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The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
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Dharma Talks
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2008-11-27
Practicing Gratitude And Joy
56:49
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Sally Armstrong
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On this day of thanksgiving, it is important to remember what we are actually celebrating: the generosity of Native Americans to the early settlers, and all that they have given us. It is also a day to be grateful for all the blessings in our lives, and to bring a sense of appreciation to the beauty and joy that is all around us. As we incline the mind towards noticing what we are grateful for, we find an increased sense of well-being and happiness in our lives.
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Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center
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Three-Month Retreat - Part 2
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2008-11-21
Living in the Truth
66:18
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Rob Burbea
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A life dedicated to discovering the Truth of things is a life lived beautifully, and leading organically to freedom from suffering. Yet we frequently approach our seeking with hidden attachments to assumptions, preconceptions and views (often about Truth or the ways it is realised) that hinder a really complete, far-reaching, open and radical inquiry. On every level, from the personal to the mystical and ultimate, how can we give free reign to the heart's longing to live the truth?
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Gaia House
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Solitary Month Retreat
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2008-11-20
Dependent Origination: An Overview
57:49
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Sally Armstrong
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The Buddha considered Dependent Origination to be his most profound insight. This teaching shows us how we get caught in the cycle of suffering, and how it is possible to free ourselves. When we’re not aware of this process, we are blinded by our ignorance and get caught in craving again and again. We create different identities that we cling to, and that limit our ability to be free in the moment. When we’re aware of this process, we can make wiser choices about how to respond, and perhaps even break the cycles of becoming altogether. This talk gives a brief overview of the 12 links of Dependent Origination, and then describes how it works on a practical, moment-to-moment basis in our lives.
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Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center
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Three-Month Retreat - Part 2
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2008-11-19
The Three Characteristics - part 3: No-Self
1:15:27
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Tara Brach
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At the center of the Buddhist teachings is the understanding that the passing phenomena of this world--sounds, sensations, thoughts, bodies and minds--have no self at the center, no self as owner, and are not happening to a self. In other words, our familiar sense of self is an illusion. When there is full presence, a presence not filtered by thoughts, this illusion dissolves, freeing us to realize our true nature. This talk exploring the teachings of no-self, or emptiness, includes several reflections and practices that guide us in awakening to this essential and liberating truth.
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Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC
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IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks
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2008-11-14
Sense Desire
59:34
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Rob Burbea
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We exist and move in the world of sense contacts, and yet often we neglect to examine this relationship very deeply, or it becomes just another way to judge ourselves. Can we challenge our assumptions, habits and views and inquire caringly in this area in order to open to a more profound and unexpected freedom?
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Gaia House
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Solitary Month Retreat
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2008-11-13
Let The Breath Just Be The Breath
56:04
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Sally Armstrong
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The way we experience ourselves and the world is highly conditioned by our perceptions , known as sañña in the Buddhist teachings. Through the process of perception we judge and filter our experience, preventing us from seeing things as they really are. The practice of mindfulness offers the possibility of working directly with our perceptions, and even inclining the mind towards more skillful and pleasant ways of experiencing ourselves and the world.
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Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center
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Three-Month Retreat - Part 2
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2008-11-09
Working with Thought in Meditation
62:15
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Rob Burbea
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As meditators, it can be tempting to see the thinking mind as an enemy, but we can instead discover a wise and skillful relationship with it. This talk presents possible ways of working with the wide range of manifestations of thought: from papanca (proliferation) and obsession to creative, reflective and helpful thinking, to seeing the empty nature of all thought.
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Gaia House
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Solitary Month Retreat
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2008-11-06
The Dharma Practice Of Facing The Crises Of Our Times
1:10:19
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Donald Rothberg
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The challenges and crises of our times are immense - at the current time, there are economic, political, ethical and ecological crises, among others. To face these crises as practice demands, however, the same qualities demanded by the immensity of awakening -- (1) wisdom expressed as the ability to hold together opposites, (2) a deep listening for our calling, (3) a toolbox of skillful means, (4) a heart to transform difficult emotions, such as anger, fear and sadness, and (5) continual persistence and growing confidence in liberation.
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center
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Path of Engagement #4
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2008-11-04
The Torah and the Triple Gem
1:13:35
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Ayya Medhanandi
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An autobiographical portrait of Ayya Medhanandi’s life, from her meeting with her first teacher in India in her early twenties to her career as a nutritionist and going forth to become a Theravada Buddhist nun. She notes the striking similarities between the tenets of her ancient Judaic faith and the principles of Theravada Buddhism. The inward journey goes beyond religious belief - crossing fixed boundaries for the sake of realizing our true spiritual heritage. A talk given at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver, Canada in 2008.
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H.R. MacMillan Space Center, Vancouver, B.C.
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2008-11-03
Shoot Me First: Right Intention, Effort & Social Responsibility
1:17:35
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Ayya Medhanandi
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As we follow the steps of the Eightfold Noble Path, our hatred, greed, and delusion abate. We may yet suffer, but we use our suffering to fathom the meaning of it, see its causes, and see the possibility for ending suffering. The four Noble Truths come alive within. Invariably, our suffering manifests in many forms. It may never ‘end’ but it ceases to be a problem as our fear or aversion to it die. Persevering in this work is the way to make peace with our suffering.
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University of British Colombia
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