The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Datesort descending

Think the Unthinkable

Serial: SF-05137B ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #20, by Shundo David Haye =====  This talk comes from the middle of the second sesshin at Tassajara, in December 1967. Unlike the extreme heat of the summer sesshin, students would have... The talk focuses on Dogen's text "Fukanzazengi," particularly its exploration of zazen's value and function. Key discussions include the concept of the hara as an energy center integral to spiritual practice and the notion of "...
Sesshin, Fukanzazengi, Buddha Mind, Sanctuary, Beginners, Duality, Separation, Evil...
Dec 04 1967
Afternoon
Tassajara

Good and Bad Feeling

Serial: SF-05141A Tuesday, December 5, 1967Afternoon Sesshin Lecture, Lecture ATassajara This talk explores the comparison between zazen practice and ordinary activities, emphasizing how focusing effort outwardly leads to attachment and fear due to the mind's crystallization. It contrasts this with zazen, where...
Sesshin, Attachment, Discrimination, Separation, Liberation, Freedom, Doubt, Faith...
Dec 05 1967
A
Tassajara

Nature of Our Practice

Serial: SF-05141B Tuesday, December 5, 1967, Lecture BEvening Sesshin LectureTassajara The lecture focuses on the nature of Zen practice, describing its challenge as akin to maintaining balance while standing on one's head. Emphasizing the teachings of Dogen Zenji, the discussion explores how true practice...
Sesshin, Dogen, Fukanzazengi, Dragons, Daily Life, Observe, Freedom, Beginners, Discrimination...
Dec 05 1967
B
Tassajara

Everything Itself Is Buddha

Serial: SF-05759 The talk explores the concept of "buddha-nature," challenging the notion that it is a separate or additional quality inherent in things. Instead, it posits that everything fundamentally "is" buddha. It stresses non-duality and...
Sesshin, Buddha Nature, Observe, Buddha, Practice
Dec 06 1967
B
Tassajara

The Mind Which We Will Acquire

Serial: SF-05829 The talk discusses the "big mind" as characterized by Dogen Zenji, focusing on its application in daily activities, particularly in monastic life. Key elements of this mind include joy, kindness, and magnanimity,...
Practice, Work, Dogen
Dec 06 1967
A
Tassajara

Shōsan Ceremony at Tassajara

Serial: SF-05139 The talk centers on the teachings of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment and understanding one's practice and self through daily activities. The discussant engages with students on a...
Shosan, Yaoshan, Teacher-and-Student, Daily Life, Observe, Ego, Delusion, Doubt...
Dec 07 1967
Tassajara

The Gift of Zazen

Serial: 67-12-14 -
Dec 14 1967
Los Altos

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
1968
Unknown

Meal Chant

Serial: SF-05138C SR022 - VII 1: Roshi talk - Meal Sutra (copied) - ZMC - 1968 year? This talk explicates the Meal Sutra, focusing on the recitation of the names of the Ten Buddhas during mealtime, which encapsulates the teachings of Buddha's various aspects: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya. The...
Evil, Vow
Jan 11 1968
Tassajara

Samantabadra Buddha

Serial: SF-05138B SR022 - VII 1: Roshi talk - Meal Sutra (copied) - 2: " little bit 2: (ready to go at 000 after Jan 11 lecture) (copied) - ZMC - 1968 year? The talk focuses on the teachings of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva as outlined in the Kegon Sutra, emphasizing the concepts of interdependence, the nature of existence, and bodhisattva vows as methods for practice and realization....
Offering, Enemies, Bowing, Bell, Vow, Karma, Faith, Ceremony
Jan 12 1968
Tassajara

Four Wives

Serial: 68-01-18 -
Jan 18 1968
Los Altos

Lotus Sūtra No. I-1

Serial: SR-00110 Lotus Sutra No. 1TassajaraFebruary 1968 This talk focuses on a detailed interpretation of verses from the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing the teachings of Bodhisattvas and the significance of various practices like dana (giving), zazen (meditation), and virtues of non-...
Lotus Sutra, Monks, Perfect Wisdom, Meditation, Wisdom, Precepts, Constancy, Demons, Bell,...
Feb 1968
Series 2, Talk 1
Tassajara

Lotus Sūtra No. I-5

Serial: SR-00105 February 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk at the Zen Mountain Center in February 1968 discusses the teachings of the Lotus Sūtra, focusing on the interaction between Manjusri and Maitreya, and their anticipation of the Buddha's teachings. It emphasizes the...
Lotus Sutra, First Principle, First Principle, Monks, Truth, Interview, Balance, Happiness,...
Feb 1968
Series 1, Talk 5
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...
Feb 1968
Series 1, Talk 6
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,...
Feb 1968
Tassajara

