Archive of Talks

Apropos to some discussion last week, this Sunday Mike B led the Sangha on the topic of Engaged Buddhism. Many have criticized the Buddhist path over the centuries for its inward focus, but in fact the Buddha himself was a powerful advocate for peace and equality. Buddhist leaders like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat… Read more

Today Zac led our reflections on the topic of nirvana (cessation or unbinding) and bodhi (awakening or enlightenment). We listened to a talk on the topic from Shaila Catherine, which led to a spirited group discussion.   The talk is here: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/163/talk/26097/ Read more

The buddhist world often values skepticism, but just as often points to faith as a fundamental part of practice. How do skepticism and faith define each other? How can they both have a role in strengthening our practice? Michael offered reflections on these questions as we met this past Sunday. Buddhism encourage faith in the… Read more

Sam guided our reflections this past Sunday, as we focused on the ways in which impermanence and our responses to it shape our experience. Excerpts from a dharma talk by Marcia Rose, as well as some selected readings, further developed this investigation. The talk, by Marcia Rose, was titled “The Liberating Embrace of Annicca- Impermanence”… Read more

Wise View is the first element of the Eightfold Path to end suffering, and it is the lens through which all the other elements can best be understood.  Joey led the discussion this past week, drawing from dharma talks and an interview between Loch Kelly and Adyashanti to help define Wise or Right View, offering… Read more

Here are a number of the passages cited in the presentation on Awareness Michael gave during his presentation this past Sunday.  In general, there is a progression from easy entry into Awareness of Awareness up to its more powerful implications. Nisargadatta, from I Am That :    this is not a rarified realization.  I ask… Read more