The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Embracing Instincts Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00540 The talk delves into themes of real choice, the nature of personal strength, and the experience of consciousness within Zen practice. It highlights how isolating oneself from experiences, such as the environment or emotions,... *Practice, Anger, Desire*	Richard Baker	Dec 05 1974
Roots of Enlightenment Practice Serial: RB-00286 The talk focuses on the preparation for enlightenment and the importance of having a real context of choice. It discusses Zen practice, monastic life, and their roles in fostering a connection with the roots of culture and... *Practice, Community, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1974
Zen Roots for Modern Life Serial: RB-00539 This talk delves into the importance of returning to fundamental sources in spiritual practice and daily living, highlighting the influence of Zen teachings and monastic life. It emphasizes the preparation necessary for... *Practice, Community, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Dec 04 1974
Title: Refining Impulses Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00537 This talk discusses themes related to Zen practice, particularly focusing on the five skandhas and the significance of impulses. It underscores the conditioned nature of perception and the importance of recognizing and refining... *Practice, Sangha, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1974
Reimagining Society through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00212 The talk delineates how our thought processes are conditioned by the five skandhas (form, feelings, perceptions, impulses, and consciousness) and the transformative potential when perceiving space over form. Emphasis is placed on... *Sangha, Practice, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Dec 03 1974
The Unborn Path to Realization Serial: RB-00211 The talk emphasizes the dual nature of self-realization as both exceedingly simple and exceedingly difficult, discussing human weaknesses and societal influences. It references Banke's teachings on the "unborn" and argues that... *Time, Culture, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1974
Pathways to Natural Realization Serial: RB-00536 This talk explores the complexity and ease of realizing one's nature, emphasizing the duality inherent in human efforts and limitations. It provides an in-depth examination of the analogical thinking underpinning our existential... *Time, Culture, Practice*	Richard Baker	Dec 02 1974
Crossing Boundaries in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00175 The talk delves into how "pivotal attitudes" influence one's approach to Zen practice, beginning with language analysis and extending into cultural norms such as clothing and human interactions with the environment. The... *Time, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1974
Transcending Boundaries in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00535 The talk explores pivotal attitudes and the concept of boundaries within Zen practice. It begins by discussing deeply ingrained beliefs and their influence on our actions and perceptions. This is followed by an examination of... *Time, Buddhism, Work*	Richard Baker	Dec 01 1974
Wholehearted Living Through Sesshin Serial: RB-00534 The talk discusses the concept of sesshin and challenges commonly held perceptions about it. Rather than striving for concentrated zazen or reaching a highly focused state, sesshin should be seen as an integrated experience of... *Zazen, Time, Posture*	Richard Baker	Nov 30 1974
Sesshin as Continuous Practice Serial: RB-00174 The talk on November 30th, 1974, primarily challenges conventional understandings of sesshin and zazen practice. It emphasizes that sesshin should not be viewed as fragmented periods of concentrated zazen but as a continuous... *Zazen, Time, Posture*	Richard Baker	Nov 30 1974
Zen and the Craft of Choice Serial: RB-00532 The talk, dated November 21st, 1974, addresses the crucial themes of awareness, failure, and the intersection of Zen practice with cultural and disciplinary contexts. The discussion begins with a reference to a poem by Cavafy,... *Time, Practice, Japan*	Richard Baker	Nov 21 1974
Respectful Conduct in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00173 This talk discusses accurate conduct within Zen practice, focusing on reinterpreting the precepts beyond simple rules to adhere to. The discussion emphasizes understanding the precepts of not using power to harm and the... *Time, Practice, Suzuki Roshi*	Richard Baker	Nov 01 1974
Mindful Conduct in Everyday Zen Serial: RB-00531 The talk delves into the understanding of conduct within the framework of Zen practice, reminding that the precepts are not rigid rules but guidelines for cultivating awareness and personal strength. Emphasis is placed on the... *Time, Practice, Anger*	Richard Baker	Nov 01 1974
Experience Zen Directly Serial: RB-00172 This talk primarily examines how direct understanding and embracing one's immediate experiences, without discrimination, can advance one's Zen practice. Various Zen stories and teachings highlight the importance of non-... *Time, Buddhism, Rinzai*	Richard Baker	Oct 31 1974
Zen Encounters Beyond Thought Serial: RB-00529 The talk emphasizes the importance of cultivating one's own "area of familiarity" to deepen understanding and direct experience in Zen practice. Through stories of Zen figures such as Toksan, Isan, and Ryutan, it highlights the... *Time, Buddhism, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Oct 31 1974
Zen Wisdom in Everyday Adversity Serial: RB-00210 The talk explores the intersection of personal experiences with Zen philosophy, focusing on how one navigates real-life challenges without losing alignment with spiritual principles. The narrative uses a recent dental mishap and... *Time, Joshu, Issan*	Richard Baker	Oct 30 1974
