Archive of Talks

Aimlessness as spiritual path?!  We might dismiss such a notion out of hand, until we learned that it was recommended highly by Thich Nhat Hanh, and that he was pointing to a style of practice that is  also signless.  And empty.   Does such an eccentric approach interest us? or make us suspicious?   Using excerpts from a talk by Read more

Much of our life seems to be consumed with making decisions, important or trivial: What to eat? what to wear? whether to stay in a job or leave it?  whether to stay in a relationship or prepare for an exit?  Coffee or tea?  How to practice, and how much? We might say, and even believe, “I decide” this Read more

      Our starting place in the BuddhaDharma is almost always marked by Craving – for all sorts of goals, spiritual, psychological & material.   The promise of the Path is that there is a reliable way to move in the direction of Freedom and Awakening.  Sam guided our discussion this week of a key Read more

      One of the bright promises of the BuddhaDharma is that we can shape our own mind states. And rather than just wishing for good results, there are paths and practices which we can follow to arrive at this capacity.            Ellen shared part of a talk by James Read more

The Buddha frequently urged his followers to contemplate daily the five Remembrances that he practiced in preparation for his ultimate awakening.  The first three may be familiar–but the last two are so radical that they have the power to startle us into attention no matter how long we have been practicing. Sonia guided our investigation this week of Read more

What does it mean to take refuge?   When on retreat, we often take refuge in the Three Jewels on the first day, and in some cases, first thing each morning that follows. But what does it mean to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha in our everyday lives?   Eric offered his understanding of this and invited Read more