Underlying tendencies (toward greed, hate, and delusion) fuel habits that obstruct our freedom. Tendencies toward irritation, anger, craving, and ignorance may arise in times of stress when our mindfulness is weak, and they distort our perception of things. But tendencies arise in both luxurious and modest environments, in situations of comfort as well as pain. How we relate to experience reinforces patterns and conditioning. Greed, hate, and delusion are causes for the arising of kamma (karma). The simile of the two darts describes the difference between simply enduring bodily feelings of pain, and proliferating reactions of anger and aversion that add suffering to our pain. This talk explores the primary tendencies of sensual desire, anger, and ignorance, and shows how we can free the mind from their influence in our everyday life.

date estimated

At first glance it might seem the teaching of karma, in which our actions bring results to ourselves, might be in contradiction to the understanding that our experience is empty of a self. However, the two teachings on emptiness and karma actually need each other for liberation to be possible.

We explore 1) The nature of intentions, 2) The importance of intentions in our practice, 3) karma and intentions, and 4) how to practice with intentions.

Exploring kamma as a very accessible aspect of the Buddha's teaching... kamma as intention or motivation, which includes will, choice and decision... the mental impetus that leads to actions... both creative and destructive actions.

Observing experiences and the natural awareness of them as they arise and pass together; no-self, reincarnation, karma.

Understanding the mysterious power of intention & karma

Attention is a source of Karma

Dedications and chanting Dharma Talk: Move Beyond Ourselves, the ending of Karma