The Berkeley Zen Center Audio Archive

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Showing 3277 talks

Title	Speaker	Date
Transient Nature of All Things and No-Self Serial: BZ-00045A Saturday Lecture The talk explores the transient nature of life and the concept of no-self in Buddhism, largely referencing Dogen's "Gakudo Yojinshu" to emphasize the importance of arousing the enlightened mind or bodhi mind for genuine practice... No-Self, Impermanence,	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Nov 06 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Practice is Enlightenment, Ridgepole Ceremony Serial: BZ-00043B Saturday Lecture This talk discusses the inherent relationship between practice and enlightenment, emphasizing that true understanding arises from continuous, intentional practice rather than merely conceptualizing enlightenment. Drawing on Dogen... *Enlightenment, Delusion*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Oct 30 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Women in Buddhism, Ordination Serial: BZ-00042 Lecture The lecture explores the nuances of women's ordination in Buddhism, highlighting a personal journey towards full ordination and its implications for the transmission of Buddhism to the West. The speaker emphasizes the lack of... Buddha Nature, Family Practice, Lay Practice, Ordination, Precepts, Transmission...	Pema Chödrön	Oct 24 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Dogen's Fukanzazengi and Practice Realization Serial: BZ-00043A Saturday Lecture The talk examines Dogen's "Fukanzazengi" as a foundational text promoting the principles of zazen, describing its practical focus alongside its inherent philosophical complexities. It dissects Dogen's commentary on non-duality,... *Enlightenment, Zazen*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Oct 23 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Relationship Between Teacher and Student Serial: BZ-00040B Saturday Lecture The talk focuses on the intricate dynamics between teacher and student within Zen practice, illustrated through the concept of 'sendaba'—a single term conveying multiple meanings dependent on context. This metaphor underscores... Teacher-and-Student, Enlightenment	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Oct 09 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Pre-Practice versus Practice: The “Gap” Serial: BZ-00040A Saturday Lecture The talk explores the concept of "pre-practice" versus "actual practice" in Zen, emphasizing the importance of total immersion in practice to achieve wholeness and completeness. The discussion highlights that practice is about...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Oct 02 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
The Self-Centered Meets the Absolute Serial: BZ-00041B Sesshin Day 2 The talk explores the relationship between self-centeredness and the absolute, emphasizing how Zen practice integrates mindfulness into everyday actions and interactions. The discussion highlights the importance of harmonizing... *Samadhi*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Sep 26 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Emptiness Means Interdependence Serial: BZ-00041A Sesshin Day 1 The talk explores themes of interdependence and emptiness within the framework of Zen practice, connecting the philosophical concepts to contemporary issues of global conflict and personal responses to tragedy, exemplified by the... *Zazen*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Sep 25 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Joshu, Wash Your Bowls: On Handling Activity Serial: BZ-00036B Saturday Lecture This talk explores the Buddhist approach to handling suffering by minimizing the self, highlighting the importance of introspection to uncover the true personality beyond ego. It delves into the concept of living in the present...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Sep 18 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Natural Zen and Buddhist Zen Serial: BZ-00039B Saturday Lecture The talk examines distinctions between natural Zen and Buddhist Zen practices, particularly in the American context, emphasizing the roles of monks, priests, and laypeople as they relate to Zen practice. One of the key...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Sep 11 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Japanese Practice/American Practice: Differences Serial: BZ-00039A Saturday Lecture The talk examines the differences between Zen practice in Japan and America, focusing on the adaptation of traditional Japanese practices to fit the American context. It discusses various cultural dynamics, such as the... Japan, Lay Practice, Family Practice, Japan	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Sep 04 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Work Sesshin: Building the New Zendo Serial: BZ-00037B One day sitting lecture The talk focuses on the intricate connection between construction work on the new zendo and broader themes of mindfulness, respect for materials, and the societal tendency to discard the seemingly useless. It underscores the... *Zazen*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Aug 21 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
