In the beginning was the human condition -- the Buddha's new way to work with it.

Karaniya Metta Sutta chanting in Pali and English. Followed by a silent meditation and a short blessing chant to end.

A wide range of questions - what is mindfulness, working with emotions, senselessness, volition/intention, forgiveness, etc.

We each live with uncertainty and the fear of rejection and loss, and we each are conditioned to avoid feeling or expressing that vulnerability. Yet intimacy with this unlived life is the gateway to connecting authentically with others, full aliveness and spiritual realization. These talks explore the ways that we defend ourselves, and the pathway to gently, wisely and intelligently disarming and freeing our hearts.

Dharma Talk

Abandoning fixed views

A short reflection on dedication of merit, followed by chanting of the Karaniya Metta Sutta in Pali

As we move from birth to aging, the sense-of-self is dragged along in time, and we begin to notice the effects of memory and accumulated experiences on consciousness. Aging can create a burdened and heavy toll, but when used correctly this maturation process can culminate in wisdom and help us understand Dependent Origination. Maturation brings perspective and when coupled with dharma practice, it reveals the limitations and struggles inherent in our desires and aversions and begins to free us from many of our youthful oppressive states of mind. It can also slowly season our intention toward moving into the here and now. But aging can also be a time of great protest and bitterness. Our life did not turn out the way we wanted, and we now see only death in front of us. We must close this bitterness gap quickly, or it will define our later years. If bitterness arises, ask, "In the present what is left unfulfilled? What is left to do? In the present, how has the past betrayed me?" Our bitterness cannot enter the present, because the present sees the past and future as thoughts arising in the present. Here then is the final step of our maturation. Do we want to carry ourselves through time and arrive at our death with all the scar tissue time gives us, or do we want to enter the timeless present and leave ourselves behind?

How to touch & embody & fulfill the fruits of Practice...

Stories and poems from the Therigatha

The four foundations of mindfulness, right and wrong mindfulness. Awareness and meditation. The practice of meditation in relation to consciousness. Fatigue of samsara and the retreat experience. Guided meditation instructions.

Chanting of: Invitation to the Devas; Karaniya Metta Sutta - followed by sitting meditation. Period ends with short chant in Pali - impermanence and death reflection.

A short reflection on sharing merit followed by group chanting of Karaniya Metta Sutta in Pali. Followed by chanting of Metta Sutta in English.

Impromptu talk on Halloween night. Delight in the Dhamma and the practice of meditation and understanding the sensual pleasures. Expounding stanza on Buddha’s vehicle, the vehicle to Nibbana.

Siddhartha Gautama’s last challenge before enlightenment was doubt, and to some degree, most of us live with limiting beliefs about our own worthiness and goodness. This talk looks at the tenacity of self-doubt and the power of mindfulness, investigation and compassion in releasing its grip.

Dharma Talk

Satipatthana chanting

Practice questions allowing time to deepen in Sangha through mindful community discussion.

Images from Ayya Tathaaloka's presentation can be found here.