The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 438 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Funeral Service for Suzuki Roshi Serial: SR-00171 This is a full recording of Suzuki Roshi's funeral, held nine days after his death. During the funeral service for Suzuki Roshi, various speakers and participants commemorate his life and teachings. This event acknowledges the profound impact Suzuki Roshi had on the dissemination of Zen Buddhism outside of Japan... Ceremony, Funeral, Suzuki Roshi, Soto Zen, Ceremony, Vow, Discrimination	Various	Dec 12 1971 City Center
Talking To His Disciples About His Illness Serial: SR-00186 Sunday, October 9, 1971In His Room, City Center, San Francisco In the discussion, the theme revolves around an individual sharing updates about their health diagnosis and reflections on life. The individual humorously identifies as a "lazy monk" while explaining a recent shift in... Cancer, Teacher-and-Student, Monks	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 09 1971 City Center
Wherever You Are, We Have Zen Way Of Practice Serial: SR-00101 The talk explores the universal application of Zen practice beyond specific locations like Tassajara or city zendos, emphasizing that Zen practice encompasses every aspect of life, everywhere, not just in traditionally defined... Dogen, Shobogenzo, Genjokoan, Suffering, Pain, Don't Know Mind, Happiness, Freedom,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 21 1971 City Center
Why We Must Have Rules Serial: SR-00177 In this exploration of the tensions between structured practice and intrinsic nature within Zen Buddhism, the focus is drawn to how rules and regulations pertain to the actualization of buddha-nature. The discourse delves into... First Principle, Big Mind, Family Practice, Bell, Breath, Sutra, Observe	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 17 1971 Tassajara
Wind Stops, But Still Flower Falls Serial: SR-00163 This audio has been improved, so more of the students' questions may be discernible. The talk delves into the Zen understanding of existence and non-existence using the metaphor of natural elements such as wind, flowers, and birds to illustrate the Zen concept of "there is" and "there is not.... *Ummon, Faith, Freedom, Dragons, Community, Emptiness, Wisdom, Building, American, Death...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1971 Tassajara
Speciality and Equality. Serial: SR-00161 In this talk, the concept of "speciality" versus "equality" is explored within the context of constant change. The notion that speciality refers to the distinct purpose or reason for each entity's... First Principle, Freedom, Baizhang, Death, Bell, Building	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 13 1971 Tassajara
Obon Days Serial: SR-00166 This talk explores the cultural and historical contexts of the Obon festival in Japan, an event honoring ancestral spirits, and how these practices relate to broader Asian cultural and spiritual histories. The discussion provides... Ceremony, Big Mind, Nishiari Bokusan, Offering, Suffering, American, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 12 1971 Tassajara
Questions and Answers Serial: SR-00167 The talk revolves around a Zen master's Q&A session addressing various concerns of the students related to Zen practice, perception, and daily challenges within a Zen community setting. Students engage with questions ranging... Question-and-Answer, Yaoshan, Truth, Community, Breath, Anger, Freedom, Faith...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 08 1971 Tassajara
Zen Is Actually, In Short, Maybe, Communication Serial: SR-00162 The key theme of this talk is the integral role of effective communication in Zen practice, particularly between teachers and students. It emphasizes the non-duality of existence, suggesting that a perceived separation between... Teacher-and-Student, Question-and-Answer, Breath, Interview, Bell, Community, Wisdom, American...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 07 1971 Tassajara
Good Confidence In Your Practice Serial: SR-00170 The discussion delves into the historical interplay between Bodhidharma and the King of Liang, exploring the nature of true Buddhist practice versus ritualistic or superficial engagement with the faith. The dialogue between... Bodhidharma, First Principle, Bell, Wisdom, Breath, Building, American, Faith...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 05 1971 Tassajara