August 21, 1982, Serial No 01528B Serial: BZ-01528B One-Day Sitting - Sangha, Non-violence, Study Period, Karma, Happiness	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Aug 21 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Work Serial: BZ-00035 Saturday Lecture The talk focuses on the relationship between work, practice, and non-preference in Zen philosophy. It explores how manual work is a fundamental part of Zen practice, not only as a practical necessity but as an expression of... *Lay Practice, Separation, Tassajara*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Aug 14 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
The Arms Race: Peace, Nonviolence, Aggression Serial: BZ-00037A Lecture The lecture addresses the consequences of the global arms race and emphasizes the role of karma and thoughts in shaping actions, referencing the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It connects the momentum of weapon proliferation...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Aug 07 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
August 7, 1982, Serial No. 01528A Serial: BZ-01528A Saturday Lecture - Non-violence, Current Events, Non-violence, War, Hate, Karma, Concentration, Conversation...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Aug 07 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Blue Cliff Record, Case #80: Does a Baby Have the 6th Consciousness? Serial: BZ-00033 Saturday Lecture The talk explores the Blue Cliff Record, Case #80, focusing on the nature of consciousness as addressed in a dialogue between a monk and Zen Master Joshu. The discussion involves the interpretation of different schools of... Consciousness, Storehouse Consciousness, Monastic Practice, Buddha Nature, Karma, Hindrances,...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jul 31 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Trust in One’s Self and the Eightfold Path Serial: BZ-01516B Saturday Lecture - *Concentration, Eight Aspects, Emotions, Heart Sutra*	Arnie Kotler	Jul 24 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Zazen: Posture, Attention, Resistance, Naming Serial: BZ-00034B One day sitting The talk focuses on the practice of zazen, emphasizing posture and the ongoing process of harmonizing body and mind through meditation. It stresses the significance of maintaining a straight spine and balanced head position,... *Zazen, Posture*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jul 16 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Talk on the "Women in Buddhism" Conference Serial: BZ-00030A Lecture The talk addresses key discussions and activities from the "Women in Buddhism" conference, highlighting the exploration of women's roles and representations in Buddhist texts and practice. Central themes include the examination...	Fran Tribe	Jul 12 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Meeting with Berkeley Zen Center Serial: BZ-00032 Meeting The talk centers on the intersection of lay practice in Zen Buddhism and the historical roles of women within the tradition, using a koan about a woman in a hut as a focal point to explore these themes. The narrative emphasizes... *Buddha Mind, Fundraising, Interview, Lay Practice, Sangha, Soto Zen, Teacher-and-Student...*	Deborah Hopkinson	Jul 08 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Blue Cliff Record, Case #35: Manjushri's "3's" and "3's"; Nondiscrimination Serial: BZ-00034A Saturday Lecture BCR-35 The talk is centered around the exploration of the Blue Cliff Record, Case #35, "Manjushri's Threes and Threes," examining the nature of discernment in Zen practice and the concept of nondiscrimination. Through the tale involving... Non-discrimination, Koan, Manjushri	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jul 03 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Mumonkan Case #19: "Nansen's Everyday Mind is the Way" Serial: BZ-00036A Saturday Lecture MM-19 The talk explores the Zen principle that "ordinary mind is the way," focusing on Case #19 from the Mumonkan, where Joshu seeks guidance from Nansen. The discussion emphasizes the contrast between the "bright" and "dark" sides of... Nansen, Absolute-and-Relative, Koan, Ordinary Mind, Nansen	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jun 26 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Mindfulness and Care: Adapting to Conditions Serial: BZ-01516A Sesshin - *Lay Practice, Composure, Daily Life, Non-discrimination, Priest*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jun 01 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Women's Practice Serial: BZ-00031 Lecture The lecture explores the integration of feminine identity and practice in Zen, reflecting on personal transformations and feminist insights. The speaker discusses the shift from identifying as an opposition to men to embracing a... *Family Practice, Transmission, Tassajara, Forgiveness, Politics, Liberation*	Zenkei Blanche Hartman	May 30 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Problems in Practice: Calm Mind in Daily Activities Serial: BZ-00008B Saturday Lecture The talk focuses on the Zen practice of character development over problem-solving, especially how challenges in daily life serve as opportunities for personal growth and deepening one's practice. It emphasizes the need to... Daily Life, Zazen	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 28 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Blue Cliff Record, Case #17: “Sitting Long and Getting Tired” Serial: BZ-00029B Sesshin Day 5 BCR-17 The talk focuses on Case #17 from the Blue Cliff