We begin with a general sense of how our practice is both grounded in tradition and responsive to the needs of our times, with reference to Thomas Merton’s similar perspective. Sharing images from his recent teaching and travels throughout the talk, Donald focuses initially on the traditional sense of three forms of training—in wisdom and discernment, meditation (especially concentration, insight, and heart practices), and ethical practice. We review the most central teaching of the Buddha, about dukkha (understood in its most important meaning as reactivity) and the end of dukkha, and point to practice as involving both deep inner work and skillful outward action, with the key in both contexts being “appropriate response.” We then examine the nature of compassion and how to be skillful in our response to the “pain of the world,” connecting compassion and the figure of the bodhisattva with equanimity.

After a short introduction to how we develop equanimity and compassion in our practice, the main themes of this session (of both meditation and the talk), we begin with settling and cultivating concentration. Then there is a period of mindfulness, followed by two practices developing compassion, one with phrases and one the short self-compassion practice developed by Kristen Neff.

The second refuge invites us into intimacy with truth: something alive, immediate, and here for us whenever we remember to look. Using the ancient chant of the Dhamma’s qualities (here and now, timeless, inviting us to come and see, leading inward), this talk explores awareness as a refuge that can hold even chronic pain and old grief with both equanimity and compassion. Drawing on the suttas, Thai Forest masters, and poets like John O’Donohue and Ada Limón, we turn to kalyāṇa, the Pali word for the Dhamma as beautiful in the beginning, middle, and end. Beauty shows up in our practice, our actions, and our spiritual friendships, and it can become a companion and guide on the path home.

Compassion and why it is essential for Vipassana

This talk explores holding the pain of change & loss in compassion.

In this Dharma talk, devon hase explores equanimity not as indifference or withdrawal, but as a source of clarity, compassion, and courageous engagement with the world. Drawing on stories from Joseph Goldstein, Mingyur Rinpoche, and other beloved teachers, she invites us to discover the unshakable center from which wise action becomes possible.

In an online 4th Sunday Dhamma talk, Ayya Anandabodhi guides an exploration of how to expand the heart-mind to its fullest extent of wisdom and compassion.

Anatta, or non-self, is a core teaching of the Buddha, and yet can be confusing and bewildering. Sometimes the sense of self loves trying to get rid of itself, all the while maintaining itself on subtle levels. Yet, anatta is our true nature, and we release and relax into non-separation and unity. Qualities of compassion and the heart often support this understanding more than our intellect. This talk will explore anatta from a practical and experiential perspective.

This talk brings in Thanissaro Bikkhu's guidance for offering "Goodwill for the Real World" and self compassion as an inner nourishment and sustainer. A dharmette followed by a 15 minute guided self compassion practice.