The No Abode Audio Archive

You are currently logged-out. You can log-in or create an account to see more talks, save favorites, and more. more info

Showing 3838 talks
 

- Reset Search

Title Speaker Date

Words, Action, and Dharma's Dance

Serial: RA-01990 This discussion explores the limitations and transformative potential of language in conveying the Dharma, focusing on the intertwining of action, language, and karma. The conversation considers the dynamics of language,...
Faith, Karma, Koan
Oct 08 1990

Nanchuan's Cat and Zen Simplicity

Serial: RA-01988 The talk examines the Zen koan involving Nanchuan and the cat, highlighting themes of immediacy, ethical commitment, and the challenge of non-attachment to precepts and common sense. The discussion revolves around understanding...
Attachment, Fox, Time
Oct 01 1990

Infinite Compassion Beyond Ego Barriers

Serial: RA-01989 The talk explores the concept of infinite compassion and its importance in navigating the world's suffering, emphasizing the role of enlightenment's three causes: bodhicitta, purification and accumulation of positive energy, and...
Compassion, Peace, Precepts
Sep 30 1990

Embracing Thusness in Zen Texts

Serial: RA-01992 The main thesis of the talk is an analysis of significant Zen texts, focusing on how teachings and commentaries are constructed to convey the essential teachings of Zen Buddhism. The discussion highlights two prominent...
Blue Cliff Record, Buddha, Bodhidharma
Sep 25 1990

Zen Lineage: Understanding Cause and Effect

Serial: RA-01991 The talk revolves around exploring the Zen lineage and practices, particularly focusing on Zen meditation as a practice of not evading cause and effect. The discussion includes an in-depth examination of various Zen cases,...
Fox, Time, Buddha
Sep 24 1990

Breathing Miracles in Ordinary Lives

Serial: RA-00679 The talk addresses the concepts of conscious breathing and preparing a metaphorical 'seat' for Buddha, emphasizing that Buddhas only appear when there are suffering beings. This discussion highlights the notion that enlightenment...
Breath, Buddha Nature, Diversity, Attachment, Building
Jun 20 1990

Building A Seat - Confession

Serial: RA-00680 The talk explores the paradoxical relationship between silence and speech in Zen practice, emphasizing the significance of creating a 'seat for awakening' through the conscious care of body, breath, and thoughts. It argues that...
Sanctuary, Confession-and-Repentance, Breath, Silence, Repentance
Jun 18 1990

Zen Green: Cultivating Present Peace

Serial: RA-01872 In this talk, the transformative potential of Zen practice and "green thinking" is explored as means to foster peace and maintain harmony. Drawing from Mahayana Buddhism's aim to alleviate suffering for all sentient beings, the...
Peace, Sanctuary, Work
May 19 1990

Zen's Path to Living Compassion

Serial: SF-04167
Apr 28 1990

Letting Go: The Zen Pathway

Serial: RA-01396 The talk centers on Zen practice and the concept of "dropping body and mind" to enter the Buddha's way without attachment to personal ideas or emotions. Through the analogy of a violation of communal work practice, the discussion...
Buddha, Time, Emotions
Apr 21 1990

Embracing Peace Through Buddhist Precepts

Serial: RA-01864 The talk discusses the significance of receiving Buddhist precepts as a commitment to practice amidst human suffering. The ceremony involves taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, which is essential for cultivating...
Precepts, Ceremony, Commitment
Jan 13 1990

Earth Sanctuary: Zen's Ecological Wisdom

Serial: RA-00676 The talk explores the ecological imperative within Zen Buddhist teachings, drawing on the fourth case of the "Book of Serenity" where the Buddha points to the earth, suggesting that living in harmony with nature requires...
Sanctuary, Doubt, War, Book of Serenity
1990

Overcoming Disillusionment Through Creative Insight

Serial: RA-01094 The talk discusses the concept of profound disillusionment experienced by figures such as Wittgenstein, Shakespeare, and Avalokiteshvara of the Heart Sutra, delving into how they overcame resentment despite facing a deep-seated...
Practice Period, Oneness, Bodhidharma
Dec 13 1989

