Archive of Talks

In times as edgy and dark as these might seem to many, Joy seems a remote  possibility.  But discovering Joy is an essential part of the Buddha’s teachings:  it’s even one of the Seven Factors of Awakening, not to be omitted, or even set aside as something shallow or less noble. How might we cultivate joy, and… Read more

The underlying method of Buddha’s teaching is one of cultivating conditions, rather than hoping for a miracle.  Even Awakening itself is a matter of causes and conditions, which means that it can be cultivated.   The Seven Factors of Awakening, as we would suspect, begin with mindfulness, leading to exploration, energy, joy, tranquility, samadhi and finally equanimity.  Don led… Read more

Do human needs undermine the Buddhist path, or provide the stone on which our practice is sharpened? What does it mean to have needs as a human being on a path that seems always to teach letting go, non-attachment, and non-self?   What does it mean to have dreams, aspirations, and deeply held values on this path? … Read more

Ellen shared some thoughts and explorations of equanimity this week. It appears in the Brahma Viharas, the 7 factors of awakening and the 10 perfections/paramis. Equanimity has roles to play in our meditations and in our day to day lives.  This exploration was be followed by a brief talk by Heather Martin introducing an equanimity… Read more

It seems as if big questions about social justice and equity are arising every day, with big consequences for large numbers of people.   How does our individual personal karma intersect with interest in social justice?   Does understanding causality as described in the Buddhist idea of dependent arising illuminate the unfolding of social action as well… Read more

 “Metta”  is one of the four Bhramaviharas or Divine Abodes, and is most often translated as loving-kindness. In a world with seemingly stark polarities, metta invites us to love without exception, even when it feels impossible.  Yet, through the training of the heart, there is discernment: to love wisely, not blindly. Can metta be an act of… Read more