The No Abode Audio Archive

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Title Speaker Date

Effortless Path to Inner Truth

Serial: RA-00710 The talk explores "Two-Fold Entry into the Way and the Four Practices" attributed to Bodhidharma, focusing on the subtle interface between effort and effortlessness in the path of inner truth and practice. Emphasis is placed on...
Discrimination, Karma, Bodhidharma, Silence
Jan 26 1987

Suchness in Practice: Zen's Living Thread

Serial: RA-00709 The talk focuses on the Zen teaching of "suchness," or the practice of zazen—an exploration intended over a three-month period tracing its lineage from Bodhidharma through Zen ancestors. The discussion emphasizes the...
Three Treasures, Bodhidharma, Breath, Suzuki Roshi, Tassajara
Jan 22 1987

Embrace Your Present Enlightenment

Serial: RA-01300 The talk focuses on the concept of "thusness" or "suchness" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the realization of one's inherent nature rather than striving for a change. It underscores a practice of fully owning one's body and mind in...
Posture, Practice, Work
Jan 11 1987

Awakening Beyond Imitation in Zen

Serial: RA-00704 The talk explores the dynamics of student-teacher relationships within Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of individual expression rather than imitation. It references the story of Huì Néng, focusing on the symbolism of his...
Nirvana Sutra, Platform Sutra, Transmission
1987

Embracing the Inactive Mind's Wisdom

Serial: RA-00681 The talk explores the Sixth Consciousness, particularly its inactive state characterized by the absence of judgment between right and wrong. The narrative weaves through personal experiences, reflecting on the implications of...
Discrimination, Buddha Nature, Lineage, Practice Period, Dragons
1987

Embracing All in Consciousness

Serial: RA-00683 April Sesshin Lecture #5 The talk explores the concept of "storehouse consciousness" within the Yogacara or Mind-Only school, emphasizing its dynamic role as the vast background of experience and its involvement in the evolution of consciousness, as...
Don't Know Mind, Evil, Karma
1987

Transforming Consciousness Into Wisdom

Serial: RA-00682 The key focus of the talk is on understanding the transformation of consciousness into wisdom within Buddhist philosophy, particularly through the framework of the eight consciousnesses outlined in Mahayana Abhidharma,...
Discrimination, Separation, Mahayana, Duality
1987

Zen Ambition: Embrace Harmony Within

Serial: RA-00688 The talk examines the Zen approach to ambition, focusing on harmony and self-awareness rather than traditional achievement steps. It discusses the teachings of Sagan Gyoshi on avoiding steps and stages in practice, the...
Four Noble Truths, Priest, Ordinary Mind, Conversation, Lineage
1987

Mind's Mirror: Transforming Worlds Within

Serial: RA-01301 The talk explores the Buddhist notion that the universe originates from the actions of all living beings shaped by the mind, highlighting that world transformation arises from changes in the mind and aspiration. The discussion...
Emptiness, Love, Work
Dec 14 1986

Illuminating Paths: Zen's Infinite Dance

Serial: RA-01845 The talk explores the theme of enlightenment in the context of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practice-oriented approach of bodhisattvas who aspire to perfect enlightenment but focus on practice rather than attainment due to the...
Enlightenment, Nirvana, Zazen
Dec 12 1986

Zen's Silent Symphony: Beyond Words

Serial: RA-01844 The talk delves into the themes of communication, silence, and the challenges of conveying Zen teachings, particularly in the context of the "Flower Adornment Sutra." Discussions focus on the difficulty of articulating Zen...
Breath, Zazen, Pain
Dec 11 1986

Beyond the Illusion of Self

Serial: RA-01884A The talk explores the concept of selflessness in Buddhist philosophy, focusing on understanding the emptiness and interdependence of the aggregates (form, feeling, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness) to transcend...
Suffering, Liberation, Emptiness
Dec 11 1986