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01828 The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding and practicing a lineage of teachings from Shakyamuni Buddha to modern times, which promote effortful practice without fixed concepts, in accordance with 'suchness'. It...
Breath, Samsara, Pain
Dec 1989
5

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01829 The talk discusses Zen teachings on objectless meditation, as exemplified in stories from the "Book of Serenity," coupled with the broader Buddhist practice of accepting, upholding, reading, and reciting scriptures, with a focus...
Meditation, Breath, Book of Serenity
Dec 1989
6

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01830 The talk explores the concept of homage and worship in Buddhism, particularly emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with the Buddha's, rather than merely offering praise. It discusses the idea of "Jodo Day" in Japan...
Sangha, Zazen, Dogen
Dec 1989
7

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01826 The talk explores the silent, introspective practice of Bodhidharma, emphasizing the importance of silence to foster a deep connection with all sentient beings and the progression of Zen practice across cultures. It describes the...
Breath, Bodhidharma, Five Skandhas
Dec 1989
4

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01825 The talk focuses on the teaching of "thusness" or "suchness" in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the practice of direct experience beyond conceptualization, as presented in the "Book of Serenity" and "Blue Cliff Record." The speaker...
Bodhidharma, Manjushri, Book of Serenity
Dec 1989
3

Rohatsu

Serial: RA-01824 The talk discusses the practice and purpose of Sashin, specifically during the Rohatsu retreat, illustrating Sashin as a method not to achieve enlightenment but to realize and embody enlightenment in life. Using the metaphor of...
Sesshin, Soto Zen, Enlightenment
Dec 1989
1

Emancipating Consciousness for True Freedom

Serial: RA-01169 The talk explores the concept of redemption as an inner process of freeing the mind from self-imposed slavery. It emphasizes a dual consciousness model—discriminating and non-discriminating consciousness—and suggests that real...
Separation, Freedom, Happiness
Nov 19 1989

Wall-Gazing: Path to Compassionate Enlightenment

Serial: RA-01095 The talk explores the philosophy of wall-gazing in Zen practice, a metaphor for radical self-emptying, which cultivates compassion and enlightenment. Wall-gazing is presented as a practice of living without preconceived ideas,...
Daily Life, Bodhisattva Vow, Enlightenment
Nov 15 1989

Wall-Gazing and Compassionate Emptiness

Serial: RA-01170 The talk centers on the practice of "wall-gazing" and its connection to the three samadhis—Shunyato (empty), Animitta (signless), and Apranihita (wishless)—which are described as essential to the bodhisattva's path. Through...
Compassion, Practice, Bodhisattva
Nov 08 1989

Wall Gazing: Embracing Nature's Silence

Serial: RA-01171 The talk explores the Zen practice of "wall gazing" as a metaphor for attuning oneself with nature and the concept of self-emptying. This practice is not about merely sitting but involves a profound integration of the conceptual...
Breath, Posture, Emotions
Nov 01 1989

Bodhisattva Vow

Serial: RA-00795 The talk centers on the concept of the Bodhisattva Vow and the development of the Bodhi Mind, contrasting it with the Beginner's Mind. It emphasizes the necessity of embodying the Bodhi Mind's aspiration for universal...
Nirvana, Enthusiasm, Enemies
Oct 10 1989

Zen Wisdom: Balancing Tradition and Insight

Serial: RA-01424 This talk discusses the intricacies of Zen teachings and traditions, highlighting the tension between tradition and personal expression within Zen practice. The speaker reflects on the stages of understanding in Zen—śrutta-mai-...
Time, Japan
Oct 08 1989

Compassionate Presence Through Zen Emptiness

Serial: RA-01172 The talk explores Zen practice's alignment with the broader Mahayana Buddhist movement, emphasizing the development of compassion and the liberation of all beings. It stresses the importance of maintaining awareness of the...
Suffering, Time, Practice
Sep 17 1989

