San Francisco Zen Center Dharma Talks

Taking Refuge Sep 29, 2024

This talk was given at Green Gulch Farm by Gendo Lucy Xiao 玄道. The talk is an exploration of taking refuge in our true nature as we navigate the seasons of life.

Moving Towards Right Speech Sep 28, 2024

This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by Onryu Mary Stares. In this talk Onryu Mary Stares discusses the five considerations the Buddha lists that allow us to practice Right Speech. These considerations shape our relationship with ourselves and with all beings.

What Will You Take Care Of? Sep 26, 2024

This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by Hondo Dave Rutschman. One of the most important questions each of us has to work out in our life is deciding what it is we will take care of. In this talk, Dave considers what it might mean to take care of our practice through time—to appreciate all those who have maintained it for us in the past, and to uphold it for future generations. Then he considers what it might mean to practice in a way that completely lets go of past and future.

Clearing the Mind Sep 15, 2024

09/15/2024, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk given at Green Gulch Farm, Abiding Abbott Jiryu Rutschman-Byler continues to explore four core elements of zazen practice: low belly, upright spine, clear mind, and wide-open welcoming. He focuses in particular on the practice of "clearing the mind," using teachings of the Buddha and from the Platform Sutra to discuss the dynamic between, on the one hand, welcoming everything including thought, and on the other hand, the fact that without a clear, empty mind the practice of welcoming often feels inaccessible to us.

Practicing with a Broken Heart Sep 14, 2024

09/14/2024, Gengyoko Tim Wicks, dharma talk at City Center. In this dharma talk, given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by tanto (head of practice) Gengyoko Tim Wicks, Tim speaks about working with everything that arises in zazen including grief and difficult emotions, for it is all a part of being awake.

A Thief of the Heart Sep 07, 2024

09/07/2024, James Ishmael Ford, dharma talk at City Center. This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple’s pop-up zendo at Unity Church on Page Street, by visiting teacher James Ishmael Ford. In the talk, Roshi Ford tells a story from his latest book, “The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey.” In his book James addresses the arc of a spiritual life. He uses the 12th-century Zen verses of Kuoan Shiyuan's Ox Herding Pictures as a scaffolding for an exploration of the winding path of spiritual exploration as well as the twin projects of waking up and growing up. He says the story that he shares here, which comes from the end of the book, and is based in a traditional Indian tale, summarizes the whole thing: who we are, and who we might become.

The Posture of Welcoming Aug 31, 2024

08/31/2024, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, Abbot Jiryu describes the fundamental Zen practice of "welcoming everything," and emphasizes the posture - grounded belly, upright spine, and clear mind - that we can care for in order to fully embody and actualize that practice.

Prajna Paramita - A History Of The Feminine In Our Liturgy Aug 31, 2024

08/30/2024, Chikudo Catherine Spaeth, dharma talk at Tassajara.

Mountains Are Mountains Aug 29, 2024

08/28/2024, Pamela Weiss, dharma talk at Tassajara.

It Is Always Our Own Effort, And We Are Always Supported By Others Aug 29, 2024

08/28/2024, Shundo David Haye, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Shundo reflects on a recent visit to Tassajara, which included the monthly Full Moon Ceremony and the Obon Ceremony. He encourages us to remember our place in the ongoing lineage of Buddhas and Ancestors.

Aryan Society and Culture in 6th century BCE India Aug 28, 2024

08/27/2024, Jan Willis, dharma talk at Tassajara. In this talk, Jan Willis discusses the conditions around the time of Buddha's lifetime, and how the Buddhist community was created.

Thoughts Regarding Reality Aug 25, 2024

08/25/2024, Onryu Mary Stares, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk Onryu Mary Stares discusses reality: how our attachments and karma lead us to obscure reality; how practice guides us to seek what is real in each moment.

Avowing Karma, Admitting My Faults Aug 22, 2024

08/21/2024, Dan Gudgel, dharma talk at City Center. In this dharma talk, given at Beginner’s Mind Temple, Dan uses the Soto Zen standard “Confession” verse to explore the connections between personal and collective karma. The verse is: “All my ancient twisted karma, from beginningless greed, hate and delusion, born through body speech and mind, I now fully avow.” Avowing karma — acknowledging and accepting the reality of the situation a person is in — is a crucial first step in stopping further harm and beginning to repair harms already done. In the talk, Dan looks at examples of his own karma, inherited in his youth and still reverberating today, even though it’s not beneficial.

