Archive of Talks

Humility may seem like a subdued virtue, but exploring it in depth reveals the humor, the insight and the surprise that can come in discovering the subversive forces that alternately undermine and promote humility.  Eric guided our reflections this week, drawing on a talk by Cara Lai, offering fresh insights into this quality we are often… Read more

Equanimity may appear at the summit of the Seven Factors of Awakening, the Ten Paramis, and the Four Brahma Viharas, but it can prove essential, and attainable, right in the midst of everyday life.    Jackie, guided our investigation of Equanimity this week, drawing on her own experience and a talk by Jill Shepherd. A link… Read more

Our intentions align our interests, our focus, our efforts and our actions.  They can be felt in our bodies, emotions, thoughts, daily lives, and in our practice.  Clarifying our intentions is central to living a meaningful life.  Drawing on a talk by Brian LeSage and on the Five Mindfulness Trainings of Plum Village, Darryl guided our investigation of… Read more

Mudita is described as feeling an inner wellspring of joy, delighting in the positive experiences of others without jealousy or envy. It is the third of the four “divine abodes” or brahmaviharas, the highest qualities of the heart. It is described as always available, no matter what the circumstances may be.   However, how do we… Read more

Although meditation techniques for quieting the mind are widely taught, it sometimes seems that we are left on our own to find specific paths to  insights that could change our own particular lives.  Yet there exist practices which encourage and support the development of such insights, life-clarifying and life-changing.  This week, Michael guided our reflections on, and… Read more

There are many moments during each day where our mind brings upthoughts of resentment, greed, fear, or doubt. These thoughts can seem wildly random, coming from nowhere at all; what can we do? But the teachings tell us that these experiences are lawful: there is always a cause and effect. Buddhist practice is about observing… Read more