Lotus Sūtra No. I-2

Serial: SR-00111 February 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on interpretations of the Lotus Sūtra, specifically the miraculous events surrounding a ray of light emitted from Buddha's forehead and the significance of corporeal offerings such as food, monasteries, and...
Lotus Sutra, Building, Wisdom, Evil, Monks, Priest, Patience, Bodhidharma, Offering, Karma,...
Feb 1968
Series 1, Talk 2
Tassajara

Lotus Sūtra No. I-4

Serial: SR-00113 February 1968Zen Mountain Center This talk delves into a historical and philosophical analysis of the "Lotus Sūtra," emphasizing the repeated teachings by various Tathagatas named Kandrasuryapradipa, prior to and including Buddha. The narrative explores the...
Lotus Sutra, Monks, Addiction, Demons, Silence, Dragons, Meditation, Evil, Sutra, Death...
Feb 1968
Series 1, Talk 4
Tassajara

Lotus Sūtra No. I-3

Serial: SR-00117 February 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk examines a segment of the "Lotus Sūtra," focusing on a dialogue between Manjusri and Maitreya addressing the grand discourse and its deeper meanings. It discusses Manjusri's role in conveying the teaching of the law...
Lotus Sutra, Wisdom, Dana, Perfect Wisdom, Intention, Monks, Sutra, Precepts, Patience, Death...
Feb 1968
Series 1, Talk 3
Tassajara

Because I Was Not Well

Serial: SF-05143A SR023 Track 1 Suzuki Roshi's afternoon sesshin 4-23-68 copied [there are also photographs of hand-written notes on missing portions of Q&A - per tape operator's comments] The talk centers on the acceptance of personal limitations and how they relate to spiritual practice and understanding. Emphasis is placed on the idea that life inherently contains problems, and this is integral to existence;...
Sesshin, Koan, Ordinary Mind, Everyday Mind, Faith, Composure, Doubt, Religion...
Apr 23 1968
A
Tassajara

Shosan Ceremony

Serial: SF-05143B SR023 Track 1 to 1/3 of other side Suzuki Roshi Question and Answer ceremony - copied 2 tapes [there are also photographs of hand-written notes on missing portions of Q&A - per tape operator's comments] The talk centers on a Shosan Ceremony, exploring Zen koans and teachings, focusing on the concepts of "something special" versus "something common," and the understanding of non-attachment, desire, and practice. Through a series...
Sesshin, Shosan, Emptiness, Attachment, Hate, Faith, Interview, Enemies, Evil, Doubt...
Apr 23 1968
B
Tassajara

Shuso Ceremony

Serial: SF-05143C SR023 Last 2/3 side 2 Philip's discussion ceremony - copied 2 tapes [there are also photographs of hand-written notes on missing portions of Q&A - per tape operator's comments] The main thesis of the talk reflects on a Zen Shuso Ceremony, highlighting the successful conclusion of a training period facilitated by communal support. The reflection emphasizes the natural progression and maturation witnessed...
Sesshin, Shuso Ceremony, Big Mind, Bell, Bodhidharma, Gratitude, Buddha Nature, Commitment,...
Apr 23 1968
C
Tassajara

Esalen Institute: First of two lectures

Serial: SF-05870 This is the first of two talks given at Esalen. The talk delves into the interconnectedness of Zen Buddhism with broader Buddhist teachings, highlighting the concept of 'selflessness' and its importance in balancing the understanding of life. This teaching is framed within the...
Dogen, Time, Four Noble Truths, Lotus Sutra, New Year, Continuous Practice, Emptiness, Soto...
Jun 28 1968
Esalen

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, Composure, Ceremony...
Jun 29 1968
Esalen

Comments

Serial: 68-07-00 Wind Bell 68-03-04 and Shunryu Suzuki comments from visit of Soen Nakagawa, Hakuun Yasutani, and other teachers to Tassajara in July of 1968. -
Jul 1968

What is Soto and what is Rinzai?

