Archive of Talks

  • Imagination

    Evolutionary psychology claims that imagination is what makes homo sapiens sapient.  And somewhat surprisingly, imagination is essential in following the Buddhist Path.  This week, Michael guided our reflections as we explored the various ways in which imagination (often discouraged when we first come to meditate) deepens our practice, both on and off the cushion, and… Read more

  • Embodiment

    The teachings of the Buddha can sometimes be very heady, satisfying to the mind but not as applicable in our lived experience. The dharma, however, is meant to be a practice which is felt in every aspect of our waking being, not just an intellectual pursuit. This week, Mike B guided the discussion around the topic… Read more

  • Doubt: The Final Hindrance

    This Sunday, Joey drew on talks by Mark Nunberg and Christina Feldman on the topic of doubt, one of the five hindrances. Where does doubt arise in your life? Do you ever experience self-doubt or as Christina points out, a belief in insufficiency of one sort or another? What prevents doubt from arising? How do… Read more

  • The end of Hatred

    The Dhammapada reads, “Hatred does not end by hatred; by non-hate alone does it end”. This saying is so pithy it seems indisputable, but what is meant by hatred, and what is meant by non-hatred? Most people who hear this phrase probably think of themselves as mostly without hatred, and yet what if the Pali… Read more

  • Touching the Earth

    Zac’s talk and reflection this past Sunday revolved around the story of Buddha touching the Earth. It is said that at the moment of his awakening he reached down with his right hand and touched the Earth. Depictions of this moment have become one of the most widespread images in Buddhist iconography. We visited the story… Read more

  • Thoughts Think Themselves

    This Sunday Jeffrey presented the topic, “Thoughts Think Themselves”. He presented a quick review of the work of Robert Wright, Why Buddhism Is True, and an article by Max Bertolero and Danielle Basset, “How Matter Becomes Mind”, Scientific American, July 2019. These sources describe “modular” models of the mind, with the overall “managing” function performed… Read more