Archive of Talks

It is said that we have 86,000 thoughts per day, almost all of which we also had yesterday.  When we examine our habitual thought patterns, do we see the roots of self-generated suffering?       How we shape and frame our incessant “stories” profoundly affects not only our own happiness, but that of those we… Read more

This Sunday, we had the opportunity to meet in person in our new space and to explore practice as Embodiment, guided by Ron, and drawing on a talk by Sebene Selassie titled “There is a Body,” which casts new light on mindfulness. You can listen to Sebene’s talk here: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/55071/ Read more

Beyond the degree of attention we normally give in mindfulness meditation lies the terrain of deeper absorption: the jhanas.   Although these states are described in the sutras, they often seem to be exotic and distant. Don shared with us this past week a step-by-step instruction video by Ajahn Brahm on cultivating the jhana state… Read more

     Loss. It is part of our lives and naturally part of the teachings of the Buddha. We are encouraged to reflect on a daily basis that we will be separated from all that we hold dear. One pair of the “worldly winds” which tug us in opposing directions is “gain and loss”.   … Read more

This week Sam guided our discussion on liberation from suffering through non-clinging. This is, of course, a fundamental teaching of the Buddha, filled with many nuances, and can be the basis for a variety of approaches to practice, as excerpts from talks by several dharma teachers will make clear. MN37:  [The Buddha was asked, by Sakka, the… Read more

In our culture, we have “stand your ground” laws that cultivate fear and separation.  How do we stand our ground in the dharma?   One of the best-known stories in the Buddhist tradition is the story of the Buddha, at the moment of his enlightenment, repudiating Mara by touching the earth.  Surprisingly, the story is found nowhere in… Read more