The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 40 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SF-05964 Friday, December 5, 1969 Previously described as intranscribable - now clearer ----- File name: 69-12-05N: untitled level low. [Verbatim transcript not available. (Sound problem.)] The talk discusses various aspects of Zen practice, focusing on themes such as fear, selflessness, the nature of Buddha, and the practice of questioning. The exchanges emphasize the dissolution of ego, detachment from material... Ceremony, Shosan, Sixth Patriarch, Big Mind, Letting Go, Separation, Attachment, Dragons,...	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 05 1969 Tassajara
Ignorance Serial: SF-05131A SR 014 - On this tape: lectures A and B and also first part of D. This is to be known as the A-B lecture tape or #1 ZMC (has been transcribed) Track 1 Roshi's lecture A 9/8/67 - copied The lecture discusses the concept of ignorance within both Zen Buddhism and general Buddhist teachings, with a focus on the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination as an explanation of the cycle of suffering initiated by ignorance... *Prajna Paramita, Attachment, Freedom, training, Daily Life, Diversity, confusion, Hate...*	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 08 1967 Tassajara
Practice Zazen With Your Whole Mind And Body Serial: SF-05131B This is lecture D from these notes on the reel boxes (05132-B was added to this)Several minutes of tape operator's notes at the end are included, the transcript was copied over from what was previously thought of as 66-08-15.... The talk explores the integral practice of zazen in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the necessity of practicing with one's whole mind and body for genuine spiritual liberation that is both psychological and physiological. The... Instruction, Zazen, Posture, Beginners, Funeral, Religion, Instruction, Emotions, Emptiness...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 08 1967 Morning Tassajara
We Are Not Perfect Serial: SF-05080A Sesshin talk. At the beginning, Suzuki Roshi is drawing from Dogen's "Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance." The methods are also in Shushogi. This talk explores the theme of imperfection in the bodhisattva practice, drawing from Dogen's "Bodhisattva's Four Methods of Guidance" as outlined in "Shushogi." The speaker discusses how true help arises from a spirit of giving... Sesshin, Bodhisattva, Shushogi, Happiness, Enemies	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 23 1966 Sokoji
How To Have Sincere Practice Serial: SR-00145 Suzuki Roshi edited from longer recording. The talk focuses on the nature of sincere Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of dedication and the rejection of superficial effort. It highlights the challenges faced by Zen practitioners in maintaining a true path and... *Building, Community, Meditation, Zendo, Obstacles, Interview, Silence, Breath, training, zen...*	Suzuki Roshi	Apr 25 1970 A City Center
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 Way-Seeking Mind Serial: SF-05116C March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 The talk focuses on the concept of the "way-seeking mind," which is the inclination to pursue spiritual understanding amidst the inherent contradictions and transient nature of life. It emphasizes the human condition of having... Dogen, Forgiveness, Addiction, Greed, Interview, Attachment, Conversation, Lay...	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 26 1966 A Sokoji
Priest Ordination Ceremony: Paul Discoe and Reb Anderson Serial: SR-00069A Reprocessed version may allow for clarification of transcript. The talk centers on the ordination ceremony of Paul Discoe and Reb Anderson, articulating the significance of this rite as a transmission of Buddha's teachings, lineage, and the acceptance of bodhisattva precepts. It emphasizes... Priest, Ceremony, Precepts, Don't Know Mind, Delusion, Greed, Interview, Gratitude, Karma...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 09 1970 City Center
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
Causality Serial: SF-05093J Suzuki lecture 6pm Weds Track 2, continued on Track 3 The discussion centers on the Buddhist understanding of causality, emphasizing that unlike mechanical or deterministic views, it integrates both materialistic and spiritual aspects, acknowledging freedom within a dynamic and ever... Sesshin, Time, Freedom, Happiness, Fox, Oneness, Enemies, Offering, Evil, Lay...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 17 1966 6:00pm Sokoji
You Cannot Appreciate Our Teaching In Its True Sense Serial: SF-05093B Monday, August 15, 1966Sesshin: Lunch Lecture, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco The talk on August 15, 1966, focuses on the importance of open-mindedness in understanding Zen teachings, using the example of food appreciation to illustrate how prejudices can hinder this understanding. The discourse suggests... Sesshin, Oryoki, Instruction, Discrimination, japanese	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 1966 B Sokoji
Liberty and Restriction Serial: SF-05116A March sesshin, only 1pm lecture. Evening lecture goofed up during recording.SR 007 Saturday, March 26, 1966 The talk explores the paradoxical relationship between liberty and restriction, emphasizing that true freedom can be realized through limitations. It asserts that restrictions provide a pathway to express individual freedom,... Sesshin, Balance, Freedom, Doubt, Faith, Ceremony	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 26 1966 BN Sokoji