Blossoms of Zazen Insight

Serial: RA-01843 The talk explores the metaphor of the flower in relation to Zazen, illustrating stages of spiritual practice using the imagery of growth from bud to fruit. The process emphasizes mindfulness and meditation as pathways to insight...
Practice, Zazen, Time
Dec 10 1986

Embodying Wisdom Through Steadfast Practice

Serial: RA-01838 The talk explores the contrast between daily practice and intensive practice during Sashin, focusing on the last three paramitas: heroic effort (virya), concentration, and wisdom (prajnaparamita). The importance of maintaining...
Wisdom, Practice, Work
Dec 09 1986

Embrace Elements, Transcend Self

Serial: RA-01837 The talk emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with Zen practice, focusing on the concept of "non-defilement" as a key to understanding true Buddhahood. By aligning with natural elements—wind, fire, water, and earth—a...
Practice, Time, Breath
Dec 08 1986

Zen's Unblemished Path to Clarity

Serial: RA-01839 The talk explores the Zen concept that meditation does not require cultivation, but rather an adherence to non-defilement as traced through key figures in the Zen lineage. The discussion traces teachings from Dogen Zenji back to...
Practice, Time, Posture
Dec 07 1986

Cycle of Enlightenment and Return

Serial: RA-02816 The talk centers on the exploration of the spiritual path, particularly the concepts of ascending and descending within Buddhism and the interplay between emptiness and experiential reality. Central to the discussion is the...
Buddhism, Emptiness, Culture
Nov 21 1986

Mindful Reality Beyond Language Illusions

Serial: RA-02815 The talk addresses how one can maintain mindfulness and sincerity in everyday activities, emphasizing the importance of receptivity and non-directional awareness to aid in learning from experiences. It also explores the interplay...
Buddha Nature, Love, Karmic Consciousness
Nov 20 1986

Awakening the New Heart Within

Serial: RA-02814 The talk explores the concept of developing a "new heart," one that transcends traditional limitations or ideas, emphasizing the importance of a concentrated and balanced state of body and mind as the medium for transformation....
Posture, Balance, Buddha Nature
Nov 19 1986

Embracing the Essence of Zen

Serial: RA-02813 This talk explores the principles of Zen, emphasizing the idea that there is "nothing to learn" or accomplish, as the processes individuals experience are inherently complete and perfect. It introduces the Buddhist concepts of...
Ego, Buddha Nature, Buddhism
Nov 18 1986

Embracing Suffering, Realizing Enlightenment

Serial: RA-00708 The talk discusses the dual aspects of suffering and enlightenment in Buddhism, emphasizing that both are integral parts of the practice and path to awakening. It explores the concept of dukkha (suffering) through three types —...
Addiction, Four Noble Truths, Impermanence, Manjushri
Aug 19 1986

Zen's Harmonious Duality Unveiled

Serial: RA-00707 The main thesis of the talk explores the nature of Zen practice through the metaphor of "Sun-Faced Buddha, Moon-Faced Buddha," highlighting the duality of effort and non-effort, busyness and stillness. The narrative references...
Dragons, Vow, Building, Breath, Beginners
Aug 18 1986

Language's Shadows, Living Light

Serial: RA-00706 The talk emphasizes the limitations of language in expressing reality, as reality is often defiled by language rather than illuminated. It discusses the idea of karma, dividing it into mental, physical, and vocal, highlighting...
Breath, Conversation, Karma, Sanctuary
Jan 22 1986

Unthinking Zen: Experiential Paradox

Serial: RA-01842 The talk explores the essence and purpose of Zen practice, particularly focusing on zazen meditation. It emphasizes settling into one's experience as a pathway to peace and suggests that this immersion naturally leads to...
Peace, Zazen, Time
Jul 02 1985

Transcending Thought: The Zen Poem Journey

Serial: RA-01841 The discussion analyzes a complex poem by Dogen, emphasizing its ability to transcend conceptual understanding and engage with immediate experience and non-conceptual realms. It draws parallels with Zen practice and Buddhism’s...
Zazen, Intimacy, Buddhism
Jul 01 1985