Sustaining The Buddha Field That Is Tassajara Aug 22, 2024

08/21/2024, Shundo David Haye, dharma talk at Tassajara. In this talk, Shundo explains the elements and significance of the Full Moon Ceremony to those who had participated in it on their arrival day at Tassajara, and encourages everyone to understand their role in creating and sustaining the monastery and the community.

Zen’s Women Ancestors Aug 17, 2024

08/17/2024, Sokaku Kathie Fischer, dharma talk at City Center. In this dharma talk, given at Beginner’s Mind Temple, Kathie references Eihei Dogen's work, "Receiving the Marrow by Bowing," to tell the stories of important Zen women ancestors in the light of changing demographics over the millennia, and discuss Zen master Dogen's courageous and uncompromising defense of women's practice. "Receiving the Marrow by Bowing” (“Raihai Tokuzui” in Japanese) is a fascicle from Eihei Dogen’s (12th-century founder of Soto Zen in Japan) long work, “Shobo Genzo” (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye).

Traveling the Path With Ordinary Mind Aug 15, 2024

08/14/2024, Roger Hillyard, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple, by Roger Hillyard. The path is sometimes dark and difficult, sometimes smooth and joyous. It is always circuitous and doesn't proceed in a linear direction, so we cannot resist its call. When we seek the extraordinary we miss what is before us, beneath our feet. There is a direction we can go in, but not a place where we arrive. The only place we take steps is HERE, on the ordinary ground with an ordinary mind.

Belly, Spine, Clear, Welcome Aug 11, 2024

08/11/2024, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk Jiryu discusses four fundamental, inter-related aspects of the Zen posture of body and mind which we can care for in sitting and in daily life: 1) grounded in the belly, 2) upright and strong in our spine, 3) clear and empty in our mind, and 4) warmly welcoming of the whole wide, bright, constantly changing, utterly unknowable field of experience.

Mountain, Rivers and Trees Aug 04, 2024

08/04/2024, Rinso Ed Sattizahn, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. An exploration of the the koan: Zhaozhou's Cypress Tree in the Courtyard.

Warm-heartedness Aug 04, 2024

This talk was given at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji) by Kodo Conlin. Recorded on August 3, 2024.

Deep Listening Aug 01, 2024

07/31/2024, Jisan Tova Green, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple, by Tova Green. Tova explores deep listening on the personal, relational, community, and global levels. Investigating the meaning of her dharma name, MyoCho, Wondrous or Subtle Listening, Tova shares stories that express the compassionate nature of Avalokitesvara, or Kuanyin, Hearer of the Cries of the World. These stories encourage us to experience the entire universe as not separate from ourselves and meet the cries of the world with skillful means.

Not Doing Group Harm Jul 28, 2024

07/28/2024, Shosan Victoria Austin, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Studying Zen precepts, our tradition transmits a wealth of teachings to help us stop harming at personal and interpersonal levels. At this time in the West, we need to develop our ability to stop supporting harm and evil in groups and systems. Understanding and admitting how we may have supported collective harm actively, by collusion or tolerance, consciously or unconsciously, we can remove the hidden supports of collective harm. Humility in our group roles and behaviors opens our hearts and mind to what gives life to our participation in institutions, systems, and shared culture. When we scale up our practice of compassion and skillful means to plant our group behavior in the sensitive, responsive ground of the precepts, we find new ways to live and be lived for the benefit of all beings.

Chronic Pain and Suffering, a Way Out… Jul 21, 2024

07/21/2024, Dr. Grace Dammann, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Dr. Grace Dammann, a previouse Green Gulch Resident and physician, who was honored by the Dalai Lama for her extraordinary work speaks about the difference between suffering and pain from her experience as a doctor, practitioner and patient.

The Bodhisattva’s Four Embracing Actions Jul 20, 2024

07/20/2024, Tenzen David Zimmerman, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given at one of Beginner's Mind Temple’s pop-up events at Unity Church, by Central Abbot Tenzen David Zimmerman. Dogen Zenji’s beautiful and inspiring essay “Bodaisatta Shishobo” addresses four central practices of a bodhisattva ─ giving, loving speech, beneficial action, and identity action. Abbot David provides an overview of these four “embracing actions” which can heal our sense of separateness, deepen our connection with others, and foster social harmony and communal well-being. By actively taking up these practices together, we can ultimately transform the world.