Serial: SF-05144A SR024 Tass July 26/68 Roshi Sectarianism copied; July 21 Chino Sensei; July 24 Chino Sensei - also many handwritten notes on the contentNB: the date for the SR talk in the photographs is not the same as Chadwick. This talk takes... The talk explores the distinctions between Soto and Rinzai Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practice-oriented nature of Zen in contrast to the understanding-focused approach of other Buddhist schools. The discussion delves into the...
Soto Zen, Rinzai, Buddha Nature, Bodhidharma, Evil, Bowing, Mahayana, Gratitude, Ego, Bell,...
Jul 26 1968
Tassajara

To Have Complete Understanding of Our School

Serial: SF-05144B SR024 Tass July 26/68 Roshi Sectarianism copied; July 21 Chino Sensei; July 24 Chino Sensei - also many handwritten notes on the content. Since there was no talk by Chino Sensei on this tape, this is dated July 27th as it seems... The talk emphasizes understanding the Zen school's essence and non-sectarianism, highlighting the historical emergence of Buddhist sects through the translation of scriptures in China and Japan. The discourse contrasts different...
Anger, Politics, Liberation, Posture, Bell, Priest, confusion, Hate, Freedom, Doubt...
Jul 27 1968
Tassajara

Bring Me The Rhinoceros Fan

Serial: SF-05086  ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #21, by Shundo David Haye =====  For whatever reason, there are few talks existing from the summer of 1968. At Tassajara, in the spring and the fall training periods, Suzuki Roshi... The talk highlights the challenge of distinguishing intellectual understanding from experiential insight, especially within Zen practice. It focuses on the necessity of balancing effort with non-attachment in practice,...
Koan, Faith, Freedom
Jul 28 1968
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,...
Jul 29 1968
Tassajara

Fragment

Serial: 68-08-04 -
Aug 04 1968
Sokoji

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,...
Aug 25 1968
Sokoji

Shosan Ceremony

Serial: SF-05094 ===== Awakening the Archive - Tape #23, by Shundo David Haye ===== This was the last of the three 5" reels that appeared to be from the summer of 1968, but there were no visual clues beyond the note "sounds like ZMC... The talk is a shosan ceremony, a formal question-and-answer session following a seven-day sesshin, where participants engage in a dialogue exploring Zen practice concepts. Central themes include the nature of self-realization,...
Shosan, Separation, Faith, Emptiness, confusion, Dragons, Ego, Passions, Realization...
Sep 10 1968
Tassajara

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, Enemies...
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, Ceremony, Emptiness, Priest, Funeral, Composure, Monks, Freedom...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 10
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
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, Emptiness, Sutra,...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 12
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-13

Serial: SR-00005 Fall 1968Zen Mountain Center This lecture focuses on the figures and concepts within the Lotus Sutra, illustrating the roles and relationships of various bodhisattvas and arhats. It details the presence and significance of Buddha's family members and...
Lotus Sutra, Wisdom, Monks, Sutra, Dana, Silence, Lay, Transmission, Karma, Breath...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 13
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-15

Serial: SR-00006 Fall, 1968Zen Mountain Center The talk delves into specific sections of the "Lotus Sutra," focusing on the narrative where Maitreya questions Manjushri about the miraculous events observed during Buddha's meditation, emphasizing the role of past Jinas and the...
Lotus Sutra, First Principle, Conversation, Meditation, Demons, American, First Principle,...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 15
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
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 9
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-5

Serial: SR-00100 Fall, 1968 The talk examines key concepts from the "Lotus Sutra," emphasizing the view of the Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya worlds as central to understanding life and reality in the Mahayana tradition. It highlights the...
Lotus Sutra, Wisdom, Discrimination, Perfect Wisdom, Monks, Mahayana, Buddha Nature, Balance,...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 5
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-4

Serial: SR-00141 Fall 1968 Zen Mountain Center The talk examines the interpretation of the "Lotus Sutra" and its attribution to the historical Buddha. It discusses the development of Buddhist teachings, emphasizing that many sutras, including the "Lotus Sutra," were created...
Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Vow, Attachment, Intention, Dragons, Continuous Practice, Karma,...
Oct 1968
C
Tassajara

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
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 14
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
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 3
Tassajara

Lotus Sutra, Lecture No. II-4

Serial: SF-05255 Fall 1968 Zen Mountain Center The talk focuses on interpreting the Lotus Sutra and its relevance to the understanding of Buddhism's evolving nature. It emphasizes the distinction between historical Buddha teachings and the teachings developed by Mahayana...
Lotus Sutra, Mahayana, Passions, Attachment, Vow
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 4
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
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 6
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,...
Oct 1968
Series 2, Talk 7
Tassajara

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, Monks, Obstacles, Instruction, Precepts...
Oct 12 1968
A
Sokoji

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...
Oct 12 1968
B
Sokoji

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 examines the intricacies and origins of the Lotus Sutra, emphasizing its philosophical and doctrinal significance beyond its historical attribution to Shakyamuni Buddha. The discussion delves into the concepts of...
Lotus Sutra, Buddha, Nirmanakaya, Buddhism
Oct 20 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,...
Oct 21 1968
Series 2, Talk 2
Tassajara

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, Emotions, Demons,...
Nov 11 1968
Tassajara

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