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Dharma Talks
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2011-03-17 Steps 4 & 5: Searching & Fearless 42:28
Kevin Griffin
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Buddhism and the Twelve Steps

2011-03-08 Satipatthana Sutta, Third Foundation: Division Through Fear 68:19
Rodney Smith
Fear divides the mind by convincing us that the present is in the crosshairs of an approaching disaster. We therefore need to harness the power of our thinking and take flight physically and mentally away from now. If presence is maintained, fear has no way to access the moment except by projecting into the future.
Seattle Insight Meditation Society
In collection: The Satipatthana Sutta

2011-02-22 Satipatthana Sutta, Third Foundation: Dividing the Mind Through Aversion 57:47
Rodney Smith
Aversion and desire work together to entrap the mind within its own projections and divide the whole into parts. The opposite of what I desire is feared and visa versa. Because the mind is a single whole, when we pit what we like against what we do not, repetitive aversive and desiring images noisily dance through the mind in opposition to the contentment of the abiding wholeness.
Seattle Insight Meditation Society
In collection: The Satipatthana Sutta

2011-02-16 The Sure Heart's Release - Part 2 1:16:14
Tara Brach
Our longing is to realize and embody loving presence, yet we each have deeply conditioned habits that bind our hearts. This talk reflects on these habits, and explores how we can free ourselves by bringing a mindful, compassionate attention to places where we are most trapped in feeling separate, fearful and unworthy.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2011-02-12 Making Space for Fear 47:31
Martin Aylward
We naturally want to reject, ignore, deny, our unpleasant experience. In this talk Martin both encourages us and shows how to turn our attention "fearwards", daring to look deeply and to see clearly through our defenses and distractions, to freedom from fear.
Gaia House Loving What Is (whether we like it or not)

2011-02-09 The Sure Heart's Release - Part 1 1:23:46
Tara Brach
Our longing is to realize and embody loving presence, yet we each have deeply conditioned habits that bind our hearts. This talk reflects on these habits, and explores how we can free ourselves by bringing a mindful, compassionate attention to places where we are most trapped in feeling separate, fearful and unworthy.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2011-01-19 Inviting Life's Difficulties to Tea 1:19:43
Tara Brach
One of the most illuminating themes in the Buddha's life story was the regular appearance of Mara--god of selfishness and greed, anger and fear, doubt and shame. Each time Mara surfaced, the Buddha's response was to say "I see you Mara," and invite him to tea. This talk explores how such unconditional friendliness and wisdom can bring healing and freedom to our lives.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2011-01-12 Evolving Consciousness--Beyond limiting Identities 1:19:36
Tara Brach
The flag of trance is identifying as a separate, deficient self. This talk explores how developmentally we can get fixated on fears and unmet needs and cut off from the wholeness of Being that is our true nature. We explore the power of mindfulness --seeking not to change but to understand--and the expression of that understanding as love. The talk includes guided reflections that can help us recognize and awaken from the confines of trance.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-12-13 The 1906 Earth Quake 50:57
Norman Fischer
How to work with suffering & fear - How people in the Earthquake experienced it.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2010-11-03 Inspiration and Ardency 34:52
Yanai Postelnik
Connecting with whatever inspires us is an essential part of practice and supports a sense of heartfelt purpose and energy in meditation, expressed as ardency. Rather than 'effort-ing' in practice, born of a sense of obligation or fear, the quality of ardency through which we are moved to engage with our spiritual journey wholeheartedly, is born out of energised love and a clear commitment to what we value and hold as most important in life.
Gaia House November Solitary Retreat

2010-10-27 Part 3 - Mindfulness of Thoughts - Introductory Series 1:14:00
Tara Brach
The primary element in meditation is training to awaken from the trance of thoughts. This class explores two key ways that mindfulness supports this awakening. The first is using wise reflection to discern if thoughts are imprisoning us in fear or serving healing and freedom. The second is recognizing when we are in the virtual reality of thinking, and learning to "come back" to living presence. It is by inhabiting this non-conceptual presence that we have access to the love, wisdom and freedom that we cherish.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-10-12 Touching our Fear 46:19
Howard Cohn
Mission Dharma

2010-09-30 Metta 63:40
Carol Wilson
Metta, or loving kindness can develop to a powerful force in out hearts and minds. We only need to start where we are, feeding non-hatred in our minds rather than putting our trust in the habits of fear and ill will.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1