Zen in Every Moment Serial: RB-00528 This talk primarily explores themes of perception, decision-making, and the interplay of actions and outcomes, starting with a personal anecdote about dental experiences and transitioning into broader philosophical reflections... *Joshu, Issan, Time*	Richard Baker	Oct 30 1974
Zen's Dual Pathways Revealed Serial: RB-00527 The talk dissects Blue Cliff Record story number four, focusing on the encounter between Tokusan and Isan. It highlights the interpretative differences in Zen teaching methodologies, contrasting dramatic and quietistic approaches... *Time, Tozan, Practice*	Richard Baker	Oct 29 1974
Zen Dialogues: Beyond Grasping and Granting Serial: RB-00209 The talk centers on an exploration of story number four from "The Blue Cliff Record," focusing on the encounter between Zen masters Toksang and Isan. The discussion addresses the interpretation of their interactions as a metaphor... *Time, Tozan, Practice*	Richard Baker	Oct 29 1974
Polishing the Jewel of Zen Serial: RB-00526 The lecture explores the confluence of individual nature and universal essence through the practice of Zazen. Emphasis is placed on how Zen practice enables practitioners to act on the insights gained during meditation, thereby... *Practice, Buddhism, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1974
Embodying Nature Through Zen Action Serial: RB-00208 The talk on October 28th, 1974, discusses the interplay of Vajrasana practice in aligning with one's nature, the importance of action in Zen, and the necessity of comprehensive experience to grasp teachings like koans. A... *Practice, Buddhism, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Oct 28 1974
Beyond Duality: Experiencing True Existence Serial: RB-00207 The primary theme of the talk centers on comprehending where one’s life truly happens and moving beyond a dualistic subject-object relationship. The discussion revolves around the interaction between Ryutan and Tokusan,... *Buddhism, Time, Precepts*	Richard Baker	Oct 27 1974
Aligning Life Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-00206 The talk held on October 26th, 1974, emphasizes the importance of zazen posture and conduct, highlighting that meditative practice requires order in one's life. It further explores the depth conveyed by specific words such as "... *Zazen, Time, Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Oct 26 1974
Embodied Path to Enlightenment Serial: RB-00524 The transcript explores the role of zazen and conduct within Zen practice, emphasizing that understanding one’s physical and emotional behavior is central to accessing meditative awareness. It uses the Blue Cliff Record story No... *Zazen, Suzuki Roshi, Ceremony*	Richard Baker	Oct 21 1974
Buddhist Economics: Generosity and Conduct Serial: RB-00205 The talk on September 8th, 1974, delves into the integration of Buddhist principles within community living and economic practices, using the examples raised by E. F. Schumacher’s book "Small is Beautiful," particularly the... *Community, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Sep 08 1974
Zen Resilience Through True Nature Serial: RB-00168 The talk offers a deep examination of the concept of "reality" as understood in Zen Buddhism, particularly during periods of historical hardship, such as the persecution in China around 1000 A.D. It explores how Zen... *Practice, First Principle, Time*	Richard Baker	Aug 16 1974
Zen Resilience Through Suffering Serial: RB-00522 The talk focuses on the "Blue Cliff Records, Case 5," specifically on the concept of reality in Zen Buddhism. It discusses historical context, particularly the persecution of Buddhism in 1000 A.D. China, and its impact... *Practice, First Principle, Time*	Richard Baker	Aug 16 1974
Embracing Chaos, Welcoming Joy Serial: RB-00169 The talk explores the concept of reducing internal commotion without shielding oneself from external disturbances, emphasizing a traditional Zen approach over specific techniques like breathing practices. The discourse... *Practice, Time, Buddha*	Richard Baker	Aug 15 1974
Balancing Zen: Joy and Turmoil Serial: RB-00521 The talk focuses on the inherent tension in Zen practice between reducing inner commotion and avoiding escapism from external disturbances. Emphasis is placed on genuine engagement with one's own mental turmoil in contrast to... *Practice, Buddha, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Aug 15 1974
Understanding Emptiness Through Buddhism Serial: RB-00166 The talk explores the relevance of Buddhism, emphasizing the abstract nature of Buddhist concepts such as suffering, perception, and realization. The discussion touches upon the Prajnaparamita literature, Zen practices, and the... *Practice, Suffering, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Aug 14 1974
Embracing Zen Through Daily Intimacy Serial: RB-00517 The talk on August 12th, 1974, Serial No. 00517, explores the challenges of Zen practice for new and seasoned practitioners, the importance of experimenting with practice schedules, and the significant role of achieving an... *Practice, Bell, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Aug 12 1974
Zen Balance: Form and Emptiness Serial: RB-00516 The discussion addresses alterations to the Zen meditation schedule and their effects on practitioners, emphasizing the need for adjustments to accommodate both new and experienced participants. It then delves into the Blue Cliff... *Buddhism, Bell, Practice*	Richard Baker	Aug 12 1974
Embracing Emptiness Through Mindful Zen Serial: RB-00164 The talk focuses on understanding and practicing Zen principles during sesshin, emphasizing the significance of mindfulness and the distinction between different aspects of practice. It critiques the fabrication of self and... *Tozan, First Principle, Sesshin*	Richard Baker	Aug 11 1974