Navigating Not-Knowing Jul 14, 2024

In this talk was given at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji), Horin Nancy Petrin talks about the new Zen-Inspired Senior Living Facility, Enso Village, and about ageing as a practice. Recorded on July 13, 2024.

Koan Study in the Rinzai and Soto Traditions Jul 13, 2024

07/13/2024, Kogen Jamie Howell, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given by Kogen Jamie Howell at one of Beginner’s Mind Temple’s pop-up events at Unity Church, San Francisco. Jamie discusses his lay (i.e., not ordained clergy) Zen life in both the Rinzai and Soto traditions in the west, highlighting similarities and differences in their approaches to Buddhist practice. Jamie spent most of his 45-year practice at the San Francisco Zen Center but also studied with teachers at the Mount Baldy Zen Center, Zendo Brasil and City Zen (Santa Rosa).

Practicing With The Mirror Of Zazen Jul 13, 2024

This talk was given at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji) by Inryũ Poncé-Barger. IInryũ invokes stories about the beloved Zen poet Ryokan, and discusses other koans and commentaries. Recorded on July 12, 2024.

The Mantra Of Our Life Jul 07, 2024

In this talk was given at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center (Zenshinji), Andrea Thach reflects on on stories from the life of her teacher Sojun Mel Weitsman, and talks about careful attention and devotion in our activities. Recorded on July 6, 2024.

Stumbling On the Path: A Short History of a Miscreant’s Transition to Buddhism Jul 06, 2024

07/06/2024, Peter Coyote, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given by Zen teacher, actor, poet and artist Peter Coyote. The talk, which Peter describes as “disguised as a dharma-way talk” recounts how the deepening grip of the precepts, as his practice deepened, made a wiser and more effective person, trying to model the life of a Buddha in his own life. Recorded on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Unity Church, Page St., San Francisco.

A Journey Along The Path Jul 04, 2024

07/03/2024, Gendo Lucy Xiao, dharma talk at Tassajara.

Grandmotherly Kindness: Models for Practice Jun 29, 2024

06/29/2024, Shosan Victoria Austin, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given by Shosan Victoria Austin at one of Beginner’s Mind Temple’s pop-up events at Unity Church on Page St in San Francisco. Sōtō Zen teaches that compassion underlies wisdom, and wisdom underlies compassion. When we take up the question of how to become compassionate humans, it helps to have role models such as The Bodhisattva "Hearer of the Cries of the World" (Kannon Bosatsu), our grandmothers and grandfathers. Some contemporary methods of skill in compassion include Paula Arai's Way of Healing, David Treleaven's Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, and Roshi Joan Halifax's G.R.A.C.E. Practicing compassion does not erase the pain and suffering of the world, but it helps us respond accurately, in nourishing ways. With the steadfastness of pine and the resilience of bamboo, we can help give life to ourselves and those around us in whatever states arise.

Which is the True Qian? Jun 23, 2024

06/23/2024, Kokyo Henkel, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Case 35 in the Gateless Barrier koan collection tells the story of Qian's spirit being divided between following her heart and being responsible by following obligations. Is one path more true than the other or not?

Home and Refuge Jun 22, 2024

06/22/2024, Shundo David Haye, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, the last given at Beginner's Mind Temple before the zendo closed for renovation, Shundo David Haye reflects on ideas of home, and taking refuge in the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

The Thousand Natural Shocks Jun 16, 2024

06/16/2024, Ryuko Laura Burges, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Laura talks about how we can practice with grief, loss, and ordinary everyday suffering, She weaves in stories from her recent book from Shambhala, The Zen Way of Recovery, and shares practices that can help us--no matter what we may be recovering from.

