Archive of Talks

Rebecca began our explorations of the Seven Factors of Awakening with a look into the first factor – Mindfulness – from a neurological point of view.  The core reading for the morning was Daniel Siegel’s article from the Shambhala Sun, titled “The Science of Mindfulness,” to which the following link will lead you. http://shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501&Itemid=0 Read more

This Sunday Michael, as a balance to the Five Hindrances and a bridge to the Seven Factors of Awakening, introduced an excerpt from Steve Armstrong’s talk on A Lifestyle of Awareness, which focuses on the Five Strengths: Confidence Energy Mindfulnes Concentration and Wisdom.  We listened to and discussed the first thirty minutes, which addressed Confidence/Faith… Read more

Maryann guided our reflections on the fifth and final hindrance in our tour of these impediments and how to overcome them (and we noted that Restlessness is among the very last fetters to disappear before complete Awakening!).  Maryann utilized excerpts from a Dharma Talk by Sally Clough Armstrong, given during the current three-month retreat at… Read more

Joey guided our reflections on doubt, sparking our discussion with excerpts from two dharma talks:  Joseph Goldstein on Doubt and Aversion and How They Influence our Lives and Practice http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/9014/ Tara Brach’s dharma talk, Trusting Our Secret Beauty, can be found here http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/?search=trusting+our+secret+beauty Though time prevented even an excerpt of a third talk being included… Read more

Michael guided our exploration of Sloth and Torpor, drawing on Buddhist scripture, contemporary contrary interpretations of the dharma, and an excerpt of a talk by Joseph Goldstein.  The sutta on the lazy monks is from the Anguttara Nikaya, and can be found at number 7.6, under persistance (or lack of it) http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/recognizing.html#persistence Jason Siff’s comments on the… Read more

Margaret guided our reflections on the various aspects of the hindrance of Aversion, from mild to extreme.  The talk by Joseph Goldstein, from which she used some excerpts, can be found at http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/296/   Read more