Dharma and the Dead: A Lyrical Discussion of the Grateful Dead, Online 8/9

Practice Center
Date / Time
August 9, 2025 / 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Event Type
Workshops and Retreats
Description

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.


"Let it be known there is a fountain that was not made by the hands of men." 
—The Grateful Dead, "Ripple"

 

On the 30th memorial of Jerry Garcia’s passing—and in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead’s formation—join two long-time Zen Deadheads to explore the band’s “Dharma songs.” Together we’ll listen to selected tracks and hear Zen commentaries on lyrics that open the heart to a realm beyond our habitual fixed views of the world.

 

Zenefit Poster

On November 13, 1966, to raise money to buy Tassajara, we organized a “Zenefit” held in the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert featured performances by the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Janis Joplin—artists who have since become legendary.

I didn’t usually go to the Haight-Ashbury district because it wasn’t my scene, but I went to the Zenefit. The auditorium was full. Light effects emanated from strobe lights and lasers mounted throughout the theater. Pungent odors filled the air. People were dressed—or undressed—in an amazing variety of regalia. And the huge sounds of 1960s rock boomed from the stage.

Katagiri Sensei had been in the United States for only two years at the time. He was reserved, quiet, and a very gentle presence. I remember seeing him standing anxiously in the shadows, half-hidden, and looking quite out of sorts and unsettled in that crazy environment. He looked as if he wanted to run away. I’m sure he did.

Suzuki was older and had been doing resiliency practice for years and years. He sat in the front row of the theater, with lights flashing on him from all directions. What a memorable sight. Surrounded by utter chaos, he was completely relaxed and seemed totally in his element. He was looking around, smiling, taking it all in—I think he was grooving on the whole thing.

Finally, the last performer, the amazing blues singer Janis Joplin, took the stage. She gave it her all—talk about shedding the fear body. In front of a thousand people, she bared her heart and soul in a classic Janis performance.

Then it was time for Suzuki to say something to the crowd. The auditorium grew silent as he crossed to the microphone. When he spoke, his voice was calm and warm. “At first,” he said, “I think your way very different from ours. But now I see, not so different! Not so different!” The crowd roared.

This story is recounted by Tim Burkett in his book Nothing Holy About It.

Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.

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