In this conversation, Tara Brach and Gabor Maté come together to explore the heart-wrenching situation in Gaza through the lens of the Bodhisattva path. Drawing from the Bodhisattva path – the commitment to alleviate suffering for all beings – they explore the importance of compassion and engaged spirituality in responding to the oppression and trauma experienced by the Palestinian and Israeli people. This conversation is an invitation to examine our own spiritual practices and to consider how we can embody the Bodhisattva spirit in today’s world, breaking the silence and standing in solidarity with all who are suffering. It was offered as part of a series of conversations that accompany a poignant and heartbreaking film – “Where Olive Trees Weep” – about the struggles and resilience of Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Access to the full program and the film is by donation – link here.

Starting with scanning through the body and awakening the senses, we then rest in presence, with the breath as a home base. The meditation invites an openness to whatever arises, and a gentle kind attention if we encounter physical or emotional pain. We end with a prayer that includes our own being and all beings.

Happiness and freedom arise as we include all parts of our being in a loving awareness. In this talk we explore how this inner work of inclusion is the grounds of democracy, and how it enables us to participate in our relationships and society in a way that fosters communications, belonging and realization of the greater good.

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, and Q&A was offered on September 14, 2024 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - GUIDED MEDITATION 19:00 - DHAMMA TALK 38:49 - Q&A At 49:22 a participant discusses not wanting to encounter certain people in their future lives and how they can put in the causes and conditions for this. Their audio was removed at their request, but Ayya's answer remains.

In this talk, devon offers reflections on the importance of refuge in the Buddhist tradition and how deepening into refuge opens us to a stable sense of belonging, as well as building metta parami, the cultivation of love on the path.

True refuge is not a place or destination. It is a radical shift in attitude and orientation-from me to we, from reactivity to response-ability and from fear to love.

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings

Cittānupassanā, die Kontemplation des Herzgeistes, ist ein wichtiger Teil der Vipassanā-Praxis und das dritte der vier Satipatthanas. Es geht um die Achtsamkeit auf den Zustand des Cittas, die uns erkennen lässt, welche Emotionen, Stimmungen und Kräfte jeweils präsent sind, und wie gefangen oder rein und gesammelt der Geist ist. Der Vortrag geht auf die Schwierigkeiten ein, die das Wahrnehmen von Emotionen erschweren können und zeigt praktische Wege auf, um mit diesen umzugehen.