2010-09-23 Working with Difficult Emotions 60:52
Guy Armstrong
There are four primal difficult emotions that come often in meditation and daily life: grief, anger, desire and fear. When we learn to relate skillfully to these emotions as they appear, there can be a great increase in the sense of freedom and ease in our life and practice.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Three-Month Retreat - Part 1

2010-09-19 Navigating the Inner Sea 18:59
Ayya Medhanandi
We are on a miraculous voyage in the fragile vessel of a body that ultimately dies. This is the Noble Truth of our suffering. To unravel its mystery and rescue ourselves, we must navigate the inner sea of the heart. We explore how in the world of objects, devices, ideas and experiences – whether exotic or excruciating, we are bound up with joy, fear or any point between. But there is a freedom from this cycle and it comes when we brave the great quiet of that vast interior universe. Blessed is the silence that opens our eyes to the Deathless, the Truth of what we are.
Toronto Theravada Buddhist Community (TBC)

2010-09-05 Trusting Your Buddha Knowing 59:45
James Baraz
Working with thoughts including the Buddha's methods for dealing with distracting thoughts. How to discern the voice of wisdom from the voices of confusion and fear.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Retreat

2010-08-26 Fear and Anxiety 44:49
Mary Grace Orr
Insight Santa Cruz

2010-08-15 The Practice of Compassion (Karuna) 1:15:25
Gina Sharpe
This is the fourth and final session of the "Metta and Compassion" daylong. It includes a guided karuna meditation, some explanation, question-and-answer with both Gina Sharpe and Sharon Salzberg, and closes with a sharing of the merit. This day focuses on the development of lovingkindness and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. These qualities of the heart diminish fear and isolation, and further our understanding of interconnectedness. Through meditation practice, dialogue, and discourse, we will explore these qualities together. Suitable for both beginning and more experienced meditators.
New York Insight Meditation Center Metta and Compassion with Sharon Salzberg and Gina Sharpe

2010-08-15 Introduction to Compassion (Karuna) 47:09
Gina Sharpe
This is the third talk in the "Metta and Compassion" daylong, in which Gina introduces the concept of compassion/karuna. This day focuses on the development of lovingkindness and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. These qualities of the heart diminish fear and isolation, and further our understanding of interconnectedness. Through meditation practice, dialogue, and discourse, we will explore these qualities together. Suitable for both beginning and more experienced meditators.
New York Insight Meditation Center Metta and Compassion with Sharon Salzberg and Gina Sharpe

2010-08-15 The Practice of Metta (Lovingkindness) 39:37
Sharon Salzberg
This is the second talk of the "Metta and Compassion" daylong, containing a dharma talk, a guided metta/lovingkindness meditation and a question-answer session. This day focuses on the development of lovingkindness and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. These qualities of the heart diminish fear and isolation, and further our understanding of interconnectedness. Through meditation practice, dialogue, and discourse, we will explore these qualities together. Suitable for both beginning and more experienced meditators.
New York Insight Meditation Center Metta and Compassion with Sharon Salzberg and Gina Sharpe

2010-08-15 Introduction to Metta and Compassion 34:16
Sharon Salzberg
This is first talk of the Metta and Compassion daylong, introducing lovingkindness (metta) and compassion (karuna). This day focuses on the development of lovingkindness and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. These qualities of the heart diminish fear and isolation, and further our understanding of interconnectedness. Through meditation practice, dialogue, and discourse, we will explore these qualities together. Suitable for both beginning and more experienced meditators.
New York Insight Meditation Center Metta and Compassion with Sharon Salzberg and Gina Sharpe

2010-08-10 Selflessness and a Life of Love 68:49
Rob Burbea
Through profound Insight, inquiry and the practices of the heart, there is the possibility of a radically different relationship with our whole existence, liberating a fearlessness and unboundedness to our love.
Gaia House The Loving Kindness (Metta) Retreat

