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The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Dharma Talks
2001-04-18 Holding Hands 30:10
Sylvia Boorstein
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."
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2001-04-18 The Four Foundations Of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide For Living In The Present 47:38
Michael Grady
Pragmatic mindfulness gives us full, immediate presence.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Vipassana Retreat

2001-04-17 Trust In Being The Knowing 67:43
Ajahn Sumedho
Using reason and logic, that is, acquired knowledge, we get caught in dualistic positions: right and wrong, good and bad, etc. We tend to establish a fixed view about things. In this talk Ajahn Sumedho is trying to get us to a place beyond such dualistic thinking, beyond taking sides. He says that intuitive awareness involves a one-pointedness (ekaggata) that includes, rather than excludes. It is not dualistic. Transcendence is a matter of “being” it, not thinking about it.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2001-04-16 Living In The Present 42:26
Michael Grady
Living fully in the present brings energy and joy.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center Vipassana Retreat

2001-04-15 Knower Of The Worlds 54:49
Ajahn Sumedho
We can be empowered in practice through getting to know the nature of the world we live in and through learning from the way it is. Taking refuge in knowing the truth-- the laws of nature-can free us from a selfish struggle with the way things are.

2001-04-15 The Fierce First Step 35:51
Arinna Weisman
How to practice in our daily lives.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center (Angela Center)

2001-04-14 Opening Talk with Michael Grady 53:45
Larry Rosenberg

2001-04-14 The First Noble Truth: What's Noble About Dukkha 66:46
Ajahn Sumedho
The Buddha's teachings are all about awakening to the truth of suffering, or dukkha, and finding the end to it. Our potential for awakening begins to be realized when we shift our attitude to take an interest in suffering, learning from the way it is, and understanding how it gets created. Opening to the truth about suffering, we also open our awareness to something greater -- the ultimate reality.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2001-04-13 Living With The Reality Of Aging, Sickness And Death 52:41
Ajahn Candasiri
Our society emphasizes fitness, strength, youth, and vitality, and yet the body runs its own course. We can do things to keep it strong and healthy, but these types of measures are limited. We are blessed to have the Buddhist teachings because they encourage us to come to terms with aging, sickness and death -- fundamental truths of our existence.

2001-04-11 Refinements of Life 1 and 2 65:31
James Baraz

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