The Dharma Gate of Repose and Bliss Jun 15, 2024

06/15/2024, Sozan Michael McCord, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple, by Sozan Michael McCord. The Zen Buddhist path can seem like one that is spare, determined and somewhat serious; addressing the primary root of suffering as its main purpose. Yet, the practice is full of examples and instructions about liberation, joy and the connection to the beating heart of NOW. How do these seemingly disparate views reconcile?

https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/VT0ZtPuV-7pQQuprV.aac Jun 13, 2024

06/12/2024, Keido Keith Baker, dharma talk at City Center. This talk was given by Keido Keith Baker at Beginner’s Mind Temple, San Francisco. The Han's wooden knock calls countless practitioners to come to the Zendo for meditation. Indoors or outside, it's hard to miss its distinctive urgent rolldown. It's familiar hand-painted message encourages us all to not to waste time; that the life we have to understand birth and death, is short and passing quickly. Keido Keith shares some thoughts on the Great Matter of impermanence as seen from the view of the Han. Why is The Great Matter so urgent, and what are we being called to understand? Penetrating the surface of Birth and Death, we begin to find deeper meaning and a non-dualistic side by coming to understand impermanence, and interdependence.

Shikantaza Jun 09, 2024

06/09/2024, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk, Jiryu reflects on the practice of shikantaza, just sitting, as a Way that is fundamentally different than technique-based meditation.

Can I Take Back My Vows? — Navigating Uncertainty, Fear and Despair Jun 08, 2024

06/08/2024, Mushim Patricia Ikeda, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, San Francisco Zen Center, Muslim Ikeda examines the question, How can Zen practice be of benefit to more people during what many are calling "unprecedented times"? In mid-2024 the news is filled with political divisiveness, threats of fascism, ongoing genocides, and, as the polar ice caps continue to melt, Mexico City is facing a possible "Day Zero" when millions of people will have no running water. Weaving threads from Chinese Chan, Korean Seon, Japanese Zen, and Vietnamese Thien, Mushim Ikeda asked how possible it might be, on one hand, for her to live up to Korean Zen Master Naong's ‘Great Resolutions;’ and, on the other hand, to possibly chicken out and take back her Bodhisattva Vows. Mushim shared from her wide-ranging recent explorations into a Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhist modern version of Chöd and other experiences, suggesting that the vital inquiry for each of us might be to engage in heartfelt discernment each day, asking, "What is the most important thing for me to be doing, here, now, with all that I am?"

Things Are Not What They Seem, Nor Are They Otherwise Jun 06, 2024

06/05/2024, Kim Kōgen Dai-Hō Hart, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, San Francisco Zen Center, Kim considers how we are often hindered by our habitual responses, conditioning and fundamental misunderstanding of the substantiality of the phenomenal world. Here, she reflects on how, through Zen practice, we can access freedom through exploring the two aspects of non-dual reality, which can broaden our understanding, but more importantly set us free to meet the moment and engage more fully with our own lives.

On Keizan and his ‘Notes on What to Be Aware of in Zazen’ Jun 01, 2024

06/01/2024, Tenzen David Zimmerman, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple’s monthly one-day sitting, (this time held at Haight Street Art Center) Abbot David shares highlights of his recent trip to Japan to participate in a memorial ceremony and tour in honor of Keizan Jokin, considered the second of Soto Zen’s two founders (along with Dogen Zenji). After providing some historical background on Keizan, he then introduces the opening sections of Keizan’s ‘Zazen Yojinki’ or ‘Notes on What to Be Aware of in Zazen’, which describes zazen as a way to “clarify the mind-ground and rest at ease in your actual nature.”

Gardens of Awakening — Mitsue Nagase and Kazuaki Tanahashi May 30, 2024

05/29/2024, Kazuaki Tanahashi, Mitsue Nagase, dharma talk at City Center. In this discussion, held in the conference center at Beginner's Mind Temple, Mitsue Nagase and Kaz Tanahashi discuss their new book “Gardens of Awakening: A Guide to the Aesthetics, History, and Spirituality of Kyoto's Zen Landscapes.” Selected photographs were exhibited on site to share the experience of "meeting" a Zen garden in its fleeting moments.

Zen and Vajrayana May 25, 2024

05/18/2024, Kokyo Henkel, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Kokyo celebrates the spirit of non-sectarianism within Buddha-Dharma, and explores the similarities and differences between Zen and Vajrayana practices, through the teaching of the nine vehicles of the Tibetan Nyingma School.

You Have No Enemies May 16, 2024

05/15/2024, Dan Gudgel, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Dōshin Dan Gudgel investigates how using the word and idea of ‘enemy’ affects our every day experience. Dan examines our national, military idea of ‘enemies,’ as well as how modern culture in the U.S. is increasingly using the word and concept of ‘enemy’ more broadly, and harmfully. With linguistic, dharma and personal examples, Dan points to how we are limiting our responses and closing our hearts to people and ideas by accepting these artificial categories of ‘enemy’ and ‘friend.’

