Drawing on Dogen’s teaching, Zoketsu describes zazen as the essence of Zen practice, beyond just the practice of sitting, discussing Dogen’s promise of zazen as the manifestation of the ultimate reality.

Zoketsu discusses "the simple but powerful teaching" of emptiness. He then discuss the four seals: impermanence, suffering, no-self or emptiness, and nirvana.

Norman talks about Right Action from the Zen perspective.

Norman talks about Right Action from the Zen perspective.

An exploration of alternatives to the wild ride created by the conditioning of our “likes” and “dislikes”. If we live on this basis we become a victim of reality. The alternative is to be present moment to moment. Zoketsu also discusses the nature of consciousness.

A series of talks by Zoketsu on practicing Zen in contemporary Western life. Topics covered include meditation practice, koan study, ethical conduct, relationships, working with a teacher.

This is the second of the two part series from the Dharma Seminar Series, Spring, 2001 - March 20 & 27, 2001. Zoketsu explores Martin Buber’s “I/Thou” relationship and discusses love and relationships in the context of Zen practice. Both the presence and absence of an intimate relationship can be a deep opportunity for practice.

Dharma Seminar Series, Spring, 2001 - March 20 & 27, 2001. Zoketsu explores Martin Buber’s “I/Thou” relationship and discusses love and relationships in the context of Zen practice. Both the presence and absence of an intimate relationship can be a deep opportunity for practice.

This is an introduction to Koan Study. Zoketsu discusses the history of Koans and their relationship to Zen practice in the Rinzai and Soto schools of Zen. He recommends Dogen’s Genjo Koan as a guide in making this very life our central koan.

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.