2010-06-09 The Unreal Other 1:12:06
Tara Brach
When we experience others through a conditioned lens of wants and fears, and of unexamined beliefs, we react in ways that cause distance and sometimes obvious injury. This talk explores how we create separation from others, and the ways we can awaken from this trance and live from genuine empathy and wisdom.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-06-02 Relating Wisely with Fear - Part 2 1:21:33
Tara Brach
Relating Wisely with Fear Part 1 and 2 - While fear is essential to survival, it can also strangle our capacity to live fully and awaken spiritually. These two talks explore how fear takes over our lives, and the ways we can train our attention to free ourselves from its grip.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-05-26 Relating Wisely with Fear - Part 1 1:24:16
Tara Brach
Relating Wisely with Fear Part 1 and 2 - While fear is essential to survival, it can also strangle our capacity to live fully and awaken spiritually. These two talks explore how fear takes over our lives, and the ways we can train our attention to free ourselves from its grip.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-05-05 Fearless Kindness 49:25
Christina Feldman
Kindness is one of the foundations of awakening enabling us to meet the forces of fear that can distort our lives.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Women in Meditation

2010-03-24 Fear and Freedom 59:46
Martin Aylward
Gaia House Live and Let Go: Unburdening The Heart

2010-03-02 Embracing Fear, Aggression and Sexuality on the Path to Awakening 49:07
Amma Thanasanti
Shakti Vihara

2010-02-24 Living Aligned with the Heart 1:13:21
Tara Brach
We suffer when our words or actions arise from unconscious wants and fears. This talk explores how we can awaken from the habitual ways we cause harm to ourselves and others, and live from our natural intelligence and tender warmth.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2010-02-22 Hoping, Fearing, Seeing the Truth 45:27
Susan O'Brien
Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge February 2010 at IMS - Forest Refuge

2010-02-11 The Lion's Roar 54:49
James Baraz
In Tibetan teachings the Lion's Roar is the "fearless proclamation that every situation is workable." Being humbled can lead to a profound, wise humility, doubt can lead to strong confidence and vulnerability and can be the path to fearlessness.

James presented another version of this talk at the February 2010 month-long retreat at Spirit Rock.
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks

2010-02-04 The Lion's Roar 57:54
James Baraz
In Tibetan teachings the Lion's Roar is the "fearless proclamation that every situation is workable." Being humbled can lead to a profound, wise humility, doubt can lead to strong confidence and vulnerability can be the path to fearlessness.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February 2010 Month Long

2010-01-02 Contemplating Death and the Deathless 55:37
Yanai Postelnik
Rather than being a distant or fearful concept, we can use the truth of death as a tonic which can revitalize our lives, and invites a deeper letting go, into that which lies beyond death.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Resolutions of the Heart: New Year’s Retreat

2009-12-15 Take Heart 32:22
Kittisaro
Balance within practice. A compassionate response. From is emptiness, emptiness is form. The gift of fearlessness. The way of generosity, kindness and integrity.
Dharmagiri

2009-11-28 Trust And Letting Go Into The Unknown 58:54
Sharda Rogell
A talk given on a weekend retreat. With Trust as our main support, we begin to let go of our hopes and fears and drop into the truth of uncertainty. This is the doorway to freedom.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Living an Awakened Life: Insight Meditation Weekend

2009-11-22 Baptism of Fire 17:47
Ayya Medhanandi
Sometimes it takes an illness or a loss to wake up. The wheel of Dhamma turns us towards the centre point, where all the mind’s movements are stilled so that we can see the truth of suffering. Fear arises but we can observe it ceasing in the light of our inner spiritual work. Gently, patient and aware, with selflessness and noble intent, we persevere.
Toronto Theravada Buddhist Community (TBC)

2009-11-18 Refuge in Loving Presence 1:19:15
Tara Brach
There are times when there is so much fear and reactivity, that the first step in moving toward freedom is to connect with some sense of safety and love. This talk explores how an inner pathway to loving presence can support us in facing and awakening through traumatic wounding.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2009-11-11 Choosing Presence 1:19:21
Tara Brach
Spiritual awakening is energized by conscious intention. This talk explores how we get waylaid by habitual wants and fears, and the ways we can connect with the power and purity of our deep aspiration for love, truth and freedom.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2009-10-16 Empty Yourself of Fear 25:03
Ayya Medhanandi
One night, while Malani was dying, we gathered a group of her close friends to meditate with her. Each breath was a struggle yet she stayed aware, serene, composed, and at peace. We listened in silence, breathing freely – but our minds were not free. We knew all is impermanent, that we can die at any time. Yet we carry on as if we have forever. So we try again, everyday, to practise living in awareness. One moment at a time, empty yourself of fear and let go the world. Listen to the silence and wake up – like dear Malani.
Ottawa Buddhist Society