On Bodhidharma's Day Serial: SR-00103 The talk explores the profound teachings of Bodhidharma, focusing on his significant dialog with Hannyatara, the twenty-seventh patriarch, which delves into the concept of "fuki muso" — a state of non-arising and formlessness.... Ceremony, Non-duality, Nirvana, Dragons, Breath, Enemies, Building, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 04 1971 Tassajara
Because Of Our Many Desires, We Do Not Have Freedom Serial: SR-00102 The talk discusses the nature of desires and the Buddhist path to freedom from worldly attachments, arguing that our desires restrict our freedom and cause suffering. It emphasizes practicing mindfulness to overcome these... Freedom, Desire, Changsha, Suffering, Dana, Death, Lay, Offering, Bell, Truth...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 03 1971 Tassajara
At the Time of Yakusan Serial: SF-06061 New version of this lecture has been uploaded, which may allow for more of the transcript to be done. The talk explores the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism during the time of Zen Master Yakusan Igen. It highlights the episode where Yakusan, known for his silent teachings, eludes giving a lecture as a means to impart... Yaoshan, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 01 1971 Tassajara
Translation of Unknown Text Serial: SR-00183 August 1971San Francisco The talk focuses on the symbolic and spiritual significance of the shaved head in Zen practice, highlighting its superior merit compared to the construction of a jewel-adorned stupa. The discourse accentuates that the act of... Ceremony, Priest, Hate, Passions, Attachment, Forms	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 1971 City Center
To Attain The Perfection Of Human Practice Serial: SR-00189 The talk delves into the historical and evolving nature of Buddhist precepts, particularly highlighting their transition from prohibitive to positive elements designed not merely for individual enlightenment but for the benefit... Ceremony, First Principle, Mahayana, Buddha Nature, Building, Breath, Evil, Doubt, Enemies,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 30 1971 Tassajara
Ryaku Fusatsu Lecture Serial: SR-00182 The audio of this tape has been improved, so the missing parts of the transcript may be worked out now. The talk explores the practice and historical background of Ryaku Fusatsu, a simplified observance of Buddhist precepts that are held at Tassajara in a manner similar to those at Eiheiji. The discussion covers the roots of the... Ceremony, Eiheiji, Bodhisattva Precepts, Evil, Bell, Balance, Death, Truth	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1971 Tassajara
Blue Cliff Records 61 - Fuketsu's One Particle Of Dust Serial: SR-00190 The talk explores the concept of "big mind" versus "small mind" in Zen practice, emphasizing the idea of "no-mind" as true enlightenment. Through the koan of Fuketsu's "One Particle of Dust," the discussion highlights the... *Blue Cliff Record, Breath, Constancy, Freedom, Faith, Diversity, Greed, Religion, Anger...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1971 Tassajara
Universal Practice for Laymen and Monks Serial: SR-00175 Whatever you do is practice; be careful not to practice for the sake of the self. Zazen as a way to find realization and get used to realization. Whether priest or layperson, practice to develop buddha mind, not the small self. The talk outlines the concept of practice within Zen, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and the development of buddha-mind over self-centered practices. Practice, illustrated through activities like zazen, aims to reduce... Practice, Zazen, Bodhisattva, Dogen, Sixth Patriarch, Buddha Mind, Faith, Truth, Fasting,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 25 1971 Tassajara
Virtue of Mountain and River Serial: SR-00181 The talk delves into Dogen Zenji's writings in the "Shobogenzo" and the nature of Zen practice. The speaker challenges conventional interpretations of Soto and Rinzai practices, interpreting Dogen's analogy of "mountains flow"... Dogen, Shobogenzo, First Principle, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Faith, Breath, Pain, Bell, Dragons, Hate...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 24 1971 Tassajara
San-Pachi-Nenju Serial: SF-06030 The talk explores the practice of san-pachi-nenju, focusing on its integration with the Soto and Rinzai traditions and the importance of embodying non-dualistic principles in daily life. It highlights the need for lay... Ceremony, First Principle, Faith, Non-duality, Diversity, Lay	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 22 1971 Tassajara