Manifesting Zen Beyond Thought

Serial: RA-01840 The talk explores the intricate nature of Zen practice and expression, emphasizing the non-duality of experience and the intrinsic connection between thought and manifestation. It addresses the subtle workings of enlightenment,...
Soto Zen, Instruction, Zazen
Jun 30 1985

Embrace the Ordinary in Spirituality

Serial: RA-01793 The talk explores the concept of spiritual investigation and initiation, emphasizing the notion of openness and ordinariness in practices and relationships. It critiques the tendency to regard spiritual practices as sacred or...
Ceremony, Time, Ordinary Mind
Jan 12 1985

Philosophy's Dance with Salvation

Serial: RA-01803 The talk explores the historical interplay between philosophy and religion in India and medieval Europe, highlighting how the intellectual rigor of philosophers and theologians was driven by religious concerns about salvation....
Practice, Emptiness, Time
Oct 1984

Painting Life's Portrait Through Meditation

Serial: RA-02812 The talk explores the interplay between life, meditation, and consciousness through the metaphor of a children's poem, "How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird" by Jacques Prévert, translated by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. This imagery is...
Meditation, Suzuki Roshi, Emotions
May 24 1984

Steps to Zen Concentration Mastery

Serial: RA-01851 The talk focuses on understanding Zen practice through the concept of shamatha, particularly emphasizing the stages of stabilization and the obstacles involved in its practice. It examines the nine traditional stages of shamatha...
Effort, Obstacles, Practice
Mar 23 1984

Connection Over Complexity: Embracing Simple Wisdom

Serial: RA-01810B The talk focuses on the significance of simple yet profound communication, emphasizing that effective communication prioritizes connection over complexity. The discussion critiques the tendency of abstract philosophical discourse...
Pain, Time, Work
Jan 08 1984

Compassion

Serial: RA-00057 The talk elaborates on the intertwined practices of Samatha (tranquility) and Vipassana (insight), emphasizing their cyclical relationship and mutual enhancement in Zen practice, often termed Zazen. The discussion examines Dogen...
Composure, Zazen, Observe, Transmission, Balance
Aug 17 1983
1 of 2
Tassajara

Tranquility and Insight: Timeless Harmony

Serial: RA-02811 The talk explores the practices of Samatha (tranquility meditation) and Vipassana (insight meditation), drawing connections to Zen teachings, particularly Dogen Zenji's concept of 'uji' or 'being-time.' It emphasizes the...
Zazen, Buddhism, Meditation
Aug 17 1983

Stillness in Interconnected Learning

Serial: RA-02810 The talk emphasizes the practice of sitting meditation as a metaphor for self-awareness and the interdependent nature of teaching and learning. It highlights the importance of leading by example without direct instruction and...
Buddha, Time, Practice
Feb 25 1983
4A
Hokyoki

Collective Stillness Through Relational Practice

Serial: RA-00058a The talk addresses the concept of practice within Zen meditation as a mutual, relational act rather than an isolated endeavor. It emphasizes that true stillness and acceptance in practice are not achieved individually but...
Buddha, Time, Practice
Feb 24 1983
Hokyoki

Dancing with the Dharma Path

Serial: RA-02809 This talk delves into the perception of inanimate objects and their inherent capacity to expound the Dharma, emphasizing the relational nature of consciousness through sense capacities interacting with the physical universe. It...
Time, Suffering, Buddha
Feb 23 1983
3
Hokyoki

Pathways to Compassionate Insight

Serial: RA-00056 This talk examines the three levels of "pranayama" (often referred to as insight or wisdom) in Buddhist teachings: Shrutamaya Prajna (understanding through sensory input), Cintamaya Prajna (cognitive processing and reflection),...
Desire, War, Transmission, Attachment, Cultivation
Feb 22 1983

