The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 3307 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Sonorous Zen: Rethinking Sensory Experience Serial: RB-04185J The talk explores the concept of memory and experience dwelling in the present, touching on how perceptions of self in Western culture might be conflated or diminished. It questions the interplay between technological... *Emotions, Time, Karma*
Zen Individuation and Democratic Balance Serial: RB-04181J The talk discusses the concept of individuation within the context of Zen philosophy, comparing it to Western notions of autonomy and its application in socio-political contexts, particularly concerning the U.S. approach to... *Practice, Meditation, Culture*
Mindful Living: Bridging Past and Present Serial: RB-04180D The talk delves into the various dimensions of incorporating mindfulness into daily life, emphasizing the importance of awareness during routine activities and in changing environments. It explores the differences between... *Mindfulness, Practice, Time*
Awakening Through Self and Non-Self Serial: RB-04181H The talk explores the concept of self and non-self within the context of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the distinctions between a "self-referential self" and a "non-self-referential self." It discusses how notions of connection and... *Practice, Time, Buddhism*
Buddha Nature: From India to China Serial: RB-04182H This talk explores the concept of Buddha nature as a point of divergence between Indian and Chinese Buddhism, emphasizing its reconceptualization in Chinese culture. The discussion touches upon the cultural influences such as... *Buddha Nature, Buddha, Practice*
Emptiness and the Art of Dwelling Serial: RB-04182W The talk explores the concept of "emptiness" in relation to the self and the world, drawing connections between Zen philosophy and Heidegger's notion of "dwelling." The speaker contrasts the traditional mental stream perception... *Love, Breath, Practice*
Breathing Beyond the Self Illusion Serial: RB-04185L The talk explores the concepts of self-referential thinking, the practice of observing mind versus observing self, and the integration of breath in understanding sensory experiences. The discussion references Zen practices,... *Bell, Breath, Practice*
Awakening in Everyday Moments Serial: RB-04187C The talk explores the concept of Zen realization through everyday experiences, using metaphors like swimming and the tea ceremony to illustrate how simple, mindful actions can lead to awakening. Emphasis is placed on Dogen's view... *Dogen, Practice, Samadhi*
Challenging Constructs Through Zen Inquiry Serial: RB-04187G The talk centers on maintaining a fresh and insightful practice when formal teachings are less accessible. The discussion considers implicit questioning within Zen practice, explored through a discussion of constructivism and the... *Practice, Emptiness, Buddhism*
Sensefulness Beyond Self Narratives Serial: RB-04185K The talk explores the nature of reality within the context of Buddhist philosophy, particularly through the lens of the Eightfold Path. It emphasizes the importance of separating self-referential thinking from the cognitive... *Practice, Mindfulness, Buddhism*
Awareness Beyond Perception's Illusion Serial: RB-04182V The talk explores concepts of perception, emptiness, and awareness in Zen philosophy, focusing on how sense perception creates an experience of self and space. The speaker discusses the relativity of experiences and how this... *Consciousness, Time, Practice*
Beyond Entities: Embracing Interdependent Flow Serial: RB-04182I The talk explores the concept of reconceptualization regarding personal existence and interconnectedness with the world. It examines the distinction between entities and interdependent activities, using anecdotes and Zen phrases... *Doubt, Practice, Consciousness*
Unveiling Selfhood Through Zen Lenses Serial: RB-04181I The discussion explores the concept of 'self' and 'non-self' within the contexts of Zen philosophy and Buddhist practice, emphasizing the philosophical distinction between familiar norms ('normative phenomena') and singular... *Practice, Buddha, Emptiness*
Awakening Within Uncertainty's Embrace Serial: RB-04180E The talk focuses on the benefits of Zen practice, specifically zazen, and the challenges that prevent people from adopting it. It addresses the concept of two truths in Mahayana Buddhism, the delusion of a predictable world, and... *Practice, Buddha, Enlightenment*
Beyond Perception: The Zen Mind Serial: RB-01562 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk explores the Zen concept of the "skandhas" and their relationship to perception, emotions, and consciousness. It delves into the distinctions between feelings and emotions, illustrating how they contribute differently to... *Buddhism, Consciousness, Emotions*	Richard Baker
Zen Interdependence: A Fluid Path Serial: RB-04178R This talk explores the integration of Zen practice with the concept of the self as an integrated, interconnected being, emphasizing the non-duality and fluidity between self and the environment. It discusses the influence of... *Practice, Buddha, Breath*
Embodied Wisdom Through Lived Experience Serial: RB-04179F The talk explores the concept of the "lived body" and its dynamic relationship both with the self and with others, highlighting the importance of living through experiences and interactions. It underscores the importance of... *Love, Time, Practice*
