The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 440 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Some Questions Serial: SR-00133 The talk focuses on the essence of Zen practice, particularly zazen, emphasizing the integration of mindfulness with the body and the experience of reality beyond personal feelings of enlightenment. The discussion also covers the... Question-and-Answer, Breath, Buddha Nature, Posture, sitting, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 28 1969 Tassajara
Question and Answer Serial: SR-00083 The main thesis of the talk revolves around the concept of practice in Zen Buddhism, particularly focusing on how suffering relates to ideas of improvement and the understanding of ignorance versus buddha-nature. It is argued... Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Suffering, Separation, Pain, American, Anger, Attachment,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 25 1969 Tassajara
Twelve Links of Causation Serial: SR-00135 Twelve Links Of Causation Juni-innen (Jap.) Dvada-aiga-pratatyasamutpada (San.) English Japanese Sanskrit -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 1. ignorance mumyo avidya 2. action... The talk explores the "Twelve Links of Causation" in Buddhist philosophy, contrasting classical explanations with earlier scriptural interpretations. The discussion highlights the links' role in explaining life's suffering, as... *Consciousness, Suffering, causation, Discrimination, Emptiness, Fasting, Passions, confusion,...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 23 1969 Tassajara
Some Questions Serial: SF-05087A Roshi's Lectures - 2 of them - Aug 21 Side 2 Q&A session Q1 - explain 12 links of causation, Q - war - striving for a cause - even peace is necessary though futile (on cassette) - Dan Gourley #4 - Question-and-Answer, causation, Current Events, Passions, Fox, Gratitude, Commitment, Freedom...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 21 1969 Tassajara
Our Way To Attain Liberation Serial: SF-05087B Monday Evening, August 18, 1969Tassajara Story of the Sixth Patriarch. Practice with everyone else at the monastery, without self-centered ideas. Answering student questions. Dan Gourley reel #4 The talk explores the nature of liberation and enlightenment in Zen practice, using the story of the Sixth Patriarch, Hui-neng, as a central theme. The discussion focuses on the integration of mind and environment, as interpreted... Sixth Patriarch, Monastic Practice, Japan, Aspects of Practice, Discrimination, Faith,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 18 1969 Tassajara
Some Questions Serial: SR-00128 The talk primarily addresses questions concerning Zen practices, focusing on the nuances between counting-breath meditation and shikantaza, the function of rituals like bowing and chanting in ego purification, and exploring the... Question-and-Answer, Precepts, Doubt, Continuous Practice, Concentration, Birth-and-Death,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 12 1969
Not Always So Serial: SR-00124 August Sesshin Lecture Thursday, August 7, 1969 San Francisco The talk focuses on the Zen concept of impermanence and perspective, emphasizing that things are not always as they seem, using water as a metaphor. It illustrates how perception changes based on context and stresses the... Sesshin, Dogen, Interdependence, Freedom, Gratitude, Composure, Posture, Emptiness, Truth...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 07 1969 Sokoji
To Actually Practice Selflessness Serial: SR-00125 August Sesshin Lecture Wednesday, August 6, 1969 San Francisco The talk explores the practice of zazen to cultivate selflessness by confronting difficulties such as physical pain and emotional reactions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of "no self-nature... Sesshin, Pain, Fox, Precepts, Freedom, Funeral, Monks, Liberation, difficulty, Continuous...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 06 1969 Sokoji
We Practice Zazen So That We Attain Selflessness Serial: SR-00137 The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Zen practice, emphasizing zazen as a means to transcend the illusion of a permanent self. By referencing Dogen Zenji's "Sansuikyo" from the Shobogenzo, it highlights the... *Suffering, Wisdom, Dragons, Don't Know Mind, Meditation, Separation, sitting, lecture,...*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 03 1969 Tassajara
The First Teaching Serial: SR-00158 Teaching of impermanence, everything changing; also there is selflessness, suffering and nirvana. The sufferings of birth, death, sickness and old age. Causes of suffering, because of ego. The talk explores the essential teachings of Buddhism, focusing on impermanence (shogyo-mujo), selflessness, suffering, and nirvana, known collectively as the "four seals of Buddhist teaching." It outlines how ignorance, arising... Suffering, Ego, Impermanence, Birth-and-Death, Suffering, Wisdom, Truth, Attachment, heart,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 02 1969 Tassajara
The Most Important Precept Serial: SR-00035 The talk explores the fundamental Buddhist precept that all beings and objects, animate and inanimate, are buddha in a broader sense, emphasizing a universal, dynamic understanding of "dhamma" beyond written scriptures. Two... Precepts, Dogen, Eiheiji, Sanctuary, Hate, Suffering, Truth	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 01 1969 Tassajara
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*	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 26 1969 Tassajara
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*	Suzuki Roshi	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,...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 09 1969 Tassajara
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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 03 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...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 1969 Sokoji
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...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 01 1969 Tassajara
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...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 29 1969 Tassajara
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	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 17 1969 Sokoji
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*	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	Apr 29 1969 Sokoji
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...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	Apr 19 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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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*	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 30 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*	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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*...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 09 1969 Sokoji
