A series of talks on Zen poem "Merging of Difference and Unity"

Part One of a series of five talks on the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is important text for all of Far East Asian Buddhism. It recasts the Buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in Buddhism. Norman gives five talks based on Burton Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra.

Part Four of a series of five talks on the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is important text for all of Far East Asian Buddhism. It recasts the Buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in Buddhism. Norman gives five talks based on Burton Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra.

Part Two of a series of five talks on the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is important text for all of Far East Asian Buddhism. It recasts the Buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in Buddhism. Norman gives five talks based on Burton Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra.

Part Three of a series of five talks on the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is important text for all of Far East Asian Buddhism. It recasts the Buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in Buddhism. Norman gives five talks based on Burton Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra.

Part Five of a series of five talks on the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra is important text for all of Far East Asian Buddhism. It recasts the Buddha as a cosmic principle rather than a revered teacher, and shows the importance of a path of faith and devotion in Buddhism. Norman gives five talks based on Burton Watson's translation of the Lotus Sutra.

Zoketsu lectures on this well known sutra.

This well known sutra features a layman as protagonist.

Zoketsu Norman Fischer talks about a Zen approach to dealing with the suffering brought about by afflicted emotions. From sesshin given at Mar de Jade.

... Aun si has memorizado todos los sutras, no puedes utilizarlos.

In this talk delivered to an international conference of Buddhist teachers, Norman suggests several questions concerning the life of Buddhism in western culture with the attitude that it is best not to be in a rush to find answers. "Without questioning there is something to defend, and where there is something to defend trouble and suffering are not far behind."

Zoketsu continues an exploration of the essential emptiness of phenomena, as taught in the Diamond Sutra, with a discussion of the practice of renunciation.

Zoketsu introduces the emptiness teachings of the Vajracheddika Prajna Paramita Sutra, also known as the Diamond Sutra.

Norman advises that suffering cannot be eliminated. He tells us we can find freedom within suffering and not by trying to escape from it.

Zoketsu describes his path as a Dharma student and discusses a variety of ways to work with Buddhist teachers.

Zoketsu discusses ceremonies and practice with families.

Norman explores the basic human need for expression. Through poetics, Dogen, Ginsberg, and Valery, he investigates what art is and the beauty of its instability.

Zoketsu discusses the history of work and work practice in Zen from ancient China to the modern day. Practical suggestions on engaging in work as spiritual practice are offered.

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.