The No Abode Audio Archive

The talk explores the first abode of a bodhisattva, focusing on the non-abiding mind's initial arousal and the conditions fostering such an awakening. It considers the aspiration to become a bodhisattva and examines practices and...

The talk revolves around the concept of the "temple of no abode," emphasizing that the essence of spirituality is not about attaining something but recognizing the inherent Buddhahood in everyone. It discusses the...

The talk explores the concept of Zen temples as "Houses for Making Buddhas," addressing the transformation from Bodhisattvas to Buddhas without viewing meditation as a mere tool. Emphasis is placed on the practice of zazen (...

The talk elucidates the intersection of Zen and the influence of the "Flower Adornment Sutra" within Zen dialogues, using a case from the "Book of Serenity" featuring a koan discussion between monks Luzhu and Nanjuan. It...

The talk explores the theme of practicing meditation as a selfless act, emphasizing that sitting meditation should be approached as a service to all beings and Buddhas rather than a personal endeavor. The discussion contrasts...

The talk centers on the Bodhisattva Samadhi as described in the Flower Adornment Scripture, exploring its relevance to Zen practice and how it encompasses all forms of meditation, including Dhyana practices. The Bodhisattva...

The talk explores the question "What's the point?" focusing on how different individuals perceive the purpose or point of their actions, particularly in relation to comfort and discomfort. The discussion highlights...

The talk explores the concept of attuning to the Buddha body, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality as presented in the Avatamsaka Sutra. The discussion centers on the ungraspable and omnipresent nature of the Buddha body...

The talk primarily addresses the themes of impermanence and interconnectedness from the viewpoint of a sentient being reflecting on personal aging and mortality, emphasizing the compassion that arises through the recognition of...

The talk focuses on the concept of transition and continuity within the Buddha Dharma, emphasizing the practice of "Purifying Practices" from the eleventh book of the "Flower Adornment Scripture" or "Hua Yan Jing". The discussion...

The talk explores the concept of "Buddha's Field of Blessing," discussing the varied translations and interpretations of this term as linked to fields of merit and compassion. The discussion emphasizes the impartial and...

The primary focus of the discussion is an exploration of Book Ten of the "Flower Adornment Scripture," in which Manjushri Bodhisattva asks a series of nuanced questions to emphasize the perpetual and essential nature of inquiry...

The primary focus of the talk is on the Four Noble Truths and the Mahayana emphasis on the bodhisattva precept to embrace and sustain all living beings. The discussion encourages reflection on the practice of sustaining all...

The talk delves into integrating the Flower Adornment Scripture with traditional Zen practice, focusing specifically on the seventh book, "Names of Buddha." It explores the significance of names offered in the sutra to...

The discussion centers on the Avatamsaka Sutra, focusing on its significance in Zen practice and its intricate descriptions as a "flower garland" adorning the Buddha. The talk elaborates on how faithful practice can be...

In the Dharma talk held at No Abode Hermitage, the commencement of studying the Avatamsaka Sutra was discussed, focusing on its integration with Zen practice. The talk included examination of how Zen ancestors in China and India...

In this discussion focusing on the art of Dharma conversation, Dharma is portrayed as an interactive process rather than a static acquisition. It encompasses not only speech but also silence, gestures, and stillness, emphasizing...

A talk given to the No Abode Community on February 10th, 2024.   The talk discusses the interplay between the teachings of the "Flower Adornment Scripture" and the "Book of Serenity," which is a collection of Zen koans. It is highlighted how these texts help in...

Book 25 - Ten Dedications p 649 Thomas Cleary translation     The talk explores the verses articulated by the enlightening being Diamond Banner in the "Flower Adornment Sutra," focusing on the behavior and attributes of enlightening beings. It discusses the concept of true thusness, the...

Book 26 - The Ten Stages Thomas Cleary translation     The talk provides a detailed examination of the stages of the enlightening beings as presented in Book 26 of "The Flower Adornment Sutra," translated by Thomas Cleary. It addresses the Ten Stages, specifically focusing on the...

Book 26 - The Ten Stages, p 744 Thomas Cleary translation   The primary focus of the talk is the detailed exploration of "Book 26 - The Ten Stages" from the Flower Adornment Sutra, specifically the sixth stage of enlightening beings, indicating the profound insights into non-origination...

Book 26 - The Ten Stages p 788   Thomas Cleary translation   This talk explores the tenth stage of realization in The Flower Adornment Sutra, known as the "Cloud of Teaching" stage. The discourse elucidates the profound spiritual attainment where enlightening beings, after reaching the...

Book 28 The Ten Superknowledges Thomas Cleary translation   The talk focuses on Book 28 of "The Flower Adornment Sutra," known as "The Ten Superknowledges." It explores the qualities and abilities of enlightening beings, particularly their superknowledge which allows them to perceive...

Book 30 - The Incalculable Book 31 - Life Span Book 32 - Dwelling Places of Enlightening Beings Thomas Cleary Translation   The discussion delves into the Flower Adornment Sutra, specifically Books 30, 31, and 32, focusing on the theme of "The Incalculable" in Book 30 which explores the concept of incomprehensible numbers and metaphors for...