This talk explores how to learn to cultivate kindness and presence in relation to the challenging conditions of life, including the reality of change.

In this second talk following Donald’s five weeks in Israel/Palestine, we focus first on how to bring our practice to difficult and sometimes stuck places generally, whether individual, interpersonal, or collective. What helps? We then, with a deep breath, examine the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the aim of bringing empathy, compassion, understanding, and other aspects of our practice to what we interpret as a conflict between two traumatized peoples (albeit an asymmetrical conflict in which one side has much more economic, social, political, and military power). How do we understand, approach, and transform such inter-generational trauma? Some initial steps are identified, again with the suggestion that the dynamics are similar to many less complex but still very difficult and stuck situations of an individual or interpersonal nature.

In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing.

Dharma Talk on Compassion

In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing.

The practice of forgiveness releases an authentic happiness. So why do we ignore or resist it? In this workshop we will acknowledge our stories of resentments and disappointments and how they often imprison us. Forgiveness is not imaginary or hopeful, it is a deepening understanding and acceptance of what is already true. The goal of this workshop is to recognize the limitations of ill will as a strategy for life, and to appreciate letting go as the expression of deep wisdom and compassion.

In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing.

In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing.

During this 5-day silent retreat we will explore the Brahma Viharas, or Divine Abodes–four practices that open and nurture the heart. In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing.

During this 5-day silent retreat we will explore the Brahma Viharas, or Divine Abodes–four practices that open and nurture the heart. In the Buddhist teachings, these four practices–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity–are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional wellbeing. On our retreat, we’ll not only begin to sense into these qualities of heart, but practice abiding and dwelling in them as well. Over time, these practices can become our true home, as well as the atmosphere in which we deepen our mindfulness practice and intimacy with life.

Instead of forcing Lovingkindness, there are ways to reflect inside with compassion for those parts of you that can't do Metta.

An explanation of the importance of cultivating compassion toward the pain of oneself and the world.

This seven-week course examines the Buddha’s teachings on the five hindrances that undermine the clarity and stability of mind. These afflictive states are often regular visitors for meditators. With practice, sense desire, aversion, dullness, restlessness, and doubt can be more quickly recognized with a non-judging awareness in a way that neutralizes their disturbing and obscuring effect on the mind. Developing these skills goes to the heart of calming the mind and living in a skillful and compassionate way Here are some study resources that you can use: -Gil Fronsdal’s new book, Unhindered: A Mindful Path Through the Five Hindrances, is now available. Of course, you can order a copy through Amazon. But you could support one of our local independent book stores. I have asked Moon Palace Books at 3260 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis (612) 454-0455 to order some copies for us. It might take them several days to have them in stock. I'll send an email when they are in. Gil's book provides a detailed discussion of each of the five hindrances. The book also provides instruction on how to turn the light of mindfulness directly on the hindrances so to transform them from obstructions to steps along the path of freedom. Overcoming the hindrances reveals the beauty of our hearts and the wisdom of a clear mind.

A basic introduction to compassion meditation for a dear friend and for oneself.

When we live from our mental control towers, we are in a trance that confines our life. These two talks look at the primary ways we are conditioned to leave embodied presence, and the consequence of unlived life—being cut off from our vitality, intelligence and compassion. We then explore the teachings and practices that guide us to reconnect to our senses, and the sacred presence that underlies all lived experience.

When we live from our mental control towers, we are in a trance that confines our life. These two talks look at the primary ways we are conditioned to leave embodied presence, and the consequence of unlived life—being cut off from our vitality, intelligence and compassion. We then explore the teachings and practices that guide us to reconnect to our senses, and the sacred presence that underlies all lived experience.

In a moment our understanding of reality can change with new information or new perspective. Anger and ill will can be released and turn to compassion and forgiveness. And it's also true that old patterns can be activated once again in a surprising and humbling way. The process of waking up requires tremendous patience and a kind heart, especially towards ourselves.

Courage and compassion are two dancers, perfectly paired to support each other to the rhythm and melody of loving kindness. It is a fiercely courageous heart that can withstand the many hindrances that arise when opening the heart to tenderness and compassion in the face of adversity.