Archive of Talks

  • Our Elemental Nature

    Most spiritual traditions have an origin story of humankind, often conveying life as intertwined with the world itself.  At the time of the Buddha, this included reference to our connection with the four earth elements – earth, wind, water, and fire – that can be viewed as both comprising and surrounding us at all times.  … Read more

  • An action plan to minimize suffering

    Think of the Four Noble Truths not as propositions that we must know, but as invitations to take actions that can transform our lives.  Jackie based this Sunday’s session on the teaching of Tuere Sala, a contemporary Dharma teacher who provides a clear perspective on identifying and dealing with suffering on an individual level, getting to… Read more

  • Setting Boundaries

    The Buddha taught many different practices for wisdom and compassion, but one which is not often discussed is how to set appropriate boundaries for one’s self and others. And yet, this was actually a core of the early Dharma and is essential to both our wise action in the world and our mental health. This… Read more

  • Entering the Jhanas, deepening concentration

         The Buddha frequently closed his dharma discourses recommending that his followers then turn to take up the practice of the Jhanas, to help them deepen their practice and complement their understanding.  The Jhanas outline a progressive path of stilling, clearing, and focusing the mind that takes us beyond the practices of vipassana, and into… Read more

  • Forgiveness

    At the heart of forgiving is developing a skillful, unstuck relationship past harm — ours or others.  Choosing to forgive, we end the story of suffering and all that flows from it, then or now.  It is a kindness toward ourselves as well as others. Jeff guided our steps over this tender ground this week, drawing in… Read more

  • What makes a healthy Sangha?

    What maintains and what strengthens a healthy Sangha? How does practicing in Sangha support us on the path to liberation, in our practice and in our life generally?  As Sangha members become our dharma friends, might we meet for other events beyond Sunday mornings?  Darryl framed our discussion this week with a talk by Jill Shepherd and a few words… Read more