Dharma Bits

Eugene Cash on gratitude and the wisdom that everything is given. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/74067/

Tara Brach shares a deep teaching about identity, emptiness, and awareness: https://www.tarabrach.com/emptiness-dancing-retreat-2/

Donald Rothberg on how to see all experiences as learning opportunities. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/73781/

Tara Brach on wise hope (vs egoic hope): https://www.tarabrach.com/three-practices-nurturing-wise-hope

Donald Rothberg on ten ways to work with reactivity (dukkha). Thorough, great, practical talk. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/73199/

Tara Brach on being embodied to reconnect with our aliveness and spirit: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69934/

Very special talk from Tara Brach on difficult emotions: why they're important, how to work with them. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/72663/

Donald Rothberg on the Buddha's core teachings of Dukkha (commonly translated as suffering or reactivity): https://dharmaseed.org/talks/72639/

Thich Nhat Hanh on nirvana (freedom), a major Buddhist essential concept. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-rCGmCCMMs

Thich Nhat Hanh on forgiveness, where he tells a US veteran's Vietnam War story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CM9F1mdfcc

Joseph Goldstein on key Buddhist wisdom practices such as impermanence: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/71609/ and https://dharmaseed.org/talks/71735/

Donald Rothberg's 4th of July talk, Dharma and Democracy: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/71391/

Another great talk on collective fear by Tara Brach: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/70844/

Gullu Singh on wise view and its key role in the path of spiritual practice: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/70474/

Jack Kornfield on war and peace: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/70079/

Kaira Jewel Lingo on working with difficult emotions. Talk: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69990/ Vagal nurturing meditation: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69989/

Thich Nhat Hanh shares a cosmic view on how to love oneself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMoRtJhVoxc

Amazing conversation between Tara Brach and Kristin Neff on self-compassion. Both are leaders in the field. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/66024/

Jack Kornfield weaves together the Russia-Ukraine war and the life of Thich Nhat Nahn: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69770/

Gil Fronsdal on suffering and the end of suffering, the end of greed, hatred, delusion, and clinging. Help your suffering feel safe. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69545/

Tara Brach teaches Thich Nhat Hanh's teaching of interbeing, with a very heartfelt focus on the climate emergency. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69439/

Donald Rothberg gives the best tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh I've encountered, interweaving Donald's experience with Thay, Thay's life, and Thay's teachings. Photos in the PDF. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69277/

A Thich Nhat Nahn eulogy written by his disciples: https://plumvillage.org/articles/a-eulogy-from-thays-disciples-in-plum-village/

Thich Nhat Hanh on signlessness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS-zOAtOGPc

Pamela Weiss on fear and fearlessness, a tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh. Talk starts at 34:20. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69150/

Sylvia Boorstein's tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/69162/

Gil Fronsdal celebrating the amazing life of Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.audiodharma.org/talks/14908

Thich Nhat Hanh Dharma talk (in text, not audio) on loving the unlovable: https://www.mindfulnessbell.org/archive/2016/02/dharma-talk-loving-the-unlovable-2

Donald Rothberg's Thanksgiving talk on generosity, gratitude, and the shadow side of Thanksgiving. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/68207/

Tara Brach on how to practice with fear, including with intense fear from trauma. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/67395/

Here's a nice dialogue between Matthew Brensilver, Phillip Moffitt, and Tuere Sala on freedom/liberation/awakening. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/67334/

Kamala Masters on equanimity, in particular "surrendering to the law [of nature]." https://dharmaseed.org/talks/60682/

Sylvia Boorstein on kindness and the preciousness of life. Life is so difficult; how can we be anything but kind? What will we do with our one life? https://dharmaseed.org/talks/67203/

Thich Nhat Hanh on how to be with difficult or unpleasant experiences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5Ka2RS0UC4

Thich Nhat Hanh on restlessness, or a lack of inner peace. Talk starts at 13:55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq6B4OX6uUE

Part 2 of Donald Rothberg's talk on awakening, this time with more of a focus on awakening in contemporary times. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/67144/

Donald Rothberg on beautiful states of being, including awakening, along with stories of his Buddhist lineages coming to America: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/66963/