Embodied Consciousness Through Cultural Practice Serial: RB-04179G The talk explores the interplay of culture, language, and physical embodiment, emphasizing the significance of linguistic and gestural practices in shaping one's experience of the world. A central theme is the concept of "Body... *Silence, Practice, Stillness*
Effortless Clarity in Zen Practice Serial: RB-00913 The talk explores the nuanced approach to practicing Zen, particularly regarding attention and awareness in meditation. It discusses the "Mu" koan and its application in desubstantiating thought patterns, leading... *Practice, Koan, Buddha Nature*
Tracing Thoughts, Finding Presence Serial: RB-01561 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk focuses on the practice of tracing thoughts back to their origins in meditation and the role of the five skandhas in understanding one's mental processes. Through examining the skandhas, individuals can develop self-... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Beyond Names: Embracing Wholeness Serial: RB-01563 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The main thesis of this talk examines the transition from divided to undivided perception through the practices of the six dharmas. These practices involve the conscious removal of names and associations from objects, shifting... *Consciousness, Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen Threads Weaving Interconnected Lives Serial: RB-04178K This talk explores the Zen concept of interdependence, emphasizing the idea that all beings and objects are interconnected and relational. It suggests that true Zen practice focuses on experiential understanding rather than... *Ceremony, Practice, Culture*
Beyond Words: Zen's Silent Wisdom Serial: RB-04179E The talk focuses on the examination of language's limitations and its role in Zen practice. The discussion highlights Wittgenstein's idea that one should remain silent about the unspeakable, emphasizing the boundary of words in... *Practice, Instruction, Time*
Embodied Awareness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178Q The talk explores the process of questioning within Zen practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily knowing and memory. It delves into the concept of "peripersonal space," highlighting how physical objects, such as... *Consciousness, Time, Name*
Releasing Thoughts, Embracing Emptiness Serial: RB-04178P The talk primarily explores the concept of "background mind" and its relation to Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of noticing and releasing thoughts rather than clinging to them. The discussion contrasts intentional and... *Practice, Time, War*
Embodied Awareness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04179D The discourse focuses on the concept of "body space," exploring its dimensions and implications within Zen practice and understanding. The dialogue delves into the terms like "internal and external body space," "somatic space,"... *Time, Practice, Work*
Zen and the Art of Connection Serial: RB-04178J The talk explores the concept of interconnectedness within the practice of Zen, emphasizing the importance of experiencing Zazen as a relational and location-based practice. The discussion examines how mindfulness involves... *Zazen, Time, Buddhism*
Zen's Path to Present Wholeness Serial: RB-01564 Talk_Is_the_West_Still_Salvageable? The talk explores the question of whether the West can be "saved" through the lens of Zen Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing the importance of embracing the present moment as the ultimate reality. It discusses the need for Western... *Practice, Consciousness, Buddhism*	Richard Baker	Berlin
Discovering Buddha Nature in Silence Serial: RB-00912 The talk explores the Zen koan "Does a dog have a Buddha nature?" emphasizing the notion of Buddha nature as integral to Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Zen. It discusses the concept of "thusness" or Tathagatagarbha—a state of... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Koan*
Constructing Consciousness: Buddhism Meets Psychology Serial: RB-01560 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk explores the intersection of intellectual and philosophical thought within Buddhism, contrasting it with concepts from Jungian psychology and Eastern religious traditions. It delves into the use of thinking in Buddhism... *Consciousness, Buddhism, Emptiness*	Richard Baker
Embodied Zen: Mind and Body Unification Serial: RB-04179H The talk examines the cultural and philosophical perspectives of the relationship between mind and body, focusing on the concept of the "lived body" in Zen practice. It underscores how the non-dualistic view of mind and body,... *Breath, Practice, Time*
Exploring Awareness in Zen Practice Serial: RB-04178L This talk explores the nuanced distinctions and interrelations between intention, attention, and awareness within Zen practice. The discussion reflects on the cultural interpretations of impermanence and human potential,... *Intention, Consciousness, Culture*
Zen and the Dance of Culture Serial: RB-04178A The talk discusses the intersection of Zen practice and cultural influences, with a focus on how demographics and gender roles shape Buddhism and its related practices. The discussion touches upon the integration of female... *Practice, Monastic Practice, Time*
Weaving the Zen of Connection Serial: RB-04178M The talk explores the practice of Zen chanting and its essence beyond linguistic meaning, connecting it to the concept of "relational objects" and the metaphorical notion of weaving. It examines how language and perception carry... *Practice, Buddha Nature, Work*
