~ Talks & Meditations ~

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The Perfection (Parami) of Determination (24 mins)
In his teaching on determination, the Buddha said that there are four helpful types: the determination to be discerning and wise, the determination to be truthful about one's own experience, the determination to relinquish obstacles, and the determination to be tranquil and calm. (11/17/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Truthfulness (21 mins)
Truthfulness is about not telling lies to ourselves or others. But at a deeper level, it is about being being authentic and expressing the truth of our experience. This talk considers the power of truthfulness and its relationship with peace. (11/10/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Patience (24 mins)