Mindful Compassion in Zen Action

Serial: RA-01796 The talk examines the dynamic interplay of compassion and the desire for universal happiness within the context of Zen practice. Addressing the challenges of achieving this without falling into fixed ideas of right and wrong, it...
Time, Work, Suffering
Sep 09 1989

Giving Without Burnout

Serial: RA-00793 The talk emphasizes the practice of Mahayana Buddhism, recommending compassion and awareness in everyday interactions to achieve universal happiness. It discusses the danger of burnout from excessive empathy and suggests...
Happiness, Soto Zen, Silence, Buddha Ancestors
Sep 05 1989
Minnesota Zen Center

Beyond Self: Embracing Seamless Meditation

Serial: RA-00626 The talk focuses on the practice of meditation beyond self-clinging, emphasizing insight and wisdom in a stabilized body and mind, without reliance on contrived techniques. The speaker elaborates on notions of seamless meditation...
Addiction, Nirvana, New Year, Bell
Aug 24 1989

Embodying Zen: Living Thusness

Serial: RA-00651A The central theme revolves around the practice and essence of Zen, particularly focusing on the concept of "thusness" and its application in daily life beyond intellectual comprehension. The speaker emphasizes the significance of...
Bodhidharma, Soto Zen, Japan
Aug 10 1989
Tassajara

Compassionate Zen: Walking Together

Serial: RA-00666 The talk emphasizes the core objective of Zen practice as compassionate service, where practitioners walk through birth and death with others without fixed views, drawing upon the example of historical Zen figures like Dajian...
Commitment, Harmonizing, Happiness
Aug 09 1989
Tassajara

Zen's Path to Compassionate Awakening

Serial: RA-00665 The talk emphasizes the Zen practice of compassionate service, articulating the idea of "just doing" without fixed views or preconceptions, and the importance of meeting oneself and others through Zen practice. It suggests that...
Commitment, Harmonizing, Happiness
Aug 09 1989
Tassajara

Awakening Through Compassionate Connection

Serial: RA-00664 The talk discusses the essence of Zen practice, highlighting that the ultimate goal is to engage in compassionate service by letting go of the self and connecting with others through birth and death. This approach includes...
Commitment, Harmonizing, Zazen
Aug 09 1989
Tassajara

Present Moment Zen: Embrace and Engage

Serial: RA-02819 The talk explores foundational Zen Buddhist teachings, focusing on themes of non-defilement, compassion, and the balance between activity and stillness. Through stories of Zen ancestors and metaphorical reflections, the...
Effort, Buddhism, Dogen
Aug 08 1989
Tassajara

Zen's Essence: Just Do It

Serial: RA-00052 The talk explores the essence of Zen practice through anecdotes and metaphors such as the interaction between Nanyue Huairang and Dajian Huineng, swimming at the ocean's surface while walking on the bottom, and the story of Yun...
Dragons, Happiness, Bodhidharma, Mahayana, Japan
Aug 08 1989
Tassajara

Walking with Real Dragons

Serial: RA-00051 The talk explores the Zen concept of “non-defilement” through the exchange between Zen masters Nanyue Huairang and Dajian Huaineng, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pure intention without defilement by attachment to "...
Dragons, Happiness, Japan, Mahayana
Aug 08 1989
Tassajara

Embracing Emptiness for True Awakening

Serial: RA-02818 The talk discusses the concept of detachment from the self as a means to achieve awakening, referencing teachings from Dogen Zenji and the importance of not carrying a fixed sense of identity. The idea of readiness, as explored...
Bodhidharma, Blue Cliff Record, Zazen
Aug 07 1989
Tassajara

Relinquishing Self for True Awakening

Serial: RA-00053 The talk addresses the Zen concept of self and its impact on practice, referencing a core teaching of Dogen Zenji about living life by relinquishing the idea of a fixed self to achieve awakening. The discussion extends to...
Bodhidharma, Zazen, Equanimity, Cultivation, Oneness
Aug 07 1989