Embodied Awareness Beyond Thought Serial: RB-04179I The talk explores the concept of the "bodily self" as a central aspect of Zen practice, emphasizing the distinction between thinking mind and a deeper, non-conceptual body awareness. It highlights the idea that thinking mind... *Buddhism, Time, Practice*
Merging Mind and Body in Zen Serial: RB-01559 Seminar_The_Body_of_the_World The talk examines the relationship between physical and mental phenomena in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practice of integrating the body and mind into daily life. The focus is on how Zen practice enables practitioners to... *Buddhism, Practice, Breath*	Richard Baker
Catching Dragons: Unconventional Zen Paths Serial: RB-00914 The talk explores the nature of Zen practice through the lens of a koan, emphasizing the cultivation of qualities like compassion, faith, and intention, akin to the 'five petals' in Zen. The analogy of catching a dragon with a... *Buddha Nature, Practice, Buddha*
Inhabiting the Space Between Thoughts Serial: RB-04178O The talk examines Zen practice through images and concepts such as "background mind" and the continuity between mind and space. It highlights the evolution from seeking answers to cultivating awareness of each moment's uniqueness... *Zazen, Practice, Time*
Transforming Pain Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-04180A The talk explores the relationship between pain, both physical and psychological, and Zen practice, emphasizing how confronting pain through practices like zazen can lead to personal transformation and enlightenment. Additionally... *Practice, Pain, Time*
Navigating Consciousness in Global Culture Serial: RB-01699 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_11 This talk examines the intricacies of the five skandhas, emphasizing their nuanced yet straightforward nature in Buddhist practice, highlighting the concept of deconstructing consciousness as unfamiliar in Western culture. It... *Consciousness, Time, Culture*	Richard Baker
Exploring Consciousness Through Five Skandhas Serial: RB-01698 Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_10 The talk analyzes the concept of consciousness within Buddhist philosophy, particularly through the framework of the Five Skandhas (aggregates) and their relation to the non-self. It critiques translations and conceptual... *Consciousness, Time, Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Embodied Enlightenment Through Zen Practice Serial: RB-04179J The talk explores the distinctive aspects of Zen practice, particularly the emphasis on zazen, the unique use of language in koans and wados, and face-to-face transmission of teachings outside the scriptures. The discussion... *Practice, Buddhism, Bodhidharma*
Zen Mindfulness Meets Modern Therapy Serial: RB-04178N The talk explores the parallels between Zen practice, particularly through 'still sitting' or Zazen, and modern therapeutic techniques like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), emphasizing the importance of noticing and accepting... *Practice, Consciousness, Enlightenment*
Mu and the Mind's Unfindability Serial: RB-00915 The talk explores the transformation of mental states through the practice of Zen, focusing on the perception of 'appearance' and the 'unfindability' of mind and appearance in unison. It discusses the dynamics of fear and inner... *Buddha Nature, Buddha, Koan*
Mutual Creation of the Present Serial: RB-01689B Seminar_The_Integrity_of_Being_1 The talk explores the concept of "now" as a mutually created, not self-contained, space, emphasizing the importance of cultural and perceptual processes like Dogen’s teachings and the Japanese concept of "harage." The discussion... *Practice, Continuous Practice, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen Journeys: Practice and Perception Serial: RB-04179A The talk explores the evolution of Buddhist practices and teachings, emphasizing the importance of personal practice and experience in understanding and refining these doctrines. The discussion includes reflections on the need... *Practice, Time, Doubt*
Unified Consciousness: Dolphins and Humanity Serial: RB-00349 The talk explores the concept of a unified consciousness shared by humans and dolphins, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings through shared elements like breathing, prana, and consciousness. It suggests that while... *Consciousness*	Richard Baker
Zen Essentials: Practice, Perception, Presence Serial: RB-00350 The talk examines the integration of Zen practices with the precepts and zazen, emphasizing their role in maintaining mental clarity and preparing one for genuine meditation. It highlights the five concurrent causes essential for... *Practice, Doubt, Time*	Richard Baker
Zen Bridges: Teaching, Tradition, and Psychology Serial: RB-00417 The discussion explores the integration of English language teaching in Japan, the extensive commitment required for Rinzai and Soto Zen training, and the challenges faced by foreigners and women in monastic settings. It also... *Practice, Japan, Buddhism*	Richard Baker
Zen Harmony in Cultural Contexts Serial: RB-00649B The talk explores the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of discipline, order, and the formation of an understanding through collective agreement within a Sangha. It highlights how the form and practice of Zen... *Practice, Yoga, Practice Period*	Richard Baker

The Baker Roshi Audio Archive

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