The No Abode Audio Archive

Serial: RA-00359 1/7/05 Tenshin Roshi Class 2 Part 2 Q&A   This talk examines the concept of alaya and its interplay with the eight consciousnesses within Yogacara Buddhist philosophy, exploring how alaya functions as the storehouse consciousness and serves as the basis for karmic...

Serial: RA-00393 1/7/06 Roshi Jan. Int. Class 1 How is everything going?/How to paint a bird Shamatha and Vipashyanain Sand. Sutra Ch.8 Shmantaza is perfect umon of both Shamatha - 6th conciousness is operating Give up discursive thought even in... The focus of this talk is the exploration of tranquility (Samatha) and insight (Vipassana) meditation as discussed in Chapter 8 of the Samdhinirmochana Sutra, where Maitreya Bodhisattva inquires about the practice of these...

Serial: RA-03268 The talk focuses on the concept of interdependence, highlighting the false belief in individual autonomy versus the reality of interconnectedness as proposed in Buddhist teachings. It examines how forms, such as sitting...

Serial: RA-03270 The talk primarily explores the concept of realizing freedom through recognizing the 'cage' of form and self, illustrated through a metaphorical narrative about painting a bird in a cage. Drawing parallels with Zen practice, it...

Serial: RA-03272 The talk explores the concept of "Buddha activity" as articulated by Dogen, emphasizing that all beings, regardless of their actions, are engaged in this activity—a process that involves recognizing and overcoming ignorance...

Serial: RA-03267 The central thesis of the talk addresses the concept that all entities in the universe engage in Buddha activity, an unceasing activity that remains beyond dualistic perception and conceptual grasp. Through confession and...

Serial: RA-00395 Expounding MInd and Expounding Nature Mazo's "Mind is Buddha" and Exponding Nature Dongshan's "Expounding Mind and Expounding Nature" Dongshan's Uncle Mi and the Rabbit Emptiness and Buddha Nature The talk explores the relationship between concepts of emptiness and Buddha nature, drawing on classical Zen teachings and stories. It discusses the expounding of mind and nature through dialogues involving Zen texts and figures...

Serial: RA-00384 Bodhidhar Story of Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu 3 Pure Precepts Embracing and Sustaining and being embraced and sustained (By forms and ceremonies, All Good, All Beings) The talk explores the legend of Bodhidharma, focusing on his interaction with Emperor Wu of Liang and the philosophical responses that highlight the Zen emphasis on 'no merit' and 'emptiness.' It transitions into the 3 Pure...

Serial: RA-00427 12/6/04 Tenshin Roshi Sesshin #1 Nonduality All Buddhas and All Beings are one mind Nondual view is that duality and nonduality are nondualDualistic view is that "&" are dual The talk delves into the concept of nonduality, emphasizing that all beings and Buddhas share one mind, where the real practice of Dharma transcends dualistic perceptions and leads to a state without gain or attachment....

Serial: RA-00397 12/07/04 Tenshin Roshi Sesshin #2 Mountains and Rivers Born together with you Faith that Buddha is with us Listening to this teaching until it transforms us The talk focuses on the principles of correct faith within Zen Buddhism, as indicated by Dogen. The main thesis is the idea of sitting upright in 'self-fulfilling awareness' as both an expression of and path to enlightenment,...

Serial: RA-00428 The talk centers on the concept of "one continuous mistake" as it appears in Zen teachings, particularly how acknowledging one's mistakes propels Dharma practice. The discussion explores the difference between immediacy and...

Serial: RA-03218 The talk discusses the importance of overcoming religious divisiveness by cultivating non-violence through fearlessness, patience, and wisdom. Referencing Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings on non-violence, the discourse explores how...

Serial: RA-02274 The talk examines "kind speech" as expounded by Dogen, which involves arousing a mind of compassion and offering words of loving care to sentient beings. It explores the contrast between seemingly harsh teachings by Zen masters...

Serial: RA-02283 The talk centers on the "Four Modes of Action" of a Bodhisattva, particularly emphasizing the practice of giving or "dana." It discusses how the activity of giving helps integrate beings and overcome perceptions of separation,...

Serial: RA-00399 11/3/04 Tenshin Roshi - Wed Nite "Offering to Hungry Ghosts" -Post-election Feelings -Roshi's Mother's Death -Sejiki Ceremony The talk primarily addresses the emotional aftermath of post-election results and personal loss, exploring themes of impermanence, nurturing, and spiritual practice. The speaker reflects on differing political values in America,...

Serial: RA-00429 The talk focuses on Dogen's teachings and the importance of integrating practices such as incense offering, bowing, and chanting as preparatory acts to purify the mind before meditation. These practices invoke the presence and...

Serial: RA-00349 The talk focuses on Zen practices at Green Gulch emphasizing the transition into a practice period, aligning every action with the expression of Buddha's wisdom and compassion, and the importance of regulations and ceremonies for...

Serial: RA-00430 Tenshin Reb Anderson 9/5/04 Sunday Talk Ferdinand the Bull and Just Sitting The talk explores the narrative of "Ferdinand the Bull" to illustrate the Zen practice of "just sitting" and its role in cultivating peace and harmony. The story of Ferdinand, a bull who prefers to smell flowers instead of...

Serial: RA-00350 8/22/04 Tenshin Roshi Sesshin 7 Mountains and Rivers of the immediate Present -3 characteristics of all phenomena -Mountains and Waters Sutra -Mountains = O.D. Character -Waters = T.E. Character -Continue to practice with... The talk delves into Zen practices focused on the immediate experience, exploring themes found within the "Mountains and Waters Sutra" symbolizing two characters of Buddhist phenomenology. The discourse emphasizes steadfast...

Serial: RA-00385 (Chapter 6 of Sandhinirmocana Sutra) "Not Thinking' as the "Thoroughly Established' This talk delves into the intricate understanding of the three characteristics of all phenomena as outlined in Chapter 6 of the Sandhinirmocana Sutra. It critically examines the concepts of "thinking of not thinking"...

Serial: RA-00389 8/18/04 Tenshi Roshi Sesshin #3 Dogen Zenji's Tranquility Instructions (Various versions of 'Fukanzazengi') 1. Pratimoksha samvara (Discipline of Forms 8 Ceremonies) 2. Dhyama samvara (Discipline of Tranquility) 3.... The talk explores Dogen Zenji's teachings on tranquility and wisdom, specifically focusing on meditation instructions from the "Fukanzazengi." It examines the interplay between the cultivation of samadhi (concentration) and...

Serial: RA-03213 The talk explores the concept of using objects and relationships without seeking to fulfill a sense of inadequacy or incompleteness, a key teaching about the cessation of 'outflows,' or attachments that lead to suffering. It...

Serial: RA-03212 The talk explores the complexities of interpersonal intimacy and vulnerability, highlighting the necessity of formalities and agreements to support such relationships. It underscores a teaching from the Eightfold Path concerning...

Serial: RA-03210 The talk analyzes the distinction between seeing actions and existence through the lens of gain and loss versus understanding them as part of a collective, interconnected reality. The discussion positions wisdom as recognizing...