During this talk, Allie Vaknin continues reviewing the Paramis, a grouping of mind conditioning functions that, when developed to full potential, cooperatively liberate the mind from distress and confusion. Energy is described as the driver of Right Effort in the mind and body, and must be freed up from attachment to unwholesome views to be purified.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:28 — 49.0MB)
This talk is part of a series reviewing the Four Noble Truths by April Koester, specifically focused on Right Mindfulness. During the talk she reads sections of the Satipatthana Sutta, which translates as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness a key teaching within Buddhism. Her comments are followed up by questions and comments from those attending the meeting.
Here are the notes April prepared for the presentation, including access references regarding important articles and books that are organized around the Satipatthana Sutta: Talk Notes_ Right Mindfulness as Strategic Agency (1)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:10:50 — 64.8MB)
We provide an opportunity for those among us who have completed a significant retreat to “think out loud” about the experience, as this helps the person integrate the retreat more fully into their understanding of the Dharma. Additionally, the talk and questions from the other participants may inspire others to participate in the immersive experience that a retreat provides.
Here are the notes Peter prepared for this review, which includes a review of how the retreat supports deeper understanding of the Seven Awakening Factors: Peter December 2025 Self Retreat Review
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:55 — 60.3MB)
During this talk, Allie Vaknin continues to review the Paramis, qualities of consciousness that, when perfected, support the realization of Nirvana, the Unconditioned. The topic focuses on the cultivation of the Parami of Wisdom from a Buddhist perspective.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:51 — 51.1MB)
R.A.I.N. (Recognize Accept Investigate Non-Identification) is an acronym which has been useful for meditators, and during this talk, Lezlie Laws provides a review of how two meditators can work as a team with this to understand how the mind can get trapped in an unwholesome self-identity and how to effectively create a more wholesome self-identity. This talk is meant to be supported by the “Guided RAIN Contemplation” recording that can be accessed through the Guided Meditation section of the website.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:05 — 62.3MB)
R.A.I.N. is described as a useful approach to cultivating insight. During this guided contemplation, Lezlie Laws provides suggestions for inner reflection that supports including R.A.I.N. in one’s meditation practice. It is intended to support “Working With Rain”, the Dharma talk that follows this meditation, and which has been posted within the website archive.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:59 — 41.2MB)