The Value Of Virtue

This dhamma dialogue continues an ongoing exploration of the importance of using mindfulness practice to examine the classic Buddhist teachings so they can be adapted to a world experience that is much more complex than the time of the Buddha.  Virtue is examined as the manifestation of wisdom (clear awareness plus benevolent intention) in our daily routines.  This talk is laying the foundation for exploring the meaning of Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood in the 21st century, drawing on modern psychological research.

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‘Tis the Season For Practice

by Tommy Harrison

‘Tis the season.  The season for generosity.  A time of year that brings great joy for some, suffering for others, and a mix of both for many.  All around us are examples of both wholesome generosity as well as actions fueled by greed.  We get to see some of the best and worst of our fellow human beings and perhaps ourselves.  This end of year holiday season has been a cause of personal suffering over the years.  Nothing too major, but suffering all the same.  It’s only been by turning into this suffering and investigating it that has allowed for a better understanding of what was arising and how to release it.   It’s presented wonderful opportunities to pause and reflect on some of the Buddha’s teachings to guide us through the holiday season.

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The Middle Way In The 21st Century

This is the first in a series of conversations organized with the intention to clarify how the core teachings of the Buddha must be redefined in each generation in order for the benefits to be realized.  There was great cultural turmoil in the Buddha’s time; our era is experiencing even more upheaval.  The teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path  must be realized in ways that are culturally relevant.  In future discussions, we will explore how we as a community can practice the core principles with mindfulness and benevolence in order to cope with the increasing complexity of modern life.

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Awakening With Tranquility And Insight

This discussion summarizes the Satipatthana Sutta, focusing on how Mindfulness and the other Awakening Factors affects awareness of the Four Noble Truths, enhancing mental clarity and emotional balance.  The relationship between tranquility and insight was associated with development of the jhana states, and how the heightened awareness derives from that practice increases the ability for the mind to be alert and non-attached, supporting awakening.

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