Something Which You Cannot Understand Serial: SR-00207 The talk elaborates on the concept of enlightenment, emphasizing the difference between understanding and experiencing it. Discussion centers on the necessity of Zen practice, particularly zazen, for realizing one's inherent... Buddha Nature, Truth, Happiness, Breath	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 21 1971 Tassajara
One with Everything Serial: SR-00208 Zazen TalkTuesday Evening, July 20, 1971Tassajara The talk centers on the Zen Buddhist perspective of the interconnectedness of spiritual and material aspects of existence, emphasizing the understanding of reality beyond dualistic concepts of good and bad, or spiritual and... Non-duality, Breath, Faith, Truth	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 20 1971 Tassajara
Why Then Is It Necessary To Accept Precepts Serial: SF-06031 The talk discusses the importance of accepting Buddhist precepts, framing them as common yet essential elements of practice. It explains the indivisibility of the three precepts and how they embody the unity of the practitioner... *Precepts, Precepts, Big Mind, Buddha Nature, Religion, Observe, Priest, Zazen, Freedom...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 17 1971 City Center
Manifested Three Treasures Serial: SR-00215 The talk explores the concept of the Three Treasures in Buddhism—Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—and their manifestations as existing both indivisibly and as perceived figures and teachings after Shakyamuni Buddha. The focus is on... *Precepts, Precepts, Emptiness, Priest, Anger, American, Sangha, Enemies, Hate, Observe...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 06 1971 City Center
Real Precepts Are Beyond Words Serial: SR-00216 The talk explores the Zen concept of precepts, distinguishing them from traditional prohibitory rules like the Ten Commandments. Instead, Zen precepts are understood as a comprehensive practice of zazen, embodying the non-... Precepts, Precepts, Observe, Freedom, Emptiness, Sangha, Duality, Karma	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 02 1971 City Center
Purely Involved Helping Others Serial: SR-00173 The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, focusing on the bodhisattva vow to help others. The discussion contrasts the non-discriminating perception in zazen with the discriminating actions required... Nansen, things-as-it-is, Discrimination, Ummon, Wisdom, Freedom, Discrimination, Sanctuary,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 22 1971 City Center
Sewing Sesshin Serial: SR-00122 Sunday, June 20, 1971 Sesshin Lecture No. ____ San Francisco The lecture from June 20, 1971, discusses the significance of the okesa and rakusu in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing that they are not merely symbolic apparel but embody the dharma itself. A core teaching highlighted is that proper... Sesshin, Okesa, Dogen, Attachment, New Year, Freedom, Bodhidharma, Lay, Concentration, Zazen,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 20 1971 City Center
Sewing and Wearing the Buddhist Robes and How It Relates to Our Practice Serial: 71-06-19 Saturday, June 19, 1971 San Francisco Zendo - Dogen, Soto Zen,	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 19 1971 City Center
Precepts as Original Nature Serial: SR-00121 The talk emphasizes the intrinsic nature of precepts, arguing that they are inherent to human nature rather than imposed or solely dictated by religious doctrine. It highlights the universality and fundamental presence of... Precepts, Bodhidharma, Precepts, Concentration, Building, Posture, New Year, Bodhidharma,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 12 1971 City Center
Freedom from Everything Serial: SR-00150 Sesshin Lecture, Day 5Wednesday, June 9, 1971San Francisco The talk centers on the practice of zazen, specifically shikantaza, and emphasizes the importance of approaching it with seriousness and sincerity. It explores themes such as detachment, the integration of practice into everyday... Sesshin, Happiness, Demons, Precepts, Perfect Wisdom, Attachment, New Year, Zazen, Wisdom,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 09 1971 City Center
Calmness of Mind Serial: SR-00151 Sesshin Lecture No. 2 Sunday, June 7, 1971 San Francisco Practice is to expose yourself as you are, express yourself fully. Accepting your teacher's words. Zen Center practice community offering mutual support for practice. The talk focuses on the essence of Zen practice, emphasizing Shikantaza or "just sitting," and the continuous practice of true self-expression without expectations. It describes living in each transient unit of time and... Sesshin, Zazen, Breath, Community, Emptiness, Priest, Pain, Community, Hate, Death, difficulty...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 07 1971 City Center