Awakening through Zen and Shakespeare

Serial: RA-00050 The talk delves into the Zen teaching of detachment from the self to achieve awakening, emphasizing that personal identity is fluid and should not be clung to. It discusses the teaching of "readiness" as found in the...
Bodhidharma, Zazen, Equanimity, Cultivation, Oneness
Aug 07 1989

Flowing Beyond Self: Embracing Enlightenment

Serial: RA-01167 The talk examines the concept of self-clinging as a central impediment to achieving enlightenment, emphasizing that enlightenment and true freedom are available when one disengages from self-concern. It proposes that this...
Practice, Time, Effort
Aug 06 1989

Bodhisattva Initiation

Serial: RA-02817 The talk explores the transformative nature of embracing the sixteen great enlightening precepts within a Zen Buddhist lineage, which encompasses the Three Refuges, the Three Pure Precepts, and the Ten Grave Precepts. It...
Triple Treasure, Precepts, Buddha
Jul 30 1989

Manjushri's Gavel: Imperfect Wisdom Unveiled

Serial: RA-01096 The talk explores the intricate role of Manjushri in Zen narratives, particularly focusing on the act of hitting the gavel and its implications within the context of Buddhist teachings. It questions the nature of bodhisattvas...
Manjushri, Perfect Wisdom, Bodhisattva
Jul 28 1989

Meeting the Buddha Without Pointing

Serial: RA-01097 The talk explores a Zen koan involving the World Honored One and Manjushri Bodhisattva, examining the nuances of Zen practice and the essential nature of the Dharma. The narrative is used to illuminate the concept of fully...
Manjushri, Blue Cliff Record, Soto Zen
Jul 27 1989

Calm Clarity Amidst Life's Chaos

Serial: RA-01098 The talk revolves around the Zen concept of practice without self-clinging and how maintaining undefiled awareness leads to awakening. There is an exploration of Dogen Zenji's teaching on meditation as non-cultivation, meaning...
Manjushri, Observe, Stillness
Jul 26 1989

Silent Insights: Embracing the Unseen

Serial: RA-01099 This talk explores the first case of the Book of Serenity, focusing on the koan involving Manjushri and the Buddha's silence, highlighting themes of thusness, emptiness, and the nature of practice without self-attachment. The...
Observe, Lotus Sutra, Instruction
Jul 25 1989

Embracing Suchness: Mindful Reality Unveiled

Serial: RA-01100 The talk explores the practice of "clearly observing" as a means to fully realize the Buddha Dharma in daily life, emphasizing mindfulness and direct experience of the present moment without attaching to customary interpretations...
Observe, Buddha, Practice
Jul 24 1989

Embracing Paradox in Zen Practice

Serial: RA-01868 The talk explores the concept of truly being oneself within Zen practice, emphasizing a harmony between the contradictory states of "I can be myself" and "I can't be myself." It stresses the importance of practice as synonymous...
Faith, Effort, Enlightenment
Jul 22 1989

Mountains and Rivers: Zen Reality

Serial: RA-01111 The talk delves into the Zen understanding of "mountains and rivers" as manifestations of the Buddhist path. It examines the nature of reality, emphasizing two types of existence through the analogy of mountains (phenomenal...
Emptiness, Effort, Delusion
Jul 19 1989

Awakened Living Through Zen Unity

Serial: RA-01595 The talk examines the personal significance of the Buddha and concepts like awakening, enlightenment, and compassion in everyday life, as well as the alignment of body and mind through Zen meditation. It discusses the integration...
Buddha, Time, Meditation
Jul 07 1989

Mountains, Rivers, and Zen Awakening

Serial: RA-01110 The talk delves into Zen concepts of embodiment and expression of Dharma through the natural world, referencing mountains and rivers as symbols of timeless Buddhist teachings. It explores the paradox of maintaining one's inherent...
Buddha, Daily Life, Time
Jun 28 1989

Pages