|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
|
|
|
| |
|
Dharma Talks
|
2012-01-15
Week 1, Part 2: Introduction to the Suttas
61:22
|
|
Guy Armstrong
|
|
|
The most reliable version of the teachings of the historical Buddha is found in the Pali suttas, or discourses, which make up about 20 volumes of texts. These teachings were transmitted orally for 400 years and were first written down around 100 B.C.E. Their survival to the present day in such a complete form is so unlikely that it might be considered as slightly miraculous. By studying these original texts we can discover the tremendous rewards that come from hearing the authentic voice of this amazing teacher.
In this 4-week series we will explore a few key texts which contain some of the most important of the Buddha's teachings in their original formulations. In the first class we will offer an introduction to the overall study of these suttas, which present certain challenges given the spiritual, cultural and historical distances involved for us today. Students will be provided with good English translations of all the suttas covered. This series is suitable for experienced meditation students who have some understanding of the Buddha's basic teachings.
|
|
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
:
Sutta Study Class Series with Guy Armstrong & Richard Shankman
|
|
|
2012-01-15
Week 1, Part 1: Introduction to the Suttas
43:28
|
|
Guy Armstrong
|
|
|
The most reliable version of the teachings of the historical Buddha is found in the Pali suttas, or discourses, which make up about 20 volumes of texts. These teachings were transmitted orally for 400 years and were first written down around 100 B.C.E. Their survival to the present day in such a complete form is so unlikely that it might be considered as slightly miraculous. By studying these original texts we can discover the tremendous rewards that come from hearing the authentic voice of this amazing teacher.
In this 4-week series we will explore a few key texts which contain some of the most important of the Buddha's teachings in their original formulations. In the first class we will offer an introduction to the overall study of these suttas, which present certain challenges given the spiritual, cultural and historical distances involved for us today. Students will be provided with good English translations of all the suttas covered. This series is suitable for experienced meditation students who have some understanding of the Buddha's basic teachings.
|
|
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
:
Sutta Study Class Series with Guy Armstrong & Richard Shankman
|
|
|
2012-01-10
Fundamentals of the Dharma
14:40:40
|
|
Rodney Smith
|
|
|
In this series we open an exploration of a few fundamental dharma principles. Students will already have some familiarity with many of these topics, and some may seem trivial. But the reality is there is no trivial truth. Any and all truths can only take us as deeply as we allow them to enter. Most of us reach a comfort level with these fundamentals and then build our practice on top of that partial understanding. If our practice is to move forward these principles must be reexamined and thoroughly realized, then the simplest truth can have a profound impact.
|
|
Seattle Insight Meditation Society
|
|
|
|
|
2012-01-10
Fundamentals of the Dharma: Death and Denial
59:49
|
|
Rodney Smith
|
|
|
In this series we open an exploration of a few fundamental dharma principles. Students will already have some familiarity with many of these topics, and some may seem trivial. But the reality is there is no trivial truth. Any and all truths can only take us as deeply as we allow them to enter. Most of us reach a comfort level with these fundamentals and then build our practice on top of that partial understanding. If our practice is to move forward these principles must be reexamined and thoroughly realized, then the simplest truth can have a profound impact. This first homework is looking at death as an expression of denial - the unwillingness to face facts. Death is an example of the many ways we refuse to face life on its terms, the many ways we turn away and pretend life is other than what it is. But the dharma rests on facing facts without distortion, and unless we renew our commitment and trust to doing just that, our understanding will remain superficial.
|
|
Seattle Insight Meditation Society
|
|
In
collection:
Fundamentals of the Dharma
|
|
|
2012-01-10
Befriending the Difficult Person
57:11
|
|
Heather Sundberg
|
|
|
Exploring on the levels of mind-heart-body, including teachings on patience, equanimity, compassion and forgiveness. The talk reflects on befriending the 'difficult' person in metta practice, with the underlying intention of reminding us that we are all in this together; that befriending difficult people can be both workable and transformational and that there are practical tools available to assist us on our journey.
|
|
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
:
Metta
|
|
|
|
|
