...
Apr 12 1969

The Only Desire That Is Complete Is Buddha's Desire

Serial: SR-00014 This talk examines the distinctions between Buddhist and pre-Buddhist asceticism, focusing on controlling desires through non-selfish, non-gaining practice, rather than selfish motivations. It critiques the limitations of...
Buddha Nature, Freedom, difficulty, Wisdom, War, Culture, Posture, lecture, Precepts, Priest...
Apr 08 1969

Ordinary Mind, Buddha Mind

Serial: SR-00013 The talk explores the concept that practicing zazen transforms one into both an ordinary person and a Buddha, emphasizing the non-duality of being. It explains that when practitioners achieve perfect composure, they are not...
Composure, reality, difficulty, Freedom
Mar 30 1969

Embracing Solitude for Inner Peace

Serial: KR-00011 The talk explores the Zen concept of solitude and its connection to tranquility, emphasizing the importance of seclusion for contemplating the root of suffering. It contrasts Indian, Chinese, and Japanese perceptions of nature...
Silence, Meditation, Attachment, Bodhidharma, confusion, Gratitude, Community, Interview,...
Mar 25 1969

Our Practice Should Be Based On The Idea Of Selflessness

Serial: SR-00012 Sunday Morning, March 16, 1969 The talk underscores the principle of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing that true selflessness arises not from effort but naturally in the absence of selfish intentions. It asserts the importance of teachers in guiding...
Monastic Practice, Truth
Mar 16 1969

Find Out for Yourself

Serial: SR-00011 Find out what "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" mean. Study without purpose. How his teacher in Japan treated him; trying to discover the right thing to do. This talk explores the concept of self-inquiry in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of discovering the meaning of "buddha-nature" and "enlightenment" through direct personal experience rather than relying on predetermined...
Sesshin, Zazen, Eiheiji, Suffering, Buddha Nature, Freedom, Beginners, Posture, zen,...
Mar 15 1969
Sokoji

Nansen's “Everyday Mind Is Dao”

Serial: SR-00010 The talk focuses on the Zen koan "Everyday Mind Is Dao" and explores its implications for Zen practice, particularly shikantaza (just sitting) and koan practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine practice devoid...
Truth, Birth-and-Death, Wisdom, zen, Pain, Death, difficulty, Composure, Sutra...
Mar 10 1969

Sun-Faced Buddha, Moon-Faced Buddha

Serial: SR-00009 Sunday, March 9, 1969 Sokoji, San Francisco Koan story of sun-faced buddha, moon-faced buddha. Practicing while well or while sick. Accepting what we don't like. Understanding everyday activity through duality and oneness.... The talk discusses the koan of the Sun-faced Buddha and the Moon-faced Buddha, illustrating the practice of zazen, which involves accepting life as it is, regardless of circumstances. Key themes include understanding through...
Baso, Koan, Blue Cliff Record, Attachment, Composure, Discrimination, difficulty, Buddha...
Mar 09 1969
Sokoji

Zen Checkmate: Beyond Material Moves

Serial: KR-00010 The talk explores the concept of contentment within Zen philosophy, emphasizing that true wealth is found in being satisfied with one's present state, regardless of material possessions or external circumstances. It draws...
Suffering, Delusion, Composure, Meditation, Lineage, Anger, Happiness, Hate, American...
Mar 1969

Transcending Ignorance Through Zazen Insight

Serial: KR-00009 The talk delves into the concept of self-awareness and practice in Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of observing oneself beyond mere verbal acknowledgment. It explores the deeper implications of ignorance, particularly its...
Attachment, causation, realization, Consciousness, Breath, Happiness, Community, Meditation,...
Feb 25 1969

Transcending Suffering Through Mindful Awareness

Serial: KR-00008 The talk delves into the concept of perception and how it divides into states of suffering, faith, mindfulness, and awareness, emphasizing the role of desires and attachments in causing suffering. It explores the Buddhist...
causation, Suffering, Buddha Mind, Birth-and-Death, difficulty, Buddha Nature, Attachment,...
Feb 18 1969

Meditation as Living Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00002 The talk focuses on the significance of practicing meditation as a tribute to Buddha's death, emphasizing the transmission of enlightenment teachings from Dogen's "Shobogenzo" and Buddha's last sermon. The speaker delves into...
Meditation, Transmission, Letting Go, Buddha Nature, Discrimination, Composure, lecture,...
Feb 1969

Awakening Beyond Desire

Serial: KR-00003 The talk explores the concept of "Jiggyu Horak," which represents the bliss of enlightenment, as articulated by Dogen Zenji, and its manifestation through practices like Zazen meditation. It emphasizes that true enlightenment...
Delusion, Samadhi, Meditation, Nirvana, Subject-and-Object, Pain, realization, Suffering,...
Feb 1969

Fewer Desires, Ultimate Enlightenment

Serial: KR-00004 The talk explores the concept of "less desires" in the context of achieving enlightenment and practicing Buddhism. The emphasis is on reducing desires to mitigate suffering and attain a peaceful state of mind, aligning with the...
Repentance, Delusion, Happiness, Vow, Meditation, Suffering, Mindfulness, Passions, Enemies,...
Feb 1969

Freedom through Fewer Desires

Serial: KR-00005 The talk focuses on the concept of "a man of few desires" and how such an individual can avoid sorrow by not seeking or desiring excessively. This is illustrated through the practice of "Ichigyo Zanmai," or single-minded devotion...
Passions, Delusion, Nirvana, Repentance, Diversity, Meditation, Intention, Building...
Feb 1969

Embracing Unity: Beyond Duality in Zen

Serial: KR-00006 The talk elaborates on the Zen Buddhist concept of "one plus one equals one," highlighting the intrinsic unity of tranquility and dynamic existence, or "suchness." The speaker describes Zen as not merely striving for tranquility...
Discrimination, realization, Anger, training, Suffering, Consciousness, Pain...
Feb 1969

Zen's Path to Everyday Contentment

Serial: KR-00007 The talk examines the concept of contentment in Zen, specifically through the practice of "chi sok wa," which translates to learning of contentment. It emphasizes accepting circumstances beyond human speculation and describes how...
Suffering, causation, Fasting, Zendo, Greed, Intention, Anger, difficulty
Feb 1969

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