Cultivating Insight: Journey to Enlightenment

Serial: RA-02808 The talk explores three levels of insight or "prajna" in Buddhist teachings: shrutamaya prajna (insight through sensory learning), cintamaya prajna (insight through reflection), and bhavanamaya prajna (insight through meditation...
Buddha, Time, Practice
Feb 22 1983
2
Hokyoki

Zen Practice: Tradition and Innovation

Serial: RA-02807 The talk revolves around the exploration of Zen philosophy, focusing on the role of scriptures, direct transmission, and the authenticity of teachings, using metaphors of a trellis and plant to explain the relationship between...
Buddha, Time, Work
Feb 21 1983
1
Hokyoki

Embracing Emptiness: Wisdom in The Heart

Serial: RA-00176 This talk analyzes the Heart Sutra, focusing on Avalokiteshvara's meditation on the emptiness of the five aggregates as described in the longer version of the text. The discussion emphasizes the practice of perceiving...
Nirvana, Greed, Mindfulness, Breath, Bodhisattva Precepts
Oct 30 1981

Flowing Life, Integrated Practice

Serial: RA-01575 The talk examines the interplay between spiritual practice, particularly yoga, and daily life, emphasizing the need for spiritual practices such as yoga to be inherently fulfilling and integrated into every aspect of life to...
Yoga, Posture, Practice
Oct 30 1981
3

Embracing Life's Dual Emotional Pathways

Serial: RA-01576 The talk explores the concepts of grief, joy, and the interplay between various emotional states as they relate to life and Zen teachings. It emphasizes the non-duality of life and death, suggesting that grief and joy are...
Time, Suffering, Posture
Oct 30 1981
1 and 2

Mutual Healing Through Zen Awakening

Serial: RA-01607 The talk examines the nature of healing, the roles of teacher and student, and the concept of self-discovery and self-reliance in Zen practice. A narrative from the movie "Resurrection" about a woman with healing powers is used...
Posture, Work, Breath
Oct 23 1981

Zen Movement: Awareness in Action

Serial: RA-01577 The talk centers on the practice and philosophy of Zen meditation, with an emphasis on integrating the meditative awareness into daily movements and experiences. The discussion explores walking meditation, bodily awareness, the...
Practice, Posture, Meditation
Oct 16 1981
1 and 2

Balancing Presence in Zen Practice

Serial: RA-01620 The talk focuses on Zen practice and the philosophy of maintaining a delicate balance between permanence and impermanence through posture. The speaker discusses the significance of posture in meditation, emphasizing the need for...
Breath, Posture, Meditation
Oct 16 1981
3 and 4

Abidharma Kosa

Serial: RA-01893 The talk explores the nuanced concepts of karma and consciousness within the framework of Buddhist philosophy, particularly referencing the "Abhidharmakosha." It delves into the mechanics of comparative thinking, karma's...
Karma, Consciousness, Bodhisattva
Feb 09 1981

Abhidharma Kosa

Serial: RA-02021A The talk explores the Buddhist concept of the intermediate state (antarabhāva), focusing on themes of duality, creation without attachment, and the nature of rebirth. It critiques the attitudes of Chakravartans and Bodhisattvas,...
Time, Consciousness, Meditation
Feb 1981
Spring

Abhidharma Kosa

Serial: RA-02021B The talk centers on the interplay between consciousness and matter as described in the Abhidharma Kosha and the Tibetan Book of the Dead, emphasizing the concepts of creation, rebirth, and the process of relinquishing...
Consciousness, Emptiness, Liberation
Feb 1981
Spring

Abhidharma Kosa

Serial: RA-02021C The transcript analyzes complex interactions between verbal and nonverbal communication, emphasizing the interplay of social dynamics. It discusses theories of communication like SR models, exchange theory, and motor skill models...
Time, Study, Intimacy
Feb 1981
Spring

Abhidharma Kosa

Serial: RA-02021D The discourse explores the dynamics of social interactions and structures within various types of social and work groups, using frameworks from the "Abhidharma Kosa" and contemporary social science. Concepts such as the evolution...
Work, Study, Time
Feb 1981
Spring

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