Okesa Ceremony Serial: SR-00146 Ceremony of the okesa: chanting the fascicle Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku; ten virtues of the okesa. What is practice of zazen and practice of the okesa. Truth is beyond priest or layperson. Acknowledging Yoshida Roshi. The talk discusses the ceremony of the okesa, emphasizing the ten virtues of this sacred garment as recorded in Dogen Zenji's "Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku." The okesa's virtues are explored in detail, highlighting its transformative... Priest, Ceremony, Okesa, Zazen, Dragons, Priest, Greed, Demons, Gratitude, Happiness, American...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 06 1971 City Center
The Teaching Just for You Serial: SR-00147 Sesshin Lecture No. 1 Saturday, June 5, 1971 San Francisco The talk examines the dual understanding of Zen practice, focusing on the concept of "just to sit." While practice traditionally aims for improvement over time, the true essence is experiencing the goal in each moment rather than... Sesshin, Precepts, Dragons, Bodhidharma, Truth, Buddha Nature, Politics, Transmission, Zazen,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 05 1971 City Center
Lecture: Reed College, Portland, Oregon Serial: 71-03-12 - Time,	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 12 1971 Reed College Portland
Changing Our Karma Serial: SR-00116 The talk focuses on the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, emphasizing a continuous, attentive engagement with one's actions to mitigate and transform karma. Through illustrative anecdotes such as the Zen master's... Baso, Concentration, Karma, Suffering, difficulty, Ceremony	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 09 1971 City Center
Why We Have So Many Problems Serial: SR-00153 Tuesday, March 2, 1971 8 am Tuesday Morning San Francisco This talk addresses the root causes of human problems from both Buddhist and psychological perspectives, questioning the fundamental life structures and desires leading to dissatisfaction and distress. It emphasizes the Buddhist... *difficulty, Ceremony, Concentration, Addiction, Ego, confusion, Building*	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 02 1971 City Center
The Driver Serial: SR-00119 The talk discusses the concept of "mumyo" or delusion, emphasizing the importance of having a clear understanding and guidance (a "driver") to progress toward enlightenment. Obstacles such as misidentifying the spiritual... *Anger, difficulty, Karma, Freedom, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Peace, confusion, Posture,...*	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 27 1971 City Center
Be Kind with Yourself Serial: SR-00112 Warm-hearted practice. Breathing and posture in zazen. We all have different circumstances, but in the monastery, we have one practice. Rules give freedom to practice. The main thesis of the talk centers on the significance of embodying warmth and kindness in one's zazen practice, emphasizing that following instructions alone is insufficient without infusing them with compassion and a... *Dogen, Zazen, Tatsugami, Freedom, Instruction, Monks, Posture, Priest, American...*	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 23 1971 Tassajara
It Is Actually Buddha's Practice Serial: SF-06114B The main thesis of the talk emphasizes that true practice in Zen involves embodying Buddha's practice rather than perceiving it as a personal endeavor. This concept suggests that selfless practice leads to liberation from... Sesshin, Tatsugami, Zazen, Karma	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 20 1971 Tassajara
Calmness of your Mind Serial: SR-00079 Saturday Morning, February 13, 1971 San Francisco The talk addresses the concept of achieving true calmness of mind through Zen practice, particularly zazen, emphasizing the oneness with surroundings and experiences, rather than simple physical seclusion or the avoidance of... Sesshin, Pain, New Year, Suffering, confusion, Oneness, Beginners, Community, Attachment...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 13 1971 City Center