Balancing Zen: Practice and Perception Serial: RB-00515 The talk delves into the nuances of Zen practice during a Sashin, emphasizing the balance between physical actions and mental awareness. It begins with reflections on the significance of breathing and the pitfalls of... *Tozan, First Principle, Practice*	Richard Baker	Aug 11 1974
Awaken Through Zen Embodiment Serial: RB-00171 In the talk from August 10th, 1974 (Serial No. 00171), the central thesis addresses the importance and challenge of realizing one's true, unconditioned self through Zen practice. The speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of... *Consciousness, Practice, Sangha*	Richard Baker	Aug 10 1974
Zazen: Awakening Through Interconnection Serial: RB-00508 The talk explores the necessity of zazen practice to achieve a state of consciousness unconditioned by habitual mental fabrications. It emphasizes confronting doubts and the unconscious mind to reveal deeper physical awareness... *Consciousness, Practice, Sangha*	Richard Baker	Aug 10 1974
Generosity and Interdependence in Action Serial: RB-00523 The talk reviews Dr. Schumacher's visit and his book "Small is Beautiful," discussing its relevance to Buddhist economics. It then explores the formation and purpose of their community, which evolved into a supportive, self-... *Community, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker	Aug 09 1974
Realizing Reality through Illusion Serial: RB-00519 The talk addresses the paradoxical relevance of Buddhism, focusing on concepts of self, suffering, and perception as highlighted in the Prajñāpāramitā literature and Zen teachings like the Blue Cliff Records. The discussion... *Suffering, Practice, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Embodied Mindfulness in Zazen Practice Serial: RB-00518 This talk explores the themes of intentionality and spontaneity within the practice of Zazen. Using the Blue Cliff Record's story number five, the speaker addresses the dynamic between purposeful action and natural occurrence,... *Consciousness, Zazen, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Bridging Breath and Intention in Zen Serial: RB-00165 The talk from August 1974 delves into various aspects of Zen practice, focusing primarily on the themes of intentionality, bodily consciousness, and the nuances of breathing during Zazen meditation. The discourse references key... *Consciousness, Zazen, Concentration*	Richard Baker	Aug 1974
Zen Vows: The Flowing Journey Serial: RB-00162 The talk discusses the importance of vow or resolve in Zen practice, using the metaphor of a leaf in a stream to illustrate one's spiritual journey. It emphasizes that vows in Buddhism are not one-time commitments but are... *Vow, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 21 1974
Embracing Vows on Zen's Path Serial: RB-00510 The talk centers around practicing with intimacy and the significance of making and holding a vow in the context of Zen practice. The metaphor of a leaf in a stream is used to describe the vow and the inevitable push towards... *Vow, Buddhism, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 21 1974
Zen: Embracing Non-Dual Wisdom Serial: RB-00511 The talk focuses on the distinction between absolute and relative truths, as emphasized by Nagarjuna, with a discussion of Tozan's circle number five, the practice of Zazen, and the integration of Zen teachings into daily life.... *Practice, Posture, Zazen*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1974
Embracing Emptiness: Beyond Duality Serial: RB-00161 The talk examines the concepts of absolute and relative truths as expounded by Nagarjuna, emphasizing that understanding these truths is essential to comprehending Buddhism. The discussion delves into the nature of emptiness,... *Practice, Posture, Time*	Richard Baker	Jun 20 1974
Transcending Pain Through Poetic Effort Serial: RB-00160 The talk discusses the approach to pain, emphasizing that true nature transcends the ability to withstand pain or achieve calmness. The speaker references the poem by Setso and its reinterpretation, suggesting that Setso... *Time, Consciousness, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 19 1974
Zen: Embracing Pain and Paradox Serial: RB-00512 The talk explores how Zen practitioners grapple with the experience of pain and the concept of returning to one's true nature, emphasizing the importance of not getting caught in special powers like calmness or pain resistance.... *Time, Consciousness, Pain*	Richard Baker	Jun 19 1974
Zen Expressions: Beyond Words and Rituals Serial: RB-00159 The discussion delves into the significance of Vassa, or Baso, in Zen tradition, emphasizing his influence and the enigmatic response "sun-faced Buddhas, moon-faced Buddhas" given upon being asked about his health. The talk... *Buddha, Name, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1974
Enlightenment Beyond Sun and Moon Serial: RB-00513 The talk focuses on the influential Zen master Vassa and his notable teaching encapsulated in the phrase "sun-faced Buddhas, moon-faced Buddhas." This phrase exemplifies the profound and seemingly paradoxical teachings found... *Buddha, Name, Practice*	Richard Baker	Jun 18 1974
Empathy and Enlightenment Through Zen Serial: RB-00514 The talk examines the nature of suffering and the fundamental Zen Buddhist concepts of Sangha, personal development, and societal engagement. The significance of suffering is emphasized through Buddhist scriptures which... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Jun 17 1974

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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