Archive of Talks

  • Negotiating the Holidays

    We are in the midst of the holidays, with all their joys and frustrations. Coming freshly to this recurring rhythm can allow us to see more deeply into what resonates most profoundly and what drives us most crazy about this time – and perhaps we can find ways to negotiate the holidays more skillfully, for… Read more

  • Meeting Suffering head-on

    Lorilee, who brings to the table a career in medicine as well as years of practice on the cushion and on the mat, asks us to reflect on ways in which we have turned to Buddhist principles to alleviate suffering — in particular, chronic or severe physical or mental pain.  How successful were these at the… Read more

  • Surprises on the Path

    In a short sutta, (Middle length discourses #22) the Buddha’s recommended approach to leading a wise and effective life that leads to awakening is sketched in with great economy. The results are somewhat surprising (e.g., he covers when to follow the path and when to set it aside). And it is clear that the Path… Read more

  • Discomfort

    Although Buddhist discussion often centers around the larger experiences of suffering in our lives, arguably the most pervasive form is the thousands of small experiences each day where we find ourselves dissatisfied, disappointed, or uncomfortable. With assistance from a series by Gil Fronsdal, Payton guided our Sangha’s discussions this Sunday as we looked to explore… Read more

  • Gratitude, Gladness, and Unifying the Mind

    During the Thanksgiving holiday season, we might be contemplating the role of gratitude in our lives, and wondering how Buddhism can help us navigate the experience of pleasure. Guided by Sarah, this week’s sangha discussion included a recent talk by Jill Shepherd on Muditā, or gladness, as a way of exploring of samādhi, unification of mind, and… Read more

  • Doubt

    In this time of ongoing uncertainty and perpetual transitions, it would be no surprise to notice the fifth Hindrance of “doubt” creeping its way into our lives. With Andrea guiding the session, this week’s sangha discussion centered around talks by Sharon Salzberg and Tara Brach to explore the presence of doubt in our practice and… Read more