The first of four lectures on the Four Noble Truths, including poetry from Jane Kenyon, Judith Viorst, and Wislawa Szymborska. Emphasizing the First Noble Truth of Suffering.
Recognizing the insecurity of our life can compel us to endlessly seek control, or invite us to learn to be at ease with our vulnerability and enter it consciously as a gateway to freedom.
The Buddha describes how the intoxication with youth, health and life fell away. What allows for our intoxications to fall away? How does letting go happen? How do we cultivate awareness, kindness, presence and understanding that allow for the alchemy of release?
The Buddha placed great emphasis on joy (mudita) and Happiness (sukkha) as part of the path. This talk explores the place of these beautiful and precious qualities in our practice, and life. What are the foundations of happiness? What is it that allows the heart to open to joy?
