Archive of Talks

A monk asked Yunmen, “What is the teaching of a lifetime?” Yunmen replied “An appropriate response.” (Blue Cliff record, case 14) This first Sunday of the new year we spent some time sharing how we are feeling about the world, and from that place of group mindfulness, discussed what it means to have an appropriate Read more

As endings approach — the end of a life, the end of a year, there is a natural longing to clean the slate and rediscover true equanimity. The path to inner peace often leads straight through Forgiveness–and the year’s end offers a good occasion to look inside to see who you might forgive.  It is Read more

Max guided our reflections this Sunday, focusing on Right or Wise Effort. Much of the effort we expend can be wasted or even counterproductive because it has not been wisely shaped.  Keenly aware of this, the Buddha had a great deal to say about how to shape our efforts by preparing the ground in our states Read more

Guided by Don, this week we explored the sublime as it appears in our everyday life. A talk by Stephen Batchelor was at the center of our exploration, taking us through and beyond particular meditative techniques to something much more accessible: the deep appreciation of life in its best present moment. The reality of death Read more

Karma (or kamma in Pali), is the fifth of the Five Daily Recollections. It points to the natural law of cause and effect unfolding moment by moment. Joseph Goldstein describes karma as “resting on the tip of intention,” emphasizing that it is the quality of our intentions — more than the action itself — that shapes the Read more

The Path: what are its essentials?  How does it highlight the essentials for waking up?  How important are the most ancient traditions – and why?  And what might a modern pilgrimage look like? What is the role of others in our own awakening, and our role in theirs?  John guided our reflections this week, drawing on a dharma talk Read more