Archive of Talks

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

As much as we might be inspired by the four Brahma Viharas, it is very useful to have ways to bring qualities such as these into the tough spots in our daily lives.  Offering guidance on qualities that help us bring it all home, the Buddha spelled out the Five Spiritual Faculties: Confidence, Energy, Mindfulness, Collected… Read more

The Buddha named our Mental Formations (Pali: Sankhara) as one of the Five Aggregates that structure our lives. In the talk this Sunday, Dharma Teacher Andrea Fella showed how there can be great benefit in identifying the types of mental formations unique to each of us at any point in time, allowing for increased awareness,… Read more