Donald Rothberg on how to practice with difficulty: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/66918/

Sylvia Boorstein on wisdom, in particular impermanence and suffering/reactivity. She shares some lovely poems, too. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/66025/

Epic talk by Jack Kornfield on the power of listening. The story at 13:50 about the Dalai Lama's personal doctor is very special. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/66293/

Thich Nhat Hanh on the understanding of suffering leading to compassion and less suffering. And nice chanting. Watch the first hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTgv4iPgQ2o

Here's Tara Brach's very profound Earth Day talk on the importance of our connection to nature. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/65542/

Part 2 of Donald Rothberg's talk on how to develop confidence, trust, and faith in one's contemplative practice. This is a beautiful one. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/65776/

Donald Rothberg on how to develop confidence, trust, and faith in one's contemplative practice: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/65736/

Tara Brach on self-love - what blocks self-love, how to cultivate self-love, and why self-love is so important to our well being. https://dharmaseed.org/talks/65385/

The time to get real with ourselves is now, and this talk by Tara Brach will help us get there through insight and compassion. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/65005/

Kaira Jewel Lingo on how to embrace strong emotions and grow joy. She teaches Thich Nhat Hanh's version of RAIN. Great talk! https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/1012/talk/64395/

Here's a great interview from 1995 of Thich Nhat Hanh by Ram Dass, which took place in San Francisco. https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/interviews-with-thich-nhat-hanh/interview-with-ram-dass/

Donald Rothberg gives a unique and interesting talk on doing and not doing, both in meditation and in daily life. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/64238/

Jack Kornfield's Winter Solstice talk, primarily focused on our exile... our exile from ourselves, from our fellow country people, from the Earth. Talk starts at 26:30. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/63361/

Tara Brach shares a favorite inner concept of mine, strong back + soft front, in the context of ending hatred. Highly recommended. 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/63716/ 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/63715/

Here's part 2 of Donald Rothberg's practicing with views talk, discussing political, racial, and other views, including an interesting historical study on race in the US. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/63168/

Donald Rothberg on cultivating uppekha, commonly translated as equanimity or balance, a quality that is particularly helpful amidst difficulty. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62725/

Donald Rothberg on practicing with views, given two weeks after the election, with a deep emphasis on the original Buddha's teachings on the matter. Starts at 1:14. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62972/

Jack Kornfield is offering a post-election gathering Wednesday at 6pm pacific: https://spirit-rock.secure.retreat.guru/program/special-event-a-post-election-gathering-and-practice-jk1s20/?lang=en

Here's a beautiful, insightful talk from 2005 by Thich Nhat Hanh on the true nature of things, including birth and death. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms6EylTW-2o (starts at 14 minutes)

Donald Rothberg on fear. Given in 2015, this talk is still extremely relevant today. Part 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/31756/ part 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/31808/

Tara Brach on working with fear, the physical body of fear, and also how to get unstuck from what she calls "worrier pose." This is a great pandemic resource. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/62568/

Here's a great talk by Donald Rothberg on dukkha and the end of dukkha in times of crisis, at the levels of formal meditation, day-to-day life, and social action. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62575/

Here's a shorter talk by Donald Rothberg continuing on how to practice in daily life during the pandemic: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62194/

I've been experiencing fear a lot during the pandemic. Here's a talk by Joseph Goldstein offering a lot of wonderful insights for how to work with fear: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/31369/

Vinny Ferraro is offering a virtual day-long on August 15th: https://www.aplos.com/aws/events/online_daylong_august_8

Here's an epic talk by Tara Brach on shame, healing, and transformation. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/62135/

Kittisaro and Thanissara, two beloved teachers, are giving a virtual day-long this Sunday on the Heart Sutra. I'll attend. Here's the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-the-heart-sutra-in-our-times-tickets-112555532628

Tara Brach on hope and the difference between egoic hope and spiritual hope, a hope that can hold our suffering and traumas and can free us: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/62099/

Sylvia Boorstein gives a beautiful talk (with video) on the political divide in the US and how to have a heart as wide as the world, for all beings: https://learn.lionsroar.com/courses/re-awaken-summit/lectures/17375433 (edit: now has a paywall)

