Second of Series of talks on the Pali Canon based on the book "In the Buddha's Words" by Bhikkhu Bodhi

First of Series of talks on the Pali Canon based on the book "In the Buddha's Words" by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Koan on Baizhang's Fox as published in The Gateless Barrier #14 and the Book of Serenity #8. This Koan deals with Karma and the cause and affect of our actions.

Koan on Buddha Twirls a Flower as published in the Gateless Barrier #6. This Koan speaks of the first transmission.

Koan on Buddha Ascends the Seat as published in the Book of Serenity #1 and the Blue Cliff Record #92. This Koan reminds us that words and talking are insufficient in teaching the dharma, that dharma is deeper and present in a more expansive way.

Talk on Language Poetry and War

Koan on Bodhidharma's Don't Know published in The Blue Cliff Record case #1 and the Book of Serenity case #2. This Koan speaks of the first zen teacher's arrival in China and the unknowable nature of existence.

Koan on Wash Your Bowls as published in the Gateless Barrier #7 and the Book of Serenity #39. This Koan challenges us to leave behind philosophical and spiritual concerns and come down to earth in the immediate present moment.

Koan on Everyday Mind as found in case 19 of the Gateless Barrier. This case reminds us that everyday mind is the Tao or Way.

Zoketsu proposes the spirit of questioning as the core practice of Zen. Deep questioning goes beyond anxiety, answers, and thought, and somehow brings us to the radical kindness that is the true spirit of Zen.

Zoketsu discusses the Buddhist concept and reality of emptiness and what bearing it has on our lives.

Short comments on contemporary and ancient Zen stories

I want to tell you about coming apart, wanting to die, and returning at last to myself, and about how my Buddhist practice both helped and hindered me in this zigzag journey.

A compendium of fourteen important texts from the Pali Canon, the oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures, selected and introduced by Zoketsu.

A very important sutra that includes material on perception and consciousness. The complete version of the sutra offered here as a text file was downloaded from the Buddhist Text Society. It is also available at the Gold Buddha Monastery website.

What does old man Zhaozhou have to say about the way we approach our everyday lives? How can we learn to listen to the music of our lives?

Comentario sobre Hekiganroku (Crónicas del Acantilado Azul) caso #52: “Asnos cruzan, Caballos cruzan” de Zhaozhou

Elder Ting asked Linji "What is the great meaning of the Buddhist Teaching?" Ji came down off his meditation seat, grabbed and held (Ting), gave him a slap, and then pushed him away. Why do we not bow?

A much lauded commentary on Shantideva's text, published by the Padmakara translations group. In this commentary, Kunzang Pelden has compiled the pith instructions of his teacher Patrul Rinpoche, the celebrated author of "The Words of My Perfect Teacher."

Biographies and stories of Zen women in China, Korea, and Japan, with commentary by Grace Schireson. An important collection of our current knowledge of historical Zen women.

Norman's eagerly awaited book about Homer's Odyssey and the metaphor of homecoming, from a Zen perspective. "Norman Fischer deftly incorporates Buddhist, Judaic, Christian, and popular thought, as well as his own unique and sympathetic understanding of life, in his reinterpretation of Odysseus's familiar wanderings as lessons that everyone can use. We see how to resist the seduction of the Sirens' song to stop sailing and give up; how to bide our time in a situation and wait for the right opportunity -- as Odysseus does when faced with the murderous, one-eyed Cyclops; and how to reassess our story and rediscover our purpose and identity if, like the Lotus-Eaters, we have forgotten the past."

This collection of scholarly essays discusses Zen ritual throughout history from a variety of standpoints. Not necessary to read to appreciate the audio files.

Chodron's excellent personal and in-depth commentary on Shantideva's eighth-century text.

More Dogen, but with an emphasis on meditation practice as theme. Lengthy introduction by Zoketsu.

Based on what historical evidence is known about female awakened practitioners since the time of the Buddha, Sallie Tisdale “re-imagines” their lives in the context of the historical eras they lived within. Some people object to the re-imagining, but I found it powerful and engaging. Her introduction is particularly worth reading.

The best among the many English translations of this inspiring poetic text.

Secondary text for the philosophically/academically minded: A sequel to "Eihei Dogen: Mystical Realist". Equally strong.