Not Sticking to Enlightenment Serial: SF-05445B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #26, by Shundo David Haye ===== It's not completely clear how this talk dropped off the radar, as the tape had been copied and transcribed previously – indeed, it features in Not... The talk centers on the challenges of transitioning from sesshin to everyday life, emphasizing non-attachment to 'enlightenment' as a fixed goal. It highlights the teachings of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, particularly the notion... Sesshin, Sixth Patriarch, Emptiness	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 12 1971 B City Center
Just Enough Problems Serial: SR-00273 Sesshin Lecture, Lecture 7: Page Street Apples Friday Morning February 12, 1971 San Francisco The talk discusses the acceptance and appreciation of life's problems in the context of Zen practice, emphasizing the idea that one is always presented with just enough problems by Buddha to foster growth and understanding. It... Sesshin, War, Enemies, Hate	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 12 1971 A City Center
Humor Is More Real Than Reallity Serial: SR-00274 Sesshin Lecture No. 5 Tuesday, February 9, 1971 San Francisco The talk explores the role of humor in Zen practice, suggesting that true humor requires a deeper understanding beyond normal reality. It illustrates how Zen teachings often use humor to convey serious insights, drawing on... Sesshin, Discrimination, Dragons, Observe, Emotions, Instruction, confusion	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 09 1971 City Center
Wherever You Go, You Will See Yourself Serial: SR-00271 Sesshin Lecture No. 3 Sunday Afternoon or Evening February 7, 1971 San Francisco The lecture explores the concept of self-discovery in Zen practice, emphasizing the futility of pursuing a self-centered understanding of 'self' and highlighting the importance of encountering oneself through authentic practice.... Sesshin, Tozan, Sandokai, Discrimination, Precepts, Freedom, Death	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 07 1971 City Center
Resuming Big Mind Serial: SR-00272 Sesshin Lecture No. 1 Friday, February 5, 1971 San Francisco [”For this seven-day sesshin, there are only transcriptions for lectures given on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and the closing words. I don't know if those were the only lectures... The talk focuses on the practice of sesshin and the distinction between Big Mind and Small Mind in Zen meditation. The purpose of sesshin is highlighted as resuming Big Mind by controlling the Small Mind, with a metaphor drawn... Sesshin, Big Mind, Hate, Zoom, Zazen, Anger, Ceremony, Pain	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 05 1971 City Center
Wherever I Go, I Meet Myself Serial: SR-00123 The talk elaborates on the concept of self-awareness and criticizes modern and religious notions of self-improvement. It challenges the notion of self-knowledge through objective observation and highlights the futility of... *Liberation, Culture, Freedom*	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 23 1971 City Center
The Boss of Everything Serial: SR-00204 The talk examines the purpose of zazen practice, emphasizing the concept of being the "boss of everything" by transcending delusional ideas of self and surroundings. It critiques the misunderstanding of self-control and explores... Zazen, Big Mind, confusion, Precepts, Bodhidharma, Zazen, Suffering, Observe...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 16 1971 City Center
True Concentration Serial: SR-00078 Right Concentration Sunday, January 10, 1971 San Francisco The talk focuses on the concept of "Right Concentration" in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm, clear, and open mind through zazen meditation. This approach contrasts with focusing solely on attaining... Avalokiteshvara, Freedom, Concentration, Commitment, Posture	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 10 1971 City Center
What Is Self? Serial: SR-00077 This talk explores the concept of self in the context of Zen practice, emphasizing that understanding one's true self is crucial for authentic zazen practice. The speaker distinguishes between "universal self," often associated... *Ceremony, Observe*	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 03 1971 City Center
No Practice Will Destroy People Serial: SR-00074 The talk articulates the concept that without a dedicated practice, individuals can lose their sense of purpose in life, more so than they might from physical sickness. Through an exploration of Dogen Zenji's teachings, it... Dogen, Dogen	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 27 1970 City Center

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