Donald Rothberg on a Buddhist perspective to transform racism. Donald also includes fascinating racial history in America. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62047/ and https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/62086/

Here's a collection of anti-racism resources from Tara Brach (talks, meditations, books, etc): https://www.tarabrach.com/racism

Here's a blog post by Thich Nhat Hanh on how to create peace with mindfulness, deep listening, and loving speech: https://www.lionsroar.com/listening-deeply-for-peace

Here's a blog post by Pema Chödrön on the warrior commitment, a commitment to wake up and help others. She also covers how to work with fear and panic. https://www.lionsroar.com/a-greater-happiness-november-2012

Here's a great blog post by Joseph Goldstein on fear, its relation to suffering/reactivity, and how to work with it. https://www.lionsroar.com/the-nature-of-fear

Jack's virtual 3-day retreat has changed formats. Now it's just one day and free. I highly recommend this: https://www.cognitiveleap.com/events

Jack Kornfield is offering a 3-day online retreat May 14-16. This is a great way to spend a weekend in shelter-in-place. https://jackkornfield.com/event/bringing-worlds-together-a-3-day-online-retreat-for-meditators/

Howie Cohn with a great introduction to the four noble truths. https://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/82/talk/34766/

Another pandemic talk by Donald Rothberg focused on compassion and equanimity. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/61512/

Donald Rothberg shares a beautiful talk on practicing in the pandemic. First a talk, then Q&A. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/61421/ and https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/61422/

Jack Kornfield wrote a blog post on the Bodhisattva response to COVID-19. https://jackkornfield.com/the-bodhisattva-response-to-the-virus/

Tara Brach just published a "pandemic care package" made up of lots of helpful online resources: https://www.tarabrach.com/pandemic/

Tara Brach on facing pandemic fears with an awake heart. Talk: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/61259/ and meditation: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/61258/

Vinny Ferraro is doing a live, virtual sit and Dharma talk this Friday from 7:30-9pm pacific time. See https://www.bigheartcity.org/ for details.

Tara Brach, Trudy Goodman, and Jack Kornfield have put together resources for a "home retreat" to help us keep calm and centered in the current pandemic. https://jackkornfield.com/creating-a-home-retreat-finding-freedom-wherever-you-are-free-half-day-retreat-included/

Jack Kornfield and Paul Hawken on COVID-19 and climate change. Paul Hawken is the editor of the NYT best-selling climate change book, Drawdown. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/61058/

Meditation is beautiful medicine for fear and suffering, and especially needed now amidst COVID-19 fear and anxiety. Here are upcoming, free talks by Thich Nhat Hanh disciples. https://promo.lionsroar.com/free-summit-thich-nhat-hanh/

Beth Sternlieb on letting go of greed, hatred, delusion, letting go of self, and on understanding the the wisdom of dying. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/567/talk/60903/

Tara Brach on how to work with fear by awaking your heart and holding the fear in space and love. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/60818/

Jack Kornfield on the life of the late Ram Dass, the Harvard professor turned LSD advocate turned spiritual teacher focused much on love and compassion. Climate change is covered, too. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/60343/

Donald Rothberg on the transformative power of metta (translated as "loving kindness" or "kindness" or "friendliness") https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/60357/

Beth Sternlieb on compassion and community-focused metta (translated as "loving kindness" or "kindness" or "friendliness") https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/567/talk/60377/

Here's Sylvia Boorstein with a very humorous, deep talk on kindness being the only possible response when we hold all beings in our hearts with compassion: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/174/talk/60389/

Donald Rothberg on the 4th foundation of mindfulness, which is hard to concisely summarize. Generally it's: patterns and processes of experience, causes and conditions, wisdom, and responsiveness / action. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/17886/

Donald Rothberg on the 3rd foundation of mindfulness, thoughts and emotions: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/17773/ Look at his other talks around the same time for talks on the other foundations.

