The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 439 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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*	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	Dec 07 1967 Tassajara
The Gift of Zazen Serial: 67-12-14 -	Suzuki Roshi	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*	Suzuki Roshi	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*	Suzuki Roshi	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*	Suzuki Roshi	Jan 12 1968 Tassajara
Four Wives Serial: 68-01-18 -	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi, Philip Wilson	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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. -	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 29 1968 Tassajara
Fragment Serial: 68-08-04 -	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...	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, Ceremony, Emptiness, Priest, Funeral, Composure, Monks, Freedom...	Suzuki Roshi	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	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, Emptiness, Sutra,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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...*	Suzuki Roshi	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	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	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,...	Suzuki Roshi	Nov 11 1968 Tassajara

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