Han (sounding board) Serial: 69-00-00 [Image of (see PDF)] Suzuki·roshi at Tassajara in 1969 passing the wooden sounding board and hammer that is used to announce zazen, lectures and the arrival or departure of the abbot from the monastery. A translation of this... -	Suzuki Roshi	1969 Tassajara
At The End Of The Year We Clean Up Our House Serial: SF-05970B Dec 1968 New Year Lecture This lecture discusses the theme of renewal, both physically and spiritually, at the end of the year, drawing parallels between the annual Japanese tradition of house cleaning and the Zen practice of remaining adaptable in life.... Beginner’s Mind, Dogen, Japan, New Year, Beginners, Transmission, Instruction, Priest, Faith...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 29 1968 Sokoji
untitled Serial: SR-00007 Newly reprocessed recording should be a little clearer The talk delves into the pivotal moment when the Buddha acknowledged Shariputra's wisdom and the significant moral of the burning house parable from a Buddhist sutra. It explores themes of understanding karma, the illusion of... Lotus Sutra, Monks, Breath, Building	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 24 1968 Sokoji
True Happiness and Renewal of Practice at Year's End Serial: SF-05970A Newly uploaded recording of this talk. The talk explores the concept of true happiness within the framework of Buddhism, emphasizing that lasting happiness must be understood in the context of impermanence and should not rely on non-changing conditions. It highlights... Happiness, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Buddha Nature, Composure	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 21 1968 Sokoji
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SR-00075 The primary focus of the talk is to explore the deeper aspects of Zen practice and the challenges practitioners face in understanding concepts such as buddha-nature, compassion, emptiness, and the duality of human existence. The... Shosan, First Principle, Emptiness, Compassion, Lotus Sutra, Patience, sitting, Emotions,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 11 1968 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-2 Serial: SR-00233 Monday Morning, October 21, 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk delves into the complex development of the understanding of Buddha, illustrating a journey from viewing Buddha solely as a historical figure to recognizing Buddha as a manifestation of universal truth, reflected in the... Lotus Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Sutra, Doubt, Precepts, Separation, Offering, Mahayana, Attachment,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 21 1968 Series 2, Talk 2 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-1 Serial: SF-05681 [Second Lotus Sutra series in 1968] Sunday Evening, October 20, 1968 Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on the "Lotus Sutra," known as the Saddharmapundarika Sutra, believed to have emerged centuries after the historical Buddha. It explores the evolution of the concepts of Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya... Lotus Sutra, Vow, Enemies, Conversation, Karma, Emotions	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 20 1968 Tassajara
The True Dragon Serial: SF-05239 The talk discusses the necessity of practicing authentic Zen meditation (zazen) by exploring Dogen Zenji’s teachings on avoiding superficial practice. It warns against practicing like a "blind man" or Seiko, who admired dragons... *Dogen, Baso, Dragons, Freedom, Soto Zen, Emptiness, Bodhidharma, Instruction, Zazen...*	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 12 1968 B Sokoji
Shikantaza, Tenryu's One Finger Serial: SR-00236 Sesshin LectureSaturday, October 12, 1968Sokoji, San Francisco The talk centers on the practice of shikantaza, emphasizing the importance of sitting without any gaining idea or objective, akin to the famous Zen stories of Tenryu's one finger and Yakusan's silent sermon. Shikantaza is... Sesshin, Gutei, Yaoshan, Community, Pain, sitting, Monks, Obstacles, Instruction, training,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 12 1968 A Sokoji
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-8 Serial: SR-00001 Fall 1968 The talk focuses on the strength of Buddha's disciples, using historical anecdotes from texts like the Diamond Sutra to illustrate their resilience and commitment. Emphasis is placed on the challenging yet transformative... Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Faith, Sutra, Priest, Suffering, Composure, Balance, Mahayana, training...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 8 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-10 Serial: SR-00002 Fall 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk centers on the significance of the "twelve zudagyo" practices attributed to the Second Patriarch, Mahakashapa, as a means to organize and live a life of simplicity and discipline within the sangha. The practices... Lotus Sutra, sitting, Ceremony, Emptiness, Priest, Funeral, Composure, heart, Monks, reality,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 10 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-3 Serial: SF-05256 October, 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk discusses the three bodies of the Buddha—Nirmanakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Dharmakaya—as presented in the Lotus Sutra. The Nirmanakaya Buddha appears in the world by vow to aid sentient beings, the Sambhogakaya Buddha... Lotus Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Silence, Bell, Vow	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 3 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-7 Serial: SF-06043 Fall 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk analyzes Buddha's introduction of the Four Noble Truths to his first disciples and explores the nature of suffering as foundational to the practice of Buddhism. It contrasts the Hinayana perspective, which views the... Lotus Sutra, Four Noble Truths, Emptiness, Mahayana, Precepts, Nirvana, Enemies, Ceremony,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 7 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-11 Serial: SF-05251 October 1968New version uploaded, should help with transcript The talk primarily explores the lineage and teachings of Mahakashapa, illustrating the transition from original Buddhism to the development of Zen Buddhism. Mahakashapa is presented as the second Patriarch in Zen and Tendai,... Lotus Sutra, Lay, Emptiness, Interview, Ceremony	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 11 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-6 Serial: SF-05258 68-10-00-E The talk explores the relationship between Vairocana Buddha as Dharmakaya Buddha and Sambogakaya Buddha within Shingon Buddhism, illustrating the fluid identities of the Buddha across different viewpoints, and how Shingon's... Lotus Sutra, Precepts, Anger, Faith	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 6 Tassajara

The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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