Archive of Talks

Ever seeking to keep practitioners on the path, The Buddha offered to his followers in ancient times, and to us today, Five Recollections. Calling these to mind every day can keep us alert to the difference practice can make. Three may seem obvious, one shocking, and the last deeply reaffirming. This week, Sam guided our Read more

In Pali, the language of the Buddhist scriptures, Dhamma means both the teaching of the Buddha and the laws of Nature. And from the beginning, those training in the Dhamma were encouraged to spend significant time in out of doors.  Today too, immersing ourselves in Nature, we encounter vast treasures of teachings and inspiration that regenerate Read more

The world feels especially noisy right now, so let’s investigate sacred sound. Trina guided us this week in looking at how chanting and mantra are used in many spiritual practices, including Buddhism, and why it might be better than you think. Trina writes: I was unable to find a tidy 30-minute talk about this, so Read more

In recent times, different branches of Buddhism have been reinvigorated by the ideas and practices of ancient and modern non-dualism. In the process, Advaita Vedanta has entered often-fruitful conversations with Buddhists.  Michael guided our reflections this week as we explored several ways in which Buddhists augment their practice in light of non-dual perspectives. Read more

In a world seething with chaos, rage, and suffering, what is our position in the world?  We have shared our feelings of grief, despair, frustration, helplessness, anger.  We have asked, what should we do?  What must we do?  How can we sit on our cushions in a world on fire?  The urge to fight back Read more

Ellen was struck a few months back by how many of us had lost parents and loved ones and were grieving. And then during last week’s gathering, one of the pervasive feelings in this political moment is grief. It is so important to make room for, to welcome and work with grief. During this week’s Sangha gathering, Read more