Dhamma Talks
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...
The Parami of Generosity
During this talk, Allie begins a series of reviews she will provide focusing on the Paramis, the skills and virtues to be perfected on the path to Awakening. The topic for this talk is generosity, both material and non-material, as a way to cultivate kindness and...
Right Speech and AI
During this talk, April provides a review of Right Speech as a basic element of the Noble Eightfold Path, cultivating a clear conscience as the platform from which the process of Awakening develops. An element of Right Speech, truthfulness, is associated with the...
Lezlie Laws’ Retreat Report
We often provide an opportunity for those among us who have just completed a significant retreat to "think out loud" about the experience. This can be beneficial for that person and perhaps inspiring for those listening. This was the first retreat for Lezlie that...
August 2025 Open Dharma Questions
During this talk, Peter responds to questions from those attending, focusing on the importance of establishing mindfulness of breathing as a stabilizing reference point, because the intention to remain aware of the sensations experienced while breathing as other...