2009-10-16 Empty of Fear 28:43
Ayya Medhanandi
A dedication to a member of the community who is in the last stages of life. She struggles with breathing but is composed and at peace with the process. We are reminded how important it is to train the mind while we are able to do so. A talk given at Quaker House, Ottawa.
Ottawa Buddhist Society

2009-09-23 Wise Effort and Spiritual Freedom 51:12
Tara Brach
In the Buddhist tradition, wise effort, or the purposeful dedication of our energy, is an essential part of the spiritual path. While the attitudes of grasping or fear can contract the quality of our effort and create suffering in our lives; when our effort arises from sincerity and wisdom, it creates the conditions for liberation.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2009-07-30 The Woman at the Well 57:49
James Baraz
Ananda, the Buddha's disciple, while on a mission for the Buddha, requested water to drink from a woman of low cast. The woman protested out of fear that her low caste would contaminate Ananda's holiness; to which Ananada replied, "I ask not for caste but for water." A version of the Buddhist text of this story is available here: http://www.mountainman.com.au/buddha/carus_76.htm
Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley IMCB Regular Talks

2009-07-20 Finding Our True Refuge 55:18
Sharda Rogell
As we move through the barrier of judgment and fear, we move from the known to the unknown, and come into a truer relationship with ourselves. Through exploring the meaning of "true safety", we find our only true refuge and protection.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Metta Retreat

2009-07-18 The Practice of Metta 48:58
Sally Armstrong
Metta, or loving-kindness, is the practice of cultivating a friendly and accepting attitude towards ourselves, our experience and all other beings. As we cultivate this quality through intensive practice, we can find that it can become our default response to life, rather than the conditioned habits of aversion, fear or grasping.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Metta Retreat

2009-07-07 How Real is the Real World - Asalha Puja 54:33
Ajahn Sucitto
The so-called real world is concocted from our fears, beliefs, obsessions. All of which are changeable and conditioned. There is a real that the Buddha spoke of: he called it the peaceful, the sublime, the unbounded. It’s not located in time and space, but it’s experienceable. Form and function, when appropriately considered and applied, can serve as our vehicle to the real.
Cittaviveka Vassa Retreat

2009-05-26 Compassion 22:19
Shaila Catherine
Compassion, karuna, is the intention of non-cruelty. It is the aspect of loving kindness (metta) that responds wisely to pain, and wishes to alleviate suffering. Compassion training helps us to remain present with pain. There is no need to fear pain, no need to consider pain bad or wrong. A compassionate self-acceptance allows us to remain present and responsive in the face of life's most difficult moments. With compassion we can ask "How can I help?" and stay present to respond.
Insight Meditation South Bay - Silicon Valley Four Brahma Viharas
In collection: Four Brahma Viharas

2009-05-24 Humility As A Spiritual Awakening 59:18
Heather Sundberg
How do we find the place between indulgence and self-mortification, between pride and shame? This talk explores the relationship between humility and the Middle Way, through personal stories, poetry and practical techniques such as working with fear, the hindrances and the RAIN practice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Dharma of Recovery

2009-05-19 Loving Kindness 30:02
Shaila Catherine
Loving Kindness, friendliness (metta) is a clear intention and attitude of heart that supports a connected and joyful encounter with life. Metta is not sentimentality; it is not affection or attachment. It is a strong quality of heart that overcomes ill will, hatred, fear, and anger. Loving kindness practice is a way to take responsibility for our own happiness; it is a way to cultivate an attitude to life that supports deep friendship.
Insight Meditation South Bay - Silicon Valley Four Brahma Viharas
In collections: Four Brahma Viharas, The Ten Paramis

2009-05-12 Ten Paramis: Wisdom (2) 65:13
Rodney Smith
The fearlessness of wisdom and the willingness to hold our place on the earth for the learning that comes.
Seattle Insight Meditation Society
In collection: The Ten Paramis

2009-04-04 Batik Buddha 38:54
Ayya Medhanandi
Ayya Medhanandi reflects on the meaning of the different mudras or hand gestures used by the Buddha himself when he gave teachings.  Each represents an important quality for us to practise and develop such as fearlessness or compassion.  You can see these mudras that she describes on the batik cloth that was gifted to the Ottawa Buddhist Society at https://ottawabuddhistsociety.com/about-the-obs/latvian-buddha-batik/
Ottawa Buddhist Society

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