Archive of Talks

As we move towards winter and the turning in of the natural world, we can draw from the season’s qualities of stillness, introspection and dormancy to contemplate death as an advisor. When we attune to the reality of death, we can illuminate what is most important to us and strengthen our ability to come into… Read more

Considering our current political climate, and the upcoming holidays where people who have very different opinions may be gathering, Denise guided our reflections to focus on Views and how much they impact how we interact with our internal selves as well as others. Excerpts from Shaila Catherine’s talk titled “Opinions and Truth” provided useful perspectives… Read more

An under-appreciated but deeply valuable theme in the dharma of early buddhism is cultivating the ability to see the world, others, and oneself as beautiful.  Practices that cultivate opening to the experience of beauty were the theme of our explorations on Sunday, and we explored them in several ways, ranging from reading, listening to recorded… Read more

This past Sunday, Evelien drew from a talk by Sally Clough Armstrong on Intention. Sally Clough Armstrong led an IMS talk about Equanimity, Intention and Karma. “We are the heirs of our actions” is a liberating realization that our choices along the way have led us to be right where we are. With wisdom and… Read more

This past Sunday, Stephen guided our reflections, exploring how effective practice can lead to a mind prepared to achieve insights into the nature of the self.  Using a short talk by Culadasa, we discussed the specific process by which lasting transformations can be achieved. Read more

Joy is a central part of the Buddhist Path, and cultivating it is a key element in our practice.  Denise guided our reflections this past Sunday, focusing on this “song of the awakened heart,” and drawing on a dharma talk by Christina Feldman. The talk is available here: https://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/44/talk/10583/ Read more