Archive of Talks

  • Loosening the grip of the sense of self

    Buddhist teachings point to “papanca” [pah PAHN chah], the naturally-occurring tendency of the mind to generate endless thoughts about one’s self. Joseph Goldstein offers a particularly penetrating in-depth analysis of papanca’s sources. The first is “craving”, the sense of “mine” (my thoughts, my feelings and so on). The second is “conceit,” the felt sense of “I am… Read more

  • Aspiration

    On this first Sunday in the new year, we reflected on our aspirations. Remember when you first encountered the dharma? What was it that drew you in? What seemed valuable, useful, practical? What was your goal, your aspiration? Has that changed? Has it evolved? Were you looking for something new, something better, something more exciting… Read more

  • 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