Archive of Talks

In several previous gatherings, we have considered ideas of Culadasa, a neuroscientist and ordained Budhhist minister, with extensive meditation experience.   This Sunday we considered some aspects of the model of mind that Culadasa presents, and some of the implications for the practice of meditation. Guided by Margaret, we based our reflections on interviews with Culadasa.   … Read more

Every moment we are making decisions, large and small, which create our reality and can change the world. However, when we become more aware of the subtle forces of Greed, Aversion, and Delusion in our day-to-day experience, we may find that they are the driving forces behind all our decisions. Can we learn to act… Read more

This past week, Michael led an exploration of a non-dualist approach to meditation and mindfulness, guided by the work of Rupert Spira, from whose week-long retreat he recently returned.  If you are interested in exploring some of the unique approaches to these familiar topics which non-dualism offers, here are a few of the literally hundreds… Read more

This past Sunday, Lorilee moderated our discussion, a reflection on a Buddhist approach our global climate crisis. An excerpt by a recent dharma talk given by James Baraz at Spirit Rock, entitled “Internally & Externally – Holding It All” was followed by personal and shared reflection.  How does greed, aversion and delusion  manifest in our… Read more

Mike Blouin led our discussion this past Sunday on the concept of Śūnyatā, or emptiness, from a few different angles including natural history, poetry, and Buddhist philosophy. We looked at the phenomenon of emptiness through poetry and prose, and read and talked about the Heart Sutra as well.  There was no audio, but this article… Read more

Patrick’s presentation this past week included a talk from Gil Fronsdal called Social Equanimity. In the talk, he reviews the Brahma Viharas in general, talks about the role that equanimity plays in relation to the others, and its application in everyday life, including consideration of the limits of equanimity and how to apply it in… Read more