Thanissara on our spiritual and practical connection to Mother Earth and the duty we have as Earthlings to reconnect with and heal the Earth given today's planetary crisis. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/178/talk/59691/

Here's an amazing talk by Donald Rothberg on beginning again and listening to our deepest aspirations. My favorite parts are two quotes at 25:00, and a Gandhi story at 46:00 or so. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/58849/

For those of you in the Bay Area, this Friday (November 1st) two amazing teachers, Frank Ostaseski and Vinny Ferraro, are teaching in SF. Details here: https://www.bigheartcity.org/schedule

Donald Rothberg on grieving the loss of his mother. The first half is about his mother. The second half, starting at 30 minutes, is about how he grieved. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/33004/

Here's a beautiful, deep talk by Eugene Cash on love, letting go, and the freedom of heart. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/68/talk/58592/

Donald Rothberg on how to transform the judgmental mind. He teaches full retreats on this topic. This talk summarizes the journey. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/41264/

Here's a great talk by Thanissara, giving a great overview of the broader Insight/Vipassana practice, along with its benefits. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/178/talk/26625/

Part 3 of Donald Rothberg's practicing with conflict series. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/58399/

Donald Rothberg on how to practice wise (or right) speech. Skip the beginning and start listening at 23 minutes in. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/57251/

Donald Rothberg on practicing with conflict. We have two habituated reactions to conflict: avoidance or react automatically without control. Then he teaches the alternatives. 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/57928/ 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/58163/

JoAnna Hardy on the Four Noble Truths. This is a very approachable, grounded talk that explains the Four Noble Truths in simple English terms. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/549/talk/57704/

For those of you with a metta practice (a practice to develop warm friendliness / loving kindness), here's a great talk by Donald Rothberg about some of the practice's challenges: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/38697/

Traditionally three teachings are given about the sure heart's release (awakening), one being mindfulness. This talk discusses the other two, in particular the wisdom of integrity / inner beauty. By Kamala Masters https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/99/talk/57659/

Jack Kornfield on healing trauma. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/17446/ Also, if you want to learn more about trauma, read The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Tara Brach on the courage to love. The gateway to deep intimacy and love is through vulnerability, which requires courage. Part 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/56911/ and part 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/57078/

Eugene Cash on birth-and-death, Do Not Waste Your Life. My favorite quote: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." -Gandhi https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/68/talk/56372/

Here's a wonderful Dharma talk by Jack Kornfield, where he tells three beautiful stories about presence, love, purpose, meaning, and kindness: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/56171/

Tara Brach on realizing our deepest intentions. Deep intentions must: manifest our inherent potential, be embodied (or felt in the body), and relate to this moment right now. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/54310/

Byron Katie is coming to Spirit Rock in August for a day-long workshop. She's awesome, and the workshop will be wonderful. https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/radical-wisdom/

Teja Bell on the three pillars of spiritual practice: generosity, ethics, and meditation. Teja doesn't give many talks; this is a rare treat. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/176/talk/55307/

Part 2 of Donald's talk on the habitual mind vs. the awake mind. This talk is primarily about how to work with thoughts. Deep wisdom in this one! https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/55546/

Donald Rothberg on the habitual mind vs. the awake mind, and how to practice with the habitual mind. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/55095/

Tara Brach will be in the SF Bay Area on Monday, April 22nd, her only 2019 West Coast appearance. Tickets are available here: https://www.cityboxoffice.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2558

Here's a wonderful book by Pema Chodron: The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness. It has a good balance between Buddhist concepts and practical, wise advice. https://www.shambhala.com/the-wisdom-of-no-escape-1713.html

Tara Brach on courageous presence, a willingness to be present with difficult experiences or personal "demons" and to hold them in acceptance and love. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/54703/

Here's a talk by Joseph Goldstein on non-self, which is an advanced but unique and liberating topic. Be careful not to attach to non-self, though! https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/54689/

Here's a beautiful talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, Life at Every Breath. It's a wonderful gift to hear such a gentle, loving and wise being teach meditation. This one is highly recommended. https://tnhaudio.org/2018/12/28/life-at-every-breath/

Jack Kornfield on inspirational leadership. He tells beautiful stories about Ram Dass, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Nainoa Thompson (a Hawaiian navigator) https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/18434/

