This is the second discourse given by the Buddha to his five original ascetic companions after setting the wheel of the Dharma in motion. The Buddha gives his teaching on Anatta (or not-self), and the five become enlightened.
Our mind /body is held in the grip of kamma, framed by anxiety, grief and other forms of dukkha. Mindfulness replaces this frame with clear, emphatic awareness.
Liberation is signless not a sensation, emotion or thought. The gates are signless, desirelessness and emptiness. "uncertainty" is the approach to these gates.
The acronym RAIN is a powerful tool for interrupting habitual patterns of emotional reactivity and discovering the freedom of an awake, compassionate presence. This talk explores the components of RAIN, how it works, what makes it transformational and typical challenges people encounter. The teachings include a guided RAIN meditation.
This is a dharma talk that Donald gave for our volunteer sangha on the theme of "The Path of Service," which is also the theme that Spirit Rock staff are working with this year.
After a review of foundational, intermediate and advanced daily life practices, we focus on several central practices, working with intention, using the imagination, grounding in the body and taking difficulties as practice.
Faith in awakening is the heartfelt initiator of the practice. It envisions that the process of Dharma is beautiful in the beginning, the middle - the end
Refuge as a return is our most valuable resource - awareness from this place come intentions that enrich us. Copy of http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/9/talk/22908 with recovered audio
Tonight at the monastery, James Baraz was there with Kate Janke, IMCB co-guiding teacher. She shared her insights about metta with us which was an evening full of heart.
What we feel, we perceive. what we perceive, we think about. But, if the perception is inaccurate, the thoughts are unreliable! Exploring the process of how perception can be influenced by states in the Mind.
The way that we relate to impermanence and loss shapes our capacity to live and love fully. This talk, drawing on Mary Oliver’s poem “In Blackwater Woods,” explores three elements in our response to this fleeting, precious life that are integral to our healing and freedom.
After reflecting on some of the challenges of contemporary daily life practice, we look at three levels of such practice, and many types of practices within each level.
The Buddha clearly laid out a path that describes the human condition and how to navigate the varieties of suffering and pain with awareness, inquiry, mindfulness and compassion. This talk explains essential aspects of working with our human plight.
One of the most inspiring teachings on the potential for each of us to change. Angulimala, a violent killer, encounters the Buddha, wakes up from his confusion and becomes a holy man.
No matter how deep our unskillful habits are, we can take comfort and inspiration in the capacity of the heart to awaken and face in the right direction.