Record, titled "Sitting Long and Getting Tired," exploring the philosophical interpretations of the Zen koan regarding Bodhidharma’s journey from the West. The discussion... Composure, Zazen, Koan, Samadhi, First Principle	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 23 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Fundraising for the New Zendo: What is Our Basis? Serial: BZ-00007B Sesshin Day 4 The talk discusses the ongoing efforts to fundraise and build a new Zendo, emphasizing the collective responsibility and shared practice of the community. It highlights the necessity of safety measures, reflecting on past... Fundraising, Sangha, Samadhi	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 22 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Vigor During Sesshin: Soto and Rinzai Practice Compared Serial: BZ-00007A Sesshin Day 3 The talk explores the vigorous practices observed during a sesshin at a Zen center, contrasting the formality of Soto Zen with the more relaxed approach of Rinzai Zen. The importance of maintaining energy and precision during... Sesshin, Soto Zen, Rinzai, Soto Zen	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 21 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Essence of Mind: The Fifth Paramita, Subject and Object, Buddhanature Serial: BZ-00008A Saturday Lecture The lecture explores the fifth paramita, dhyana, equating it with prajna (wisdom) and samadhi (concentration), essential concepts in realizing Buddha nature or true nature. Emphasis is placed on Zazen meditation as a practice... Subject-and-Object, Duality, Buddha Nature, Buddha Nature	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 15 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Japanese Zen Practice in America Serial: BZ-00029A Lecture The talk explores the adaptation of Japanese Zen practice within the American context, touching on cultural variations in meditation postures, the integration of Zen Buddhist principles, and the unique evolution of Zen centers in... Alan Watts, Buddha Nature,	Philip Whalen	May 07 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Composure: The Third Paramita Serial: BZ-00009B Saturday Lecture The talk explores the concept of composure as the third paramita in Buddhist practice, using the metaphor of managing money and daily activities as described in a poem. The narrative illustrates how the relentless pursuit of... Patience, Composure	Sojun Mel Weitsman	May 01 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Effort, The Fourth Paramita (Virya): Blue Cliff Record: Case #44, "Beating the Drum" Serial: BZ-00009A Saturday Lecture This talk explores the concept of effort (virya), the fourth paramita in Mahayana Buddhism, using the Blue Cliff Record's Case 44, "Beating the Drum," to illustrate the balance between learning, practice, and understanding in Zen... Virya, Koan,	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Apr 24 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Bodhisattva Ceremony Recording Serial: BZ-00010A Recording of BZC's monthly Bodhisattva Ceremony. The Kokyo is Fran Tribe. The talk is centered on the Bodhisattva Ceremony, exploring the process of acknowledging and avowing past karma, born from greed, hatred, and delusion. It emphasizes the dedication to ending delusions and following the Dharma... Bodhisattva Ceremony, Bodhisattva Way, Hate, Karma		Apr 18 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Practicing Wholeheartedly with Change Serial: BZ-00010B Saturday lecture. The talk explores Dogen's perspective on the practice of zazen by both laypeople and monks, highlighting the inclusivity and universal accessibility of Buddhist practice. The discourse references historical examples, such as... Lay Practice, Bendowa, Impermanence, Lay Practice, Zazen	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Apr 18 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Dana: The First Paramita Serial: BZ-00011B Saturday Lecture The talk explores "Dana," the first of the six paramitas in Buddhism, focusing on its practice and manifestation in daily life. It highlights how dana, or giving, represents a fundamental life force and expression of openness,... Dana Paramita, Dana Paramita, Study	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Apr 17 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Six Paramitas and Four Ideas of Giving Serial: BZ-00012B One day sitting The talk explores the six paramitas as foundational to Zen practice, focusing particularly on the first paramita, dana (giving). It discusses how each paramita supports the others and considers giving as the most fundamental and... *Lotus Sutra, Study Period, Patience, Hate, Lay Practice*	Zoketsu Norman Fischer	Apr 10 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
