Dhamma Talks
Perfecting Renunciation
This talk continues a series of reviews presented by Allie Vaknin focusing on the paramis, those wholesome conditions of the mind that, when cultivated to their greatest potential, create the conditions for Awakening, the direct realization of Nirvana. Allie...
Contemporary Right Livelihood
Each generation must understand the principles found in the Noble Eightfold Path in the context of the culture of that time. During this talk, April Koester continues to review the Virtue component of the path, specifically how current developments such as artificial...
Post-Meditation Investigation
During this talk, Lezlie Laws continues her review of the Five Hindrances, emphasizing how various teachers such as Joseph Goldstein, Shaila Catherine, and Gil Fronsdal approach effectively setting them aside.
Mitch Sullen’s Retreat Report
It is our custom to provide an opportunity for someone who has recently completed a significant retreat to "think out loud" about the experience, as sharing important insights helps that person integrate what was learned and informs those listening about the benefits...
Five Aggregates and Dependent Origination
During this talk, Allie provides a review of the Five Clinging Aggregates--form, feeling, perception, mental conditioning factors, and consciousness--as a way to understand how personality operates from a Buddhist perspective. She relates this self-creating process...
Neuroscience And The Four Noble Truths
This talk continues to review how contemporary neuroscientific research supports the validity of important Buddhist concepts and practices, focusing on the first three of the Four Noble Truths. Peter refers to a previous talk titled "Neuroplasticity and Non-Self",...
Experiencing The Hindrances
During this talk, Lezlie reviews the characteristics and effects of the five hindrances--desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and doubt--and several approaches to setting them aside. She intends to devote future talks to these different meditative skills,...
Right Action and A.I.
During this talk, April describes real life occurrences to emphasize the unwholesome consequences of actions shaped by what are called "the three poisons", greed, hatred and delusion. She associates this with the uncertainties associated with the current actions being...
Perfecting A Virtuous Life
This talk, presented by Allie Vaknin, is the second of a series of reviews during which she focuses on the Perfection of what are called Paramis, qualities of consciousness that, when fulfilled in their potential, nurture the realization of Nirvana. Tonight's talk...
Neuroplasticity and Non-Self
During this talk, Peter describes his research and contemplation regarding how contemporary neuroscientific research can increase understanding of anatta, the principle that asserts the absence of an enduring and autonomous self. He explains the processes of...
