After some personal stories from Donald about his father, who was a veteran, and about Donald’s experiences growing up at the time of the Vietnam war and being introduced to nonviolence, we explore the three main dimensions of our practice (training in ethics, meditation, and wisdom) related to the holiday. We focus on the ethical teachings about killing and nonviolence, including the complexities of these teachings; the importance of bringing mindfulness to grief, loss, and sadness, and of grounding in kindness, compassion, and love; and the wisdom and insight teachings about seeing the roots of violence. The talk is followed by discussion.

This talk explores why one would practice meditation in Nature, even when conditions are difficult. Mark explores how the Four Foundations of Mindfulness are beautifully explored in Nature.

Guided meditation on space and the SOS (Sound of Silence)

Reflection on the four brahma viharas followed by a guided meditation.

Guided Meditation on the five elements & SOS (sound of silence).