Much anguish and insecurity results from a sense of being separated from our fellow beings and from the world. The strategies we use to try to overcome this often involve the fabrication of additional partitions (e.g.; "us vs. them"), and thus backfire. The Noble Eightfold Path offers a better way.

The goal of practice is peace of mind on behalf of a peaceful world. The eightfold path is presented with stories to illustrate.

Wise view is the essential first step, which frames the entire path of practice.

How do we live? How do we embody the teachings? This talk offers an explanation and overview of the Eightfold Path, as well as reflections on the path as the embodiment of the Dharma. To come into alignment with the Path is to come into alignment with our own nature.

In thinking about the path of awareness and the refining of the heart that is the purpose of Buddhist philosophy, Sylvia suggests that she would like to amend the Eightfold Path to be the "Ninefold Path," adding Right Relationship as the ninthfold. Right Relationship is the sense of connection we feel in the world that holds us up. Hand holding is the metaphor Sylvia uses to symbolize this connection. Hands take us from the womb, and they put us in the grave. In between, it is one big "hand holding."

How to use "stopping" as a tool in wise practice. Kindness and goodness are parameters to measure our practice. Stories of the Buddha including "a wise ape teaches kindness." Discussion of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

A view of the Eightfold Noble Path as guidelines for coming into accordance with truth.

Samadhi completes the circle as it contains the wholeness of the path with its oneness of mind.

Applying effort, without the wise overview, leads to the illusion of self-improvement.

Exploring how mindfulness flows naturally from a wise view.