The No Abode Audio Archive

A talk given to the No Abode Community on October 7th, 2023   The discusion elaborates on the practice of "Bodhisattva Samadhi" through regular sitting meditation, exploring its transformative potential by both daily routine and profound spiritual engagement. The practice...

A talk given to the No Abode Community on September 9th, 2023. Begins with a brief overview of Books One and Two.  In Book Three,  The lecture focuses on the third book of the Buddha Flower Adornment Scripture, exploring themes around awakened presence, the myriad expressions of Samadhi (deep concentrated state), and the inclusiveness of the Bodhisattva'...

A Dharma talk by Tenshin Roshi for a gathering of the No Abode community In a Dharma talk delivered by Tenshin Roshi to the No Abode community, the focus is placed on the teachings of the Flower Adornment Scripture, exploring its implications for Zen practice and integration into everyday life. This...

A Dharma talk by Tenshin Roshi for a gathering of the No Abode community opening study of the Avatamsaka Sutra.   The talk focuses on the exploration of the Avatamsaka Sutra, also known as the Flower Adornment Scripture, emphasizing its significant but underexplored role in Zen Buddhism. The speaker recounts the influences and personal...

A Dharma talk by Tenshin Roshi for a gathering of the No Abode community In a lecture within the No Abode community, the core practice of 'just sitting' is expounded, drawing from teachings by Suzuki Roshi. 'Just sitting' is presented not only as a physical act but as an all-pervading...

A Dharma talk by Tenshin Roshi for a gathering of the No Abode community The talk focuses on reinterpreting the four universal Bodhisattva vows, emphasizing intimacy over elimination of afflictions. Several key themes are explored: - Shifting from a traditional understanding of the vows to approach...

Serial: RA-04641 The talk examines the interplay between compassion and control, emphasizing that compassion should not be viewed in opposition to control but as a transcendent approach to human impulses, like the desire to control circumstances...

Emphasizing compassion and de-emphasizing trying to control. Compassion with the impulse to try to control. Being careful without trying to control. Impartiality towards the outcome; for example, shooting basketballs at the hoop... The talk focuses on emphasizing compassion and de-emphasizing control, arguing for impartiality and open-heartedness as essential qualities in cultivating liberating compassion. By highlighting practices such as sitting in...

Serial: RA-04639 The talk reflects on the practice of stillness in Zen, inspired by references from Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" and Franz Kafka's writings, emphasizing presence and readiness. It discusses the value of ceremonies in expressing...

Serial: RA-04637 This talk explores the Zen practices of confession and repentance, emphasizing both formal and formless approaches. It includes discussions on the relationship between confession and aspects of Zen teaching like the Three...

Serial: RA-04635 The talk focuses on the practice and philosophy behind a Zen text known as "Phukan Zazengi" or the "Universal Encouragements for Seated Meditation," which emphasizes attuning oneself to the Great Way or Buddha Way through...

Serial: RA-04632 The talk explores the concept of "intimate transmission" within Zen practice, emphasizing non-verbal communication and collective discovery of Buddha Nature through everyday actions rather than scripted teachings. The speaker...

Serial: RA-04630 The talk explores various perspectives on the path to Buddhahood, emphasizing that the determination to become a Buddha does not arise solely from individual initiative but emerges from communal interactions and communion with...

Serial: RA-04628 The talk emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and communication in Zen practice, particularly through the chanting of Dharma and the harmonious coexistence of differences and unity. It discusses the concept of intimate...

Serial: RA-04627 The talk explores the interconnection between Zen rituals and the experience of intimacy, arguing that formal structures aid in fostering genuine closeness between individuals. It highlights the paradoxical need for formal...

Serial: RA-04625 The talk focuses on the integration of loving-kindness, or "metta" in Pali and "maitri" in Sanskrit, into the Zen practice of great compassion, presenting the idea that loving-kindness is essential to fully...

Serial: RA-04623 The talk explores the concept of "great compassion" as central to the practice of Zen, explaining it as an intimate communion and transmission of the Buddha's mind, beyond both substantial and non-substantial views of beings and...

Serial: RA-04620 The talk focuses on the practice of great compassion within the context of formal ceremonies and rituals, emphasizing the ten vows of Samantabhadra from the Avatamsaka Sutra, specifically rejoicing in the merits of others as a...

Serial: RA-04618 The talk emphasizes the central theme of "great compassion" in Zen practice, elaborating on how sitting meditation embodies this compassion. The discussion explores the notion of communion between individuals and all beings,...

Serial: RA-04616 On November 6, 2022, a discourse explores the interplay of egocentric consciousness and the practice of great compassion within human experience. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging one's personal suffering...

Serial: RA-04615 The talk examines the transition from solitary to social practice within Zen, using the metaphor of "carved dragons to real dragons" to illustrate how personal practice can evolve into a communal, transcendent practice. The...

Serial: RA-04613 The talk provides an exploration of zazen, or sitting meditation, emphasizing its role as a human action that aligns with the omnipresent Buddha way and great compassion. The discussion focuses on the ritual's purpose and the...

Serial: RA-04610 The discourse explores the omnipresence of suffering juxtaposed with the peace and compassion represented by the Buddha, emphasizing the practice of embodying Buddha nature through rituals and wholehearted living. It draws...

Serial: RA-04606 The talk explores the role of acknowledgment and vows within Zen practice, positing that the realization of justice is synonymous with awakening. It emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging suffering, both global and personal,...