Donald Rothberg has an epic 3-part series on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Topics: wisdom/understanding, love/metta, and integrity. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/54302/ https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/54478/ https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/54593/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the 5 hindrances - desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt. Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom is the path to happiness/freedom https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the five hindrances (desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt). "Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom is the path *to* happiness/freedom" https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the five hindrances (desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt). "Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom is the path *to* happiness/freedom" https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the five hindrances (desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt). "Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom is the path *to* happiness/freedom" https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the five hindrances (desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt). "Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom is the path *to* happiness/freedom" https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro on the liberating aspects of the five hindrances (desire/grasping, aversion/rejection, sloth/torpor, restlessness/worry, doubt). Whatever we think is in the way of happiness/freedom, is the way *to* happiness/freedom. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/53820/

Vinny Ferraro is doing a day-long retreat in Santa Cruz. Vinny is a wonderful teacher. The day-long is offered freely with the request for donations if you're able. http://www.insightsantacruz.org/category/upcoming-events/

Jack Kornfield tells another story on acting with a loving and peaceful heart, in particular during the change of the seasons. The Marvelous Bodhisattva Vimalakirti: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/53882/

Real-talk from Tara Brach on authentic thanks giving, on Thanksgiving. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/53509/

Kittisaro on the alchemy of joy. "The primary misconception about the mind and body is the false view that the mind dwells in the physical body. [..listen to hear the rest...]” ~Buddha https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/101/talk/52326/

Another great talk by Jack Kornfield on how to live with a wise and peaceful heart, and how to extend compassion and love to all. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/37799/

Thanissara gives a beautiful talk on reclaiming the sacred, our deep connection to ourselves, other beings, and our Mother Earth. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/178/talk/52276/

Jack Kornfield tells the story of the Buddha's last teaching. The story is very mythical and Buddhist, supplemented by Jack's interpretations and meanings. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/52721/

Jack Kornfield on how to bring our meditation practice into the world with compassionate and loving action. This is a true gem. Skip the practice from 15:15 to 31:09. https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/33628/

This is a beautiful quote from part 2 of the Tara talk that was just shared: http://alexlod.com/2018/11/07/happiness-cannot-be-found-through-great-effort-and-willpower-but-it-is-already-there-in-relaxation-and-letting-go/

Tara Brach on rewiring for happiness and freedom. These two talks are wonderful explorations of a peaceful and loving heart. Part 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/52565/ Part 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/52678/

Tara Brach on healing depression. She explains the sources of depression, followed by how to heal. Part 1: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/51494/ and part 2: https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/51611/

Vinny Ferraro is teaching two day-long retreats at Spirit Rock that look great. https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/the-alchemy-of-presence/ and https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/heart-practices-of-the-buddha-seeing-through-the-eyes-of-love/

Jack tells the story of Nachakito, a story about transforming -- the type of transformation for those who want to start a quest for a new life. "I felt in need of a great pilgrimage, so I sat still for three days." - Kabir https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/51735/

Donald Rothberg on wise speech. Wise speech has four components: truthful, helpful, of a caring/kind intention, and appropriate (including having good timing). https://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/49692/

Jack Kornfield is doing a day-long introduction to mindfulness meditation retreat on December 15th at Spirit Rock. This would be an amazing first day-long retreat! https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/mindfulness-meditation-2018/

Kamala Masters on inner beauty and its deep connection and reliance on self respect and ethics. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/99/talk/51334/

Tara Brach on the power of prayer. As a former atheist I found this interesting. I learned prayer doesn't need to be a conversation with a divine being. Prayer can be as simple as wishing someone well. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/51725/

Tara Brach on acceptance and saying "yes." "The boundary to what we accept is the boundary to our freedom." Acceptance has many subtleties, which she covers well (eg around injustice and other wrongs) http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/51391/

Donald Rothberg on ethical practice, part 3. This talk expands on part 1 and 2 and discusses how to work with intentional or unintentional ill will: greed, hatred, and delusion. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/51100/

Donald Rothberg on ethical practice, part 2. This talk expands on part 1 and offers specific recommendations for how to bring ethics into your meditation practice and everyday life. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/50988/

Jack Kornfield on virtue and integrity, and how they are essential for the happiness and prosperity of all life, including ours. Jack also addresses the intersection between spirituality and politics. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/39515/