The Meaning of Devotion Serial: BZ-00011A Saturday Lecture - *Buddha Nature, Emotions, Mahayana, Heart Sutra, Avalokitesvara, Ego, Manjushri, Sangha,...*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Apr 03 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Fukudo Lesson Serial: BZ-00012A Instruction This talk focuses on the nuances of Fukudo, which involves coordinating the sounds and rhythm in Zen chanting practices. Attention is given to the construction and sound quality of traditional instruments, the importance of... Doanryo, Chanting, Interview, Happiness	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Apr 01 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Study Period Practice/The Six Paramitas Lay Practice Serial: BZ-00013 Lecture The talk delves into the concept and practice of "study periods" within the context of lay Zen practice, contrasting it with monastic training periods. The discussion focuses on the idea that study is not limited to academic... *Study Period, Monastic Practice, Daily Life, Mahayana, Patience, Precepts*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Mar 27 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Celebration of Spring--This Shore, The Other Shore: Keeping Your Place Serial: BZ-00014B One-Day Sitting The talk explores the Zen Buddhist concept of the "other shore" (Higan) and its implications for understanding life and enlightenment. It emphasizes recognizing enlightenment in everyday life, arguing that true happiness and... *Hui-neng, Heart Sutra, Nirvana, Happiness*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Mar 20 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Soto and Rinzai Practice: Koans Serial: BZ-00014A Sesshin Day 2 The discussion explores the nuances between Soto and Rinzai Zen practices, highlighting the similarities and differences, particularly in their approach to koans. It emphasizes that beneath their surface differences, both... Teacher-and-Student, Rinzai, Daily Life, Interview, Soto Zen, Concentration, Emotions...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Feb 27 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Rinzai Zen Serial: BZ-00015 Sesshin day 1 The talk explores the experiences and teachings of engaging with Rinzai Zen, highlighting the practice of zazen and koan study. It emphasizes the non-duality of Zen, illustrated by teachings from historical figures like Wei Neng... *Hui-neng, Soto Zen, Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, Platform Sutra, Doubt, Buddha Mind, Samadhi, Don...*	Gesshin Cheney	Feb 26 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Hyakujo and the Fox: Form and Emptiness, Karma Serial: BZ-00016B Sesshin Day 2 The talk delves into the essence of practice, emphasizing the integration of zazen, or meditation, with daily activities. It explores the unity of practice whether one is a priest or layperson, highlighting that sincere practice... Hyakujo, Karma, Form-and-Emptiness, Karma, Priest-and-Lay, Priest, Daily Life, Lay Practice,...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Feb 21 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo -- Endless Dimension: Ten Phrase Avalokiteshvara Sutra Serial: BZ-00016A Sesshin Day 1 The talk discusses the "Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo" or the "Ten Phrase Avalokiteshvara Sutra," exploring the profound concepts within each phrase and their relation to compassion and Buddha nature. It elucidates the sutra's depiction... Dharani, Buddha Nature, Birth-and-Death, Sangha, Big Mind, Karma, Manjushri, Happiness,...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Feb 20 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Buddha's Parinirvana: Eight Aspects of Enlightenment Serial: BZ-00017 One Day Sitting The talk centers on Shakyamuni Buddha's Parinirvana, exploring the profound teachings encapsulated in the Brief Admonitions Parinirvana Sutra. It highlights the eight aspects of enlightened behavior, crucial for spiritual... Parinirvana Sutra, Enlightenment, Eight Aspects, Eight Aspects, Right Effort, Nirvana,...	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Feb 13 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
The Importance of Study Serial: BZ-00018 Saturday Lecture The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and philosophical context of Buddhist practice, contrasting it with a more superficial understanding or cult-like practice that lacks depth. It stresses the need... *Concentration, Continuous Practice, Daily Life, Dragons, Lotus Sutra, Rinzai, Study Period...*	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jan 23 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Participating Completely: Posture, Breath, Body, Mind, Zazen, Kinhin, Eating Serial: BZ-00019B One-Day Sitting The talk discusses the challenge and practice of participating fully in zazen and other activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and mindfulness in posture, breath, and movement throughout the day. The... Zazen, Kinhin, Oryoki, Posture, Concentration, Conversation	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jan 16 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
New Year/ A Time to Renew Practice: Continuous Time, Continuous Practice Serial: BZ-00019A One-Day Sitting The talk focuses on the concept of continuous practice in Zen, particularly through zazen. It emphasizes the importance of renewing one’s fundamental practice continuously and highlights the role of time in experiencing life... New Year, Continuous Practice, Interview, Priest	Sojun Mel Weitsman	Jan 09 1982 Berkeley Zen Center
Pure Effort In Everyday Busy Life Serial: BZ-00020 Saturday Lecture The talk, titled "Pure Effort In Everyday Busy Life," explores the concept of perfect effort in Zen practice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pure effort in daily activities despite life's distractions and challenges.... Posture, New Year Celebration, Don't Know Mind, Practice Period, Concentration, Tassajara...	Eijun Linda Cutts	Jan 02 1982 Berkeley Zen Center

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