The Suzuki Roshi Audio Archive

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Showing 439 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Suzuki's 65th Birthday Serial: SR-00018 Sunday Morning, May 18, 1969Sokoji, San Francisco The talk reflects on the nuances of Zen practice as it relates to aging and sincerity, emphasizing a practice of humility and continuous learning through interactions with fellow practitioners. It advocates for a fundamental Zen... *Priest, Building, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Beginners, Instruction, Anger, Posture, Pain...*	Suzuki Roshi	May 18 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
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
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
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
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
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
Practice Should Be The Practice Of “Right Now.” Serial: SR-00024 Thursday, July 3, 1969 Tassajara The talk discusses the concept of practicing Zen in the present moment, highlighting the doctrine of "Form is emptiness and emptiness is form" as it relates to the immediacy and reality of experiences. The ideas of shochuhen,... Heart Sutra, Emptiness, Forms, Faith, reality, training, Enemies, War, Death...	Suzuki Roshi	Jul 03 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 The talk primarily focuses on understanding the Buddhist Twelve Links of Causation and its relation to ignorance, free will, and interdependence. The speaker explains that everything originates from ignorance, and through a... Question-and-Answer, Practice, Time, Suffering	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 21 1969 Tassajara
Our Way To Attain Liberation Serial: SF-05087B Tassajara 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 centers on the nature of Buddhist practice and the attainment of enlightenment, emphasizing the understanding that practice is integral to realizing one's true mind. The story of the Sixth Patriarch is used to illustrate... Sixth Patriarch, Monastic Practice, Japan, Sixth Patriarch, Practice, Time	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 21 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
Question and Answer Serial: SR-00083 The talk examines the themes of suffering, ignorance, and practice in Zen Buddhism, focusing on how improvement and motivation can relate to suffering. It discusses the concepts of ignorance as both a hindrance and a source of... Question-and-Answer, Buddha Nature, Suffering, Separation, Pain, American, Anger, Attachment,...	Suzuki Roshi	Aug 25 1969 Tassajara
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
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
Sesshin, Sixth Night Lecture Serial: SR-00129 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 The talk focuses on Zen teachings regarding the distinction between the "small mind" and the "big mind," exemplified in the exchange between the Seventeenth Patriarch and the Eighteenth Patriarch about whether it is the bell or... Sesshin, Don't Know Mind, Posture, Ceremony, Addiction, Duality, Beginners, Zazen,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Sesshin, Third Night Lecture Serial: SR-00130 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 The talk delves into the intersection of practice and enlightenment in Zen, emphasizing that true practice encompasses everything, aligning with Dogen Zenji's teachings. The practice, whether in zazen or sutra recitation,... *Sesshin, Emptiness, reality, Passions, Intuition, Bell, Forms, American, difficulty...*	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Shosan Ceremony Serial: SR-00213 TassajaraSeptember, 1969 [Beginning of ceremony not recorded.] The talk centers on a Shosan Ceremony at Tassajara, emphasizing the nature of karma, the integration of breath practices, and the duality of life and death from a Zen perspective. The discussion explores various philosophical... Sesshin, Shosan, Perfect Wisdom, Dragons, Breath, Death, Intuition, Lay, Bell, Continuous...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Stand Up By The Ground Serial: SF-05209 Protection Master "Suzuki Roshi summer sesshin 1969 2nd night lecture Sesshin, Second Night LectureSeptember, 1969Tassajara The talk discusses the concept of "inmo," as presented by Dogen Zenji, exploring its dual nature as both a definitive presence and a question, with parallels drawn to the term "it" in English. The speaker elaborates on how this... Sesshin, Dogen, Time, Continuous Practice, Freedom, Doubt	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Wherever You Are, Enlightenment Is There Serial: SF-05184 Sesshin: First Night Lecture, “I Don't Know Zazen”September 1969Tassajara Knowing that we have buddha nature even while we are in the dualistic world of good and bad. Analogy with various parts of a meal. Analogy... The talk addresses the dual nature of existence, emphasizing the recognition of buddha-nature amidst dualistic notions of good and bad. It highlights the importance of zazen practice in realizing enlightenment within imperfection... Dogen, Buddha Nature, Enlightenment, Practice, Enlightenment, Zazen	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 1969 Tassajara
Pure Silk, Sharp Iron Serial: SR-00246 Sitting cross-legged - and then what? Having the right state of mind. Chinese and Japanese culture. His absent-mindedness, impatience. Virtue of endurance. The talk explores the concept of Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of attaining a certain state of mind through both physical posture and deep personal experience. It draws analogies from Japanese and Chinese cultural... Zazen, Dogen, Culture, Ego, Transmission, training, Patience, Forms, Pain, War, American,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 14 1969
Why I Came to America Serial: SR-00157 "Why I became a priest" Memories of his father as a temple priest. Wanting to be an unusual priest himself, to teach people. Training at a temple with Oka Sotan. Enjoying teaching people who have no preconceptions about... The talk reflects on the personal journey to becoming a priest and coming to America, influenced by a background of poverty and the historic hardships faced by Buddhist temples due to governmental Shinto favoritism. Key... Priest, Meiji, Japan, Dogen, Priest, training, New Year, Ceremony, Enemies, Monks, Sutra,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969 Sokoji
On Zen Center History, Personal History, and Nona Ransom Serial: SF-05577 Interview of Suzuki Roshi by Peter Schneider - Interview, Priest, Greed, Separation, Balance, confusion	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969 2 of 2
On Zen Center History, Personal History, and Nona Ransom Serial: SF-05610 Interview of Suzuki Roshi by Peter Schneider The talk explores personal and Zen Center history, focusing on experiences with Miss Nona Ransom and the journey to understanding and practicing Zen. The narrative includes reflections on early students at the Zen Center, the... Interview, Transmission, Priest, Hate, Suzuki Roshi, training, Enemies, Passions, Bell,...	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969 1 of 2
Interview of Suzuki by Peter Schneider Serial: 69-09-16-IB Entered onto disk by DC 1996 or soRevised by Bill Redican 9/01 [I dated this 69-09-16 to go with other Peter Schneider interview and lecture of that date. Transcription was difficult with much time spent making sure -- or maybe... - Interview, First Principle,	Suzuki Roshi	Sep 16 1969

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