Shushōgi, Section 1 Serial: SF-05095B Sesshin Lecture: SHUSHOGI, Section 1Sunday, March 13, 1966, Lecture BSokoji, San Francisco Tape operator's comments and bells at beginning of tape, left on ---------------------------Previous notes on this talk: [This date is... The talk focuses on "Shushogi," particularly Section 1, discussing the essential Buddhist concept of understanding birth and death as a pathway to enlightenment. It navigates the duality of suffering and nirvana, emphasizing that... Sesshin, Dogen, Shushogi, Attachment, Balance	Suzuki Roshi	Mar 13 1966 B Sokoji
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, reality, Dragons, Community, Emptiness, Wisdom, Building, American,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 15 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
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, heart, Death, Truth...*	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 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
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, training, Religion, Observe, Priest, Zazen,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 17 1971 City Center
To Be Honest And Sincere In Its True Sense It Is Necessary to Push Yourself Into Some Very Strong Hard Rule Serial: SF-06121B Sunday, August 16, 1970San Francisco [This is the second of two lectures with this date. This lecture began mid-way on Side A of the original tape after a prior lecture ended. This lecture appears to be complete.] Newly processed... The talk explores the necessity of embracing strict practice to realize one's true nature, drawing on Zen teachings to emphasize adjusting to nature rather than conquering it. The practice of Zen, including rituals like oryoki... *Faith, Hate, Doubt*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 16 1970 B City Center
The Ten Powers Of A Bodhisattva Serial: SF-05106 Sunday Morning, August 25, 1968[This date is probably incorrect. Earlier (July 21, 1968), Suzuki mentioned that he had already explained the ten powers of a bodhisattva. So this lecture was probably given sometime earlier in July... The talk elaborates on the ten powers of a bodhisattva, emphasizing the integration of relative and absolute perspectives in practice. Key differences between the Rinzai and Soto schools of Zen are tackled, with Soto's emphasis... Bodhisattva, Dogen, Rinzai, Soto Zen, Emptiness, Five Ranks, Attachment, Posture, Doubt,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 25 1968 Sokoji
Tokusan and The Old Lady Serial: SF-05114A ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #8, by Shundo David Haye ===== At Zen Center, responsibilities get passed on from person to person regularly. One part of traditional Zen training is that a monk should not expect to keep any... This talk explores the story of "Tokusan and the Old Lady" from Mumon's comment on Case 28 of the Mumonkan, with insights into Dogen's commentary from the 'Ungraspable Mind' fascicle in the Shobogenzo. It emphasizes the... Genjokoan, Buddha Mind, Zazen, Culture	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 19 1966 pm Sokoji
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-5 Serial: SF-06006 Third Lotus Sutra Series Tuesday Evening, October 28, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk explores the distinction between Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the divergent interpretations and approaches to Buddha's teachings over time. It outlines how the Theravada (Hinayana) tradition focused on... Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Skandas, Balance	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 28 1969 Series 3, Talk 5 Tassajara
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
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-14 Serial: SF-05683 Fall 1968 Zen Mountain Center The main focus of this talk is an exploration of the "Lotus Sutra," where the speaker delves into the intricate hierarchy of celestial beings, including bodhisattvas, gods, and other supernatural entities. The discussion includes... Lotus Sutra, Demons, Silence, Evil	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 14 Tassajara
Lotus Sūtra No. I-6 Serial: SR-00106 February 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk analyzes the eternal nature of Buddha's teachings as illustrated in the Lotus Sūtra, emphasizing the comprehensive and recursive expounding by Bodhisattva Varaprabha for countless kalpas. The discussion incorporates the... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, First Principle, Truth, Karma, Monks, Sutra, Suffering, Death,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 1968 Series 1, Talk 6 Tassajara
Zen Is Also Buddhism Serial: SF-05130C SR013 date? Fall 1967 Tassajara III - Side 1 + 1/2 side 2 Suzuki lecture copied The lecture explores the concept of "Zen as a part of Buddhism," focusing on the three-fold body of Buddha: Dharmakaya (truth), Sambhogakaya (teaching), and Nirmanakaya (historical being). It highlights how Mahayana Buddhism... *Mahayana, New Year, Buddha Nature, Hate, Observe, Concentration, Balance, Freedom, Doubt...*	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1967 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. III-6 Serial: SF-06005 Third Lotus Sutra Series Thursday Evening, October 30, 1969 Zen Mountain Center The talk analyzes a section of the Lotus Sutra and discusses its translation by Kumarajiva, emphasizing the accessibility and popularity of his rendition in China and Japan. The discussion includes the significance of certain... Lotus Sutra, Beginner’s Mind, Politics, Interview, Concentration, Precepts, Freedom, Doubt...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 30 1969 Series 3, Talk 6 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-12 Serial: SR-00004 Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. 12Shunryu Suzuki Lecture October 1968 This talk discusses the structure and teachings of the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing its dual structure comprising the concepts of Shakumon (rightness of forms) and absolute existence as they relate to experiencing Buddha's life. It... Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Suffering, Observe, Compassion, Intention, heart, Emptiness,...	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 12 Tassajara
Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-9 Serial: SF-06041 Audio Problem Set has been replaced by original recording, with speed adjustments made.Newly processed version should be a little clearer to trancsribe This talk discusses the assembly and significance of various supernatural beings and deities mentioned in the "Lotus Sutra." It explores their roles, origins, and transitions from ancient deities to protectors within the Buddhist... Lotus Sutra, Lotus Sutra, Suzuki Roshi, Demons	Suzuki Roshi	Oct 1968 Series 2, Talk 9 Tassajara
Bodhidharma Serial: SF-05081 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #22, by Shundo David Haye ===== In this second tape made by Dan Gourley at Tassajara in the summer of 1968, Suzuki Roshi starts by answering a question about a scroll of Bodhidharma... The talk focuses on the significance of the "first principle" in Zen practice, elaborating on Bodhidharma's foundational contributions to Zen thought through historical anecdotes and philosophical teachings, including his... Beginner’s Mind, First Principle, Time, First Principle, Bodhidharma, Faith, Beginners,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1968 Tassajara
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SF-05985A Shosan Ceremony, Sesshin, Feb 1968Tassajara This ceremony is re-edited from the original cassette, with non-SR (Bishop Sumi) sections removed, and the speed adjusted for clarity. The last portion was previously thought to be from... This talk during the Shosan Ceremony at Tassajara in February 1968 focuses on the depth of Zen practice, touching upon questions about true path, appreciation of the moment, and integration of mind and body. Key responses... Shosan, Sesshin, First Principle, Beginner’s Mind, First Principle, Lotus Sutra, Demons,...	Suzuki Roshi	Feb 1968 Tassajara
Become More Direct and Honest Serial: SF-05276 Protection Master: re-recording from cassette marked "Suzuki Roshi talk with background music: no date, original copied" (Sony C60 side A); recorded: 7 1/2 ips, bias: normal, recorded 'left and right' tracks,... The talk discusses the importance of being direct and honest, suggesting that this approach addresses a fundamental human tendency to escape discomfort and suffering. Emphasizing that real happiness derives not from avoidance but... *Posture, Instruction, Religion*	Suzuki Roshi	1968 Unknown
The Practice of Constancy Serial: SF-05132A SR015 - On this tape is Lecture C and last part of Lecture D. This tape is known as the C lecture tape of as #2 - Track 1 Roshi's Lecture C 9/12/67 - copied The lecture addresses the practice of constancy and patience in Zen, emphasizing that the Bodhisattva path involves helping others before oneself and contrasts it with the Hinayana focus on personal attainment. The discussion... Prajna Paramita, Bodhisattva, Precepts, Constancy, New Year, Mahayana, Enemies, Anger, Faith,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 12 1967 Tassajara
In the Prajnaparamita Sutra Serial: SF-05113B 5pm lecture begins this side This talk explores the concept of "no" or "not" as a strong affirmation in the Prajnaparamita Sutra, emphasizing the interconnectedness and wholeness of all existence. It explains that understanding the phrase "form is emptiness... Heart Sutra, Sengai, Dogen, Emptiness, Family Practice, Beginners, Transmission, Posture, Bell...	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 21 1966 5:00PM Sokoji
Saturday Evening Lecture Serial: SF-05117A Tape VIII (?) Side 1 Sat eve lecture (1 - 60); Side 2 Sat eve lecture (1-15?) The main thesis of the talk revolves around understanding Zen as both a personal practice and a tradition with varied schools and interpretations. Key discussions include the nature of enlightenment (or "satori") and its relation... Question-and-Answer, Daily Life, Buddha Nature, Happiness, Balance, Bell, Evil, Hate, Religion...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 31 1965 Sokoji
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
If Our Teaching Is A Special Teaching Serial: SF-05130B SR013 date? Fall 1967 Tassajara III - Side 2 2nd half - Part of Suzuki lecture copied The talk explores the relationship between general Buddhist teachings and what is considered "special teaching," focusing on the unique characteristics of Buddhism in assimilating various types of understanding,... *Religion*	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1967 Tassajara
Our Practice And Our Everyday Activity Serial: SF-05396 Saturday, August 30, 1969 Newly uploaded recording should be clearer to transcribe The talk emphasizes the integration of Zen practice into everyday life, focusing on the concept of "suchness" or "thusness" as described by Dogen. The discussion explores how understanding and experiencing this suchness, through... *Concentration, Composure, Gratitude, Fundraising, Posture, training, Faith*	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 30 1969 Tassajara
Observing the Precepts Serial: SF-05397 This is the second talk that Suzuki Roshi gave at Esalen on consecutive nights in June 1968. The talk explores the practice of observing precepts in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing zazen as a transmission of Buddha's teaching beyond duality through posture and rituals. A key concept is the relationship between teacher and... Precepts, Precepts, Teacher-and-Student, Ego, Posture, Karma, training, Composure, Ceremony...	Suzuki Roshi	Jun 29 1968 Esalen