The No Abode Audio Archive

The talk primarily explores the themes from the "Flower Adornment Scripture" and how its teachings on praising the ungraspable nature of the Buddha body inform Zen practice. It discusses the significance of perceiving phenomena...

The talk addresses the current perception of global chaos and suffering, emphasizing the need for an "appropriate response" to such conditions, referencing teachings from the Zen tradition, particularly a Tang Dynasty anecdote of...

The talk explores the concept that all living beings inherently possess the wisdom and virtues of the Buddhas, emphasizing that realization requires practice and the dissolution of attachments and misconceptions. Extensive...

The talk explores the theme of unpredictability and affirmation within the framework of the Bodhisattva path, emphasizing that helping others can be unconscious and obscured. The discussion draws on teachings from the Lotus Sutra...

The talk discusses the concepts of karmic obstacles and compassion within Zen practice, emphasizing how Dogen's teachings on karma instruct practitioners to respond with compassion, even in the face of life's adversities. There...

This Dharma talk emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting human fragility as essential for Buddhist practice and highlights the necessity of consistent meditation practice as a service to all beings, rather than...

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 Zen practice of mindful attention to the impermanence inherent in birth and death, highlighting the essential teaching that by caring for each finite being, one simultaneously cares for infinite beings....

The talk explores the practice of compassion with discomfort, emphasizing how it leads to comfort and joy while serving others without self-interest. Highlighted is the Bodhisattva practice of offering gifts and blessings, even...

This talk examines Book Twelve of the Flower Adornment Scripture, emphasizing the mind of the bodhisattva aspiring for Buddhahood through pure faith. The discussion considers the limitations of personal understanding of truth and...

The talk centers on maintaining the practice of Buddha Dharma during transitions, emphasizing the continuity of awakening amidst change. It explores the metaphor of life as an ancient brocade continuously created by incorporating...

A talk given to the No Abode online community The talk examines Book 11 of the Flower Adornment Sutra, also known as "Purifying Practices" or "Pure Practices." The discussion centers on how bodhisattvas and practitioners can perform actions of body, speech, and mind together...

The talk explores the concept of "Buddha's fields of blessing," emphasizing the imparity and boundlessness of Buddha's compassion. It discusses the intricate relationship between the act of offering and the...

The talk centers on the interpretation of a section from the "Flower Adornment Scripture," specifically Book Ten, which discusses the notion of "Buddha's Fields of Blessing," or "Fields of Merit." It explores the idea that while...

The talk discusses verses from the Flower Adornment Scripture, specifically Book Nine, focusing on the teachings of Dogen and the concept of Radiant Awakening. The text, titled "Radiant Awakening" or "Awakening by...

The talk explores the Eighth Book of the Flower Adornment Scripture, focusing on the Four Noble Truths and their interpretation in Zen practice. The speaker discusses the reinterpretation and translation variations of the Four...

The talk addresses various aspects of understanding, compassion, and practice in the Buddhist tradition. It delves into the interpretation of sutras, particularly the language used in vows, discussing potential misinterpretations...

The talk emphasizes the significance of maintaining the Buddha Dharma for achieving universal awakening, freedom, and peace. For the past ten months, the group has been meditating on "The Flower Adornment Scripture,"...

The talk explores the profound teachings of the cherry blossoms in Japan, highlighting their symbolic representation of beauty, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all life. As witnessed during a spring visit, the cherry...

The talk explores the concepts of reality, perception, suffering, and the relational dynamics between finite and infinite experiences. Central points include a discussion on acknowledging and valuing both finite and infinite...

Book 4 - The Formation of the Worlds Thomas Cleary translation The talk explores "Book 4 - The Formation of the Worlds" from the Flower Adornment Sutra, translated by Thomas Cleary, focusing on the inconceivable knowledge and powers of the Buddhas. The discussion details how the Buddhas'...

Book 27 - The Ten Concentrations p 837 Thomas Cleary translation     This talk expounds the practices and states attained by great enlightening beings, as described in Book 27 of The Flower Adornment Sutra. The main focus is on the "Concentration of Freedom in the Elemental Cosmos," emphasizing...

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...

Book 34 - Ocean of Physical Marks of Ten Bodies of Buddha Thomas Cleary translation     The talk delves into "The Ocean of Physical Marks of the Ten Bodies of Buddha" from "The Flower Adornment Sutra," focusing on the 97 distinct marks of Buddha, each symbolizing a unique aspect of enlightenment. The discussion...