Dragons Love Ceremonies May 12, 2024

05/12/2024, Thiemo Blank, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. This talk was presented by Thiemo on Mothers Day at the end of an introductory Sesshin (meditation retreat) at Green Dragon Temple. The Investigation of - “the true dragon” (Reality / Thusness) - in Sesshin is likened to the ancient story of the blind men investigating an Elephant. The speaker suggests that Forms and Ceremonies offer a path to wholeheartedly and intimately connect to the “dragon”. As babies we were in accord with the flow of Reality but as adults we lost connection by our focus on conceptual thinking. Returning to our original intimacy we need to learn the “backward step” that Dogen is teaching.

The Stranger in the Mirror: Reincarnation and Rebirth May 11, 2024

05/11/2024, Gengyoko Tim Wicks, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple’s monthly one-day sitting, (this time held at Haight Street Art Center) Gengyoko Tim Wicks discusses reincarnation and rebirth, and the relationship that karma has on both of these ancient concepts. In the talk, Tim emphasizes the primacy of rebirth in Mahayana Buddhism.

Practicing With Expectations May 09, 2024

05/08/2024, Eli Brown-Stevenson, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Eli Brown-Stevenson describes how to find practical application of Buddhist teachings by bringing inquiry and curiosity to the expectations we hold in formal practice as well as the practice of life. The talk contains practical wisdom, Suzuki Roshi teachings, koans and a guided exercise to personally experience how letting go of expectations can alter perception and reality.

Alive or Dead May 05, 2024

05/05/2024, Jiryu Rutschman-Byler, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. Offering a talk on the day of a funeral service for Caroline Meister, Jiryu observes that in the subtle, tender mind that is truly open and present in not-knowing, we cannot even say "alive or dead".

Taking Refuge May 04, 2024

05/04/2024, Jisho Lisa Beth Hoffman, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Jisho Lisa Beth Hoffman explores the meaning of refuge and the experience of doing so through teacher, teaching and community - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Sharing herexperiences with Heart teacher Surei Darlene Cohen and mentor Ninsen Lee Lipp, this talk is personal, engaging and encouraging.

Building the Spiritual Community of the Future May 02, 2024

05/01/2024, panel discussion at City Center. In this discussion, held in place of the regular Wednesday night dharma talk at Beginner's Mind Temple, Eli Brown-Stevenson leads a discussion featuring Community Village co-founders Caleb Tenenbaum, Nina Raddy, and Richard Bae; and, representing San Francisco Zen Center, resident priest Sozan Michael McCord. Community Village is an emerging peer-led, co-created, pan-Buddhist meditation community primarily focused on younger meditators. San Francisco Zen Center is a long-established Buddhist training organization, firmly based on the Soto Zen lineage of Japan. In the discussion, many common themes and experiences emerge, as well as notable areas of overlap and mutual support.

Everyday Mind Is The Way Apr 28, 2024

04/28/2024, Zoketsu Norman Fischer, dharma talk at Green Gulch Farm. In this talk Zoketsu discusses case 19 of Mumonkan, Nanchuan’s Everyday Mind. Our practice is very plain and ordinary, and yet, the plain and ordinary world is also vast and wide, and when we practice zazen regularly we can begin to live in it with that appreciation. To end his talk Zoketsu quotes at length from a commentary to this story by his late teacher Sojun Weitsman, from his new posthumous book Seeing One Thing Through.

Sekito Kisen's Difference and Equality Apr 27, 2024

04/27/2024, Kyoshin Wendy Lewis, dharma talk at City Center. In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Kyoshin Wendy Lewis discusses the Zen text "Harmony of Difference and Equality". Written in the 8th century in China, the "Harmony of Difference and Equality" holds significant importance in Zen history. It is chanted daily in many Zen temples and at the memorial ceremonies of founding teachers. The tone of the poem is an examination of the interactivity of the relative and absolute truths. In his commentary on the poem, Shunryu Suzuki says "The capacity of the human mind has three aspects: potentiality, interrelationship, and appropriateness. ... [T]he 'interrelationship between someone who helps and someone who is helped' is called jihi [which] is usually translated as ‘love.'"

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

San Francisco Zen Center Dharma Talks

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected