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.

Stories of Zen Women

Non Dual Lineage of Zen

Talk of Suffering of Women and Buddhism

An ancient set of Buddhist slogans offers us six powerful techniques to transform life's difficulties into awakening and benefit.

Norman gives the ninth and final talk of the Zen's Women Ancestors series on Zhaozhou's Intimate Touch. This series is based on Record of the Hidden Lamp: One Hundred Koans of Awakened Women, edited by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon (forthcoming from Wisdom Publications, 2013

Norman gives the fifth talk of the Santa Sabina Sesshin on Practicing With Death. In this talk Norman also speaks on the koan "Ziyong's Last Teaching".

Norman gives the third talk on the Zen's Women Ancestors series on Miaozong's Dharma Interview.

Norman gives the second talk on Zen's Women Ancestors on Iron Grindstone Liu's Feast. This series is based on Record of the Hidden Lamp: One Hundred Koans of Awakened Women, edited by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon (forthcoming from Wisdom Publications, 2013

Norman gives the first talk on the Zen's Women Ancestors series on Zhaozhou And The Old Woman's Obstacles. This series is based on Record of the Hidden Lamp: One Hundred Koans of Awakened Women, edited by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon (forthcoming from Wisdom Publications, 2013

A Forum with Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Zenkei Blanche Hartman, Myogen Steve Stucky and Mary Morgan, with an Introduction by David Chadwick, published in the fall issue of Buddhadharma Magazine. The PDF is available here as a download.

Celebrating the Memory of Susan B. Jordan-an evening of teachings, meditation and discussion with her teacher, Zoketsu Norman Fischer. Norman's wit and wisdom inspired Susan to incorporate the principles of meditation into her everyday practice of law.

A video interview with Norman Fischer, conducted by Richard Chess and Kitty Kendall of University of North Carolina, Asheville.

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.