During this talk, Lezlie reviews the characteristics and effects of the five hindrances–desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubt–and several approaches to setting them aside. She intends to devote future talks to these different meditative skills, as described in “Unhindered” by Gil Fronsdal and “Beyond Distraction” by Shaila Catherine, among others.
During this talk, April describes real life occurrences to emphasize the unwholesome consequences of actions shaped by what are called “the three poisons”, greed, hatred and delusion. She associates this with the uncertainties associated with the current actions being taken through the medium of Artificial Intelligence. She then reviews the relevant ethical values that shape […]
This talk, presented by Allie Vaknin, is the second of a series of reviews during which she focuses on the Perfection of what are called Paramis, qualities of consciousness that, when fulfilled in their potential, nurture the realization of Nirvana. Tonight’s talk focuses on the Parami of Sila, virtuous thoughts and deeds, reflected in what […]
During this talk, Peter describes his research and contemplation regarding how contemporary neuroscientific research can increase understanding of anatta, the principle that asserts the absence of an enduring and autonomous self. He explains the processes of neuroplasticity and long-term potentiation during the interactions between various networks of neuronal connection as supportive of insights regarding the […]
During this talk, Allie begins a series of reviews she will provide focusing on the Paramis, the skills and virtues to be perfected on the path to Awakening. The topic for this talk is generosity, both material and non-material, as a way to cultivate kindness and renunciation of greed and miserliness. She responds to questions […]
During this talk, April provides a review of Right Speech as a basic element of the Noble Eightfold Path, cultivating a clear conscience as the platform from which the process of Awakening develops. An element of Right Speech, truthfulness, is associated with the challenges presented by media disinformation and Artificial Intelligence in contemporary life. This […]
We often provide an opportunity for those among us who have just completed a significant retreat to “think out loud” about the experience. This can be beneficial for that person and perhaps inspiring for those listening. This was the first retreat for Lezlie that involved the intense training provided by the teaching of S. N. […]
During this talk, Peter responds to questions from those attending, focusing on the importance of establishing mindfulness of breathing as a stabilizing reference point, because the intention to remain aware of the sensations experienced while breathing as other mental phenomena occur provides a “distancing” effect, enabling us to be less affected as craving and clinging […]
During this talk, Peter focuses on the relationship between the Buddhist concept of Voidness (Sunnata) and neuroplasticity, the inherent complex and impersonal way the function of the brain creates a person’s self experience. Using an excerpt from “Heartwood of the Bodhi Tree–the Buddha’s Teaching on Voidness”, by Buddhadasa, he reviews how important the cultivation of […]
During this Dharma talk, Peter describes the intersection between empathy and compassion. Empathy is hardwired into our bodies and can be misunderstood and produce regrettable self-states and behaviors when not monitored by mindfulness. He describes how we are all subjected to marketing tactics based on studies of empathy to negatively affect ourselves and others. Skillful […]
This guided meditation provides suggestions for recognizing the subjective characteristics of empathy with support from mindfulness of breathing for a non-reactive perspective of the experience. It is intended to provide practice support for the Dharma talk that followed: “Empathy And Compassion”, posted on this website.
During this second of a series of reviews of women who are influential among contemporary meditators, Allie Vaknin begins by inquiring among participants who might have familiarity with Pema Chodron’s books, and then goes on to briefly recounting Chodron’s life: she was born in New York City as Deidre Blomfeld-Brown and was inspired to become […]
During this first of several Dharma talks about important female teachers, April reviews the life and teachings of Upasika Lee Nanayon, a lay teacher in Thailand. First she describes the determination of a person whose teaching comes from a simple lifestyle and deep meditation practice dedicated to providing women with unbiased access to the Dharma. […]
During this talk, Peter responds to questions about the concepts described in “Seeing That Frees”, by Rob Burbea. The concepts of “the fading of perception”, “awareness”, and “emptiness” were discussed, derived from these questions.
The Paramis are categories of intentionally cultivated virtuous mind-states that promote the process of Awakening. With this talk, Lezlie describes the Parami of Generosity, both materially and interpersonally being unselfish regarding others. She intends to periodically provide commentaries about the various Paramis, using “Creating a Life of Integrity–A Conversation With Joseph Goldstein”, by Gail Anderson […]
Once a month, Peter provides an opportunity during the meeting for those participating to ask questions regarding Buddhist concepts and practices. The questions posed during this meeting focus on the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse”, for example the “noting” method for cultivating insight, compared to practices that first emphasize the cultivation of high levels of […]
Our community finds value in providing opportunities for those among us who have recently experienced a significant retreat to “think out loud” about the experience. The benefits of these reviews are associated with the support of informed listeners, along with information about retreat sites and teachers. The descriptions of the experience might inspire those listening […]
During this talk, April describes how our inability to investigate and effectively manage our resistance to using mindfulness to beneficially apply the principles and practices from a Buddhist creates suffering, using various quotes from Buddhist teachings. Her review is followed by questions and comments about this topic from those participating in the meeting. Here are […]
During this talk, Allie Vaknin reviews Buddhist concepts regarding mortality, referring frequently to the Bardo, a descriptive term for the states of birth, death and rebirth from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. Her report is followed by comments from participants regarding their views of mortality, often referring to the impact after witnessing their witnessing of the […]
During this meeting, Peter responds to questions posed by those participating, such as describing the “Middle Way” as a dynamic balancing of mental energy–not too energized or too tranquil–along with mental acuity–not too rigid or too “sloppy”. He also commented on the benefits of deciding to cultivate equanimity when confronted with very noisy and variable […]