So much of my inspiration and joy comes from bearing witness to the unfolding of the dharma in myself and others. My teaching is most engaging when I'm involved in an on-going relationship with students and having the opportunity, and honor, to see what's happening in their lives. We may begin our practice on our cushions; and yet, as we learn to bring practice to all corners of our lives, we get a glimmer of the true possibility of liberation.
Simplicity has been most helpful to me, so I stick with basic instructions and try to distill my words to the bare minimum in a simple, clear and precise way.
My interest focuses on how to liberate the mind. I like to explore and find different ways that are most useful to people. I'm aware that various aspects of the practice, and the teaching, resonate with different people at different times. What is that person's experience right now and what will be most helpful to them? Often the answer comes to me by looking at what has happened to me in practice, and using that experience to help someone discover their own intuitive wisdom.
In my teaching, lovingkindness supports the developmental unfolding of wisdom. It doesn't do us much good to practice in ways that perpetuate self-judgment. When we come from a place of caring and lovingkindness, we allow for the possibility of transformation in our lives. Lovingkindness and wisdom allow us to move from a life of reaction to a life of inner resonance with the world around us. They take us out of a place of reaction and into one of responsiveness.
The journey of awakening is a shared journey. This talk
shares some stories of our fellow traveler's going back to the Buddha
sitting at the foot of the bodhi tree to present day teachers. Linking
their lives with ours to help us find the fortitude and support we need
to stay on the path.
This talk begins with an introduction to the 10 requisites for enlightenment. These are the wholesome qualities of mind that support awakening in a context that includes the welfare and happiness of all beings. Generosity or an open heartedness forms the basis for this journey.
The 10 paramis or requisites for enlightenment that bring a meaningful application of our practice to how we live our lives. This talk explores some of the ways these qualities get strengthened.
Meditation need not be limited to a practice that one can only do a on the cushion. When we bring the passion for truth to the center of our lives, it opens up every moment to be a moment of knowing truth.
Teachings of impermanence continually surround us. As we open our eyes to this great truth, it becomes the means of whithering away the tendency to grasp and cling.
This talk explores how the identification or grasping at different aspects of experience as belonging to us causes suffering. It offers simple ways of looking into what it is that we call self as a means of breaking the veil of delusion
This talk is an exploration of the qualities and strength of patience. Although a noble quality it is often difficult in the learning. There is also exploration of looking and learning from impatience.
This talk begins with reflecting on the qualities of the Buddha for inspiration. It also explores how taking refuge in both outer and inner world helps support the discovering of true refuge, wisdom.
Dukkha-the second of the three characteristics broadening our understanding of what dukkha means can help us to recognize. In turning towards rather than away from we find a gateway to understanding that leads to freedom.
Gratitude and generosity are ways of uplifting the mind. Gratitude brings a deep appreciation for blessings of our lives. Generosity an opening of the heart that cares for others.
