Archive of Talks

As 2023 begins to unfold, we find ourselves in the midst of what Duane Elgin calls a “global initiation process for humanity”, with climate chaos intensifying suffering for all sentient beings. How can our meditation and mindfulness practices help us to work constructively with the anger and grief that naturally arise in response? Jane led… Read more

What does it mean to just start over? Under the eye of mindfulness it is a profound practice. When we cultivate the practice of starting over, we are reconnecting to the “wise” or “right intention” of the Noble Eightfold Path, renewing our intention to be present with our values at any given moment. This week… Read more

The winter solstice has held a special place in the routines of many cultures throughout history. Its observance has varied considerably but there are countless traditions associated with the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. How does the theme of renewal and the rebirth of the wheel of seasons resonate… Read more

Turn all obstacles into the path for practice.  What does it mean to say, “I will take this situation or relationship as a way for learning”? We look at so many patterns and we have to ask – is there learning? This week, Eveline guided us with a talk by Donald Rothberg, “Taking Everything As… Read more

This Sunday’s talk built upon last week’s talk about letting go of our clinging to the stories that serve to define our present and future experiences. Buddhism helps us loosen the limitations and dissolve the solidity of who we think we are, what we think we have.  But is it ever healthy to have a… Read more

The classical teachings of the Buddha are from time to time presented in very compressed form. Quoted in last weeks sangha discussion, this exchange between the Buddha and Kappa, in the Sutta Nipata collection, caught Sam’s particular attention: “Having nothing, clinging to no thing: That is the ‘island’, there is no other. That is Unbinding,… Read more