Vinny Ferraro, a teacher who I greatly enjoy, is teaching a silent 2-night retreat in Applegate, CA from September 7-9. This would be a great first silent retreat. https://www.againstthestream.org/applegate-retreat-2018/

Donald Rothberg shares how to practice ethics, and explains that mindfulness must be practiced alongside of ethics and wisdom. In Buddhism ethics ultimately boil down to not causing harm. This talk is part 1 of 3: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/50862/

A few posts ago I shared a talk from Jack Kornfield about Natchiketa. The talk focussed a lot on forgiveness. I transcribed one particular forgiveness story that has stuck with me ever since hearing it: http://alexlod.com/2018/07/12/forgiveness-in-the-vietnam-war/

A very special two-part series from Tara Brach on our basic goodness: how to find it within us, cultivate it, and how to find it in others. Part 1: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/50071/ and part 2: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/50278/

Jack Kornfield tells the story of a young boy, Natchiketa, about how to deal with difficulty. The three teachings are: forgiveness, courage (or liveliness/fire), and loving awareness. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/17178/

Tara Brach on ending hate and blame, and instead learning to grieve. This talk was given after the 2016 presidential election. My favorite quote: "Vengeance is a lazy form of grief." http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/38066/

Donald Rothberg on practicing skillfully with difficult experiences of body, heart, and mind, in the context of aging and dying http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/50546/

Another beautiful talk on patience, this time from Jack Kornfield. He shares his own struggles with impatience, and its importance in working to make the world a better place: notice impatience and study it. Talk starts at 37:00. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/44056/

Here's another great talk from Tara Brach. She introduces an incredible framework that helps us escape our self-critical minds: "real but not true." She also introduces the concept of mental maps, which is a very helpful metaphor. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/34535/

Another amazingly special talk from Jack. He introduces mindfulness but not in the "these are the benefits" way. He explains the deeper beauties of mindfulness, while telling beautiful stories of himself and others. A must listen. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/49845/

Here's a beautiful talk by Kittisaro on the deep connection we have with all things, our identity, and great mystery. Many beautiful stories are shared of the Buddha and Nelson Mandela. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/101/talk/47702/

Here's a fascinating video showing that consciousness can extend past death. This finding is very inline with Buddhism's answer to "who am I?" which is loving, compassionate awareness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnoIf2NwaRY

Jack Kornfield talks about mystery, uncertainty, beginner's mind, and our identity. This is a beautiful, deep talk. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/20046/

Here's a talk on the Power of Patience by Kamala Masters. This talk is phenomenal, with so many amazing gems. For example: "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/99/talk/50082/

Here's a very special, 5-minute talk by Sam Harris on the importance of being present. The video content is not relevant, only the audio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3JzcCviNDk

Vinny Ferraro, a teacher I admire greatly, is doing a weekend-long silent retreat in September. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in dipping their toe into silent retreats. He's great, and it's short. https://www.againstthestream.org/applegate-retreat-2018/

Tara Brach on how to be a good listener. Part 1: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/49564/ Part 2: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/49661/

BuddhaFest is happening in Los Angeles June 1-3. The event has an epic lineup of speakers including Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, and others. https://www.buddhafest.org/

Jack Kornfield is doing a day-long retreat at Spirit Rock on May 20th. The topic is mindfulness meditation. I highly recommend this for anyone looking to deepen their practice. https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/mindfulness-meditation/

Here's a beautiful Dharma talk by Kittisaro on the deep, core Buddhist teachings of awareness, impermanence, identity and emptiness (the good kind of emptiness) http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/101/talk/49114/

Thanissara gives a very special talk on reacting and the way mindfulness can train us to respond instead of react. My favorite teaching is around 23 minutes, about the six animals. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/178/talk/18424/

Kittisaro and Thanissara, two teachers who I greatly enjoy, are doing a day-long retreat at Spirit Rock this Sunday, April 1st. This will be very special. https://calendar.spiritrock.org/events/reclamation-of-the-sacred

Here's a beautiful talk by Kittisaro titled, "All Living Beings Are Our Family." In particular I enjoyed a story he shares towards the middle of the talk about Nelson Mandela. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/101/talk/49122/

Brian Lesage on sexual energy and intimacy. I found this talk interesting because it discusses a subject that is not commonly addressed in the Dharma talks I've listened to thus far. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/484/talk/49110/

Donald Rothberg on the "don't know" or "beginners" mind. This talk is a good reminder of the importance of listening with an open mind. He also explains how to practice being more open. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/48950/

Jack Kornfield on the garden of the heart -- what seeds will you plant? There’s a story in the middle about a former gang member that will bring you to tears. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/48859/

Joseph Goldstein on working with thoughts and emotions. He explains the misconception that thoughts are bad. Instead, thoughts are very natural. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/96/talk/36772/

Thanissara, a former monastic, talks about the flickering mind in this great Dharma talk: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/178/talk/25618/

Howie Cohn talks about thoughts and identity in a great talk titled "You Are Not A Problem to be Solved" http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/82/talk/48424/

Eugene Cash tells the story of Gautama Buddha's life leading up to his awakening. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/68/talk/19285/

Tara Brach on working with trauma. This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced trauma and still struggles with it: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/39632/

Great Tara Brach blog post, "When the News Makes Us Miserable: Remembering a Fuller Presence and Larger Truth" https://www.tarabrach.com/news-makes-us-miserable/

In this talk, Vinny connects straight with our hearts with gentle words on loving ourselves and being real. He also talks about his difficult past and how it helped transform him. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/215/talk/47962/

Eugene Cash, who teaches the SF Insight Sangha, is teaching an interesting day-long retreat on February 3rd: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discovering-reality-a-daylong-retreat-with-eugene-cash-tickets-41902654969?ref=ebtn

Tara Brach teaching about being lost in trance, and how to break out of the trance with RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nourish). She shares a number of tender, beautiful stories, too. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/48094/

Spirit Rock has two upcoming day-long retreats by teachers who I like very much (in addition to the Jack day-long I posted yesterday). Here they are: https://spiritrock.org/calendarDetails?EventID=5947 https://spiritrock.org/calendarDetails?EventID=5912

Jack Kornfield is doing a day-long retreat at Spirit Rock on Insight Meditation on Sunday, February 25th. https://spiritrock.org/calendarDetails?EventID=5908

Tara Brach introduces three gateways to peace and freedom (otherwise known as the three refuges). She talks about accomplishments and how they’re a false goal for happiness. The “if only” mind. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/48174/

Thich Nhat Hanh, a zen master and Buddhist teacher akin to the Dalai Lama, recently took part in a documentary called Walk With Me. It's a slow, beautiful, and at times abstract introduction to mindfulness. Available on Netflix and elsewhere. http://walkwithmefilm.com/

Tara Brach is giving a workshop in Seattle on compassion and wisdom that looks wonderful: http://facesconferences.com/seattle2018

Donald Rothberg talks about the winter solstice, times of darkness, light, and renewal. He also gives the two arrows teaching, which is a very core Buddhist teaching that I enjoy very much. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/48034/

A beautiful overview of the deep benefits of consistent mindfulness/insight meditation, by Jack Kornfield: http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/85/talk/21065/

This is part 2 of Tara's exploration into the trance of fear. My last update was about part 1. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/47884/

Here's a beautiful exploration into fear by Tara Brach. I highly recommend listening to this if you ever feel that you're lost in a trance of fear, where it's controlling you subconsciously. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/175/talk/47882/

2018 retreats at Spirit Rock that look great: http://bit.ly/2nSFztX - http://bit.ly/2z4jUT6 - http://bit.ly/2AxsufR - http://bit.ly/2yjpsFV - http://bit.ly/2yjri9K - http://bit.ly/2BWTPEj

Great talk about equanimity (balance, non-reactivity, responsiveness). Donald introduces the concept and then talks about how to practice it. Primarily it is developed with mindfulness. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/55/talk/47736/

Good overview of mindfulness of breath and how to develop Samadhi (centeredness or concentration). First half is a Dharma talk, then meditation, then Q&A. Teacher is a monastic. http://dharmaseed.org/teacher/101/talk/47641/