Archive of Talks

This week, rather than listen to a talk, Stephen moderated a deep discussion within our gathering. The topics began with how we were drawn to Dharma practice and opened up into practices, experiences, and questions about our paths. A recurring theme was that anything we can do to make our practice a more enjoyable experience… Read more

Lorilee led our exploration of ways in which the dharma can illuminate our intimate relationships this past Sunday.  Drawing on the work of Israeli teacher Zohar Lavie, as well as Americans Tara Brach and Steven Cope, we explored ways in which intimate relationships can offer a clear lens with which to examine the nature of… Read more

This Sunday Patrick guided our reflections, turning to the topic of living in and with uncertainty.  Anchoring in a talk by  Zohar Lavie called “Anicca, Equanimity, and Bodhicitta,” we explored the roles these three have in working with the uncertainties we experience everyday. We discussed how uncertainty can bring a new way of seeing, and how it… Read more

This Sunday Denise guided our reflections on vedana, the sensation or “feeling tone” that arises when our senses come into contact with something.  We focused on the challenges and benefits of working specifically with vedana as a part of one’s spiritual practice. Here’s the references from Denise’s talk: Analayo. 2018. Satipatthana Meditation: A Practice Guide.… Read more

This Sunday we explored space and spaciousness. Contacting and abiding in spaciousness can be a deeply liberating practice and, for some teachers and traditions, is a central concept and practice on the path of awakening. Zac guided our reflections as we contemplated spaciousness experientially, examined how it shows up in some teachings, and considered its… Read more

Treat every moment as your last; it is not preparation for something else. Shunryu Suzuki This week, Payton guided the Sangha in a simple tea ceremony practice as we explore how this ancient beverage can create a sacred space in our daily life.  This quote set the stage for our sitting: “If asked / the nature of… Read more