Dhamma Talks
Non-Self and Self-Love
This talk provided by April reviews how skillful insights from Buddhist teachings as realized through dedicated meditation practice supports a healthy level of self-respect and self-compassion. The talk is followed by comments from those participating in the meeting....
Working With Intentions and Karma
This talk focuses on the importance of intentions, which are present in every moment of consciousness, either wholesome or unwholesome. The ability to quickly and accurately note the formative function of intentions just as a moment of self-organization occurs is a...
Guided Intention and Karma Contemplation
This guided meditation focuses attention on how to develop clear awareness of intentions, which organize and activate each moment of consciousness. It is intended to support the topic for the Dharma talk of the same evening, "Working With Intentions and Karma".
Non-Self And Right Action
During this talk, April describes the neurological and psychological research supporting the Buddhist concept of anatta, non-self, and how the flexibility provided by non-self facilitates the development of Right Action, supporting a virtuous lifestyle. Her review...
January 2025 Dharma Questions
Each month Peter provides an opportunity for participants in the meeting to ask questions about Buddhist doctrine and meditation practice. During this talk, Peter and others provided suggestions in response to an inquiry that focused on how to cultivate and maintain...
Consumerism and the Dharma
At the core of consumerism we find the "three poisons" that causes suffering--greed, hatred and delusion. During this talk, Peter provides some background information about the history and adverse sociocultural and ecological effects of contemporary consumerism,...
December 2024 Retreat Review
During this talk, Peter follows a tradition in this community to provide opportunities for those who have recently completed a significant retreat experience to "think out loud" about the retreat. Much of what is experienced during a retreat is not fully integrated...
December 2024 Dharma Questions
During this talk, Peter responds to questions, for example, the difference between concentration and insight, and the relationship between breath awareness and body awareness while practicing mindfulness of breathing meditaiton.
Guided 16 Step Anapanasati Contemplation
This Mindfulness of Breathing meditation is intended to support a Dharma talk entitled "Anapanasati 16 Step Review". It provides a progression of practices beginning with persistent attention to mindfulness of breathing sensations through to the practice of "letting...
Thanks-Giving As A Contemplation
During this talk, which occurred on Thanksgiving Eve, Peter revises the holiday term Thanksgiving to emphasize the relationship between gratitude (thanks) and generosity (giving). During a guided contemplation entitled "Contemplating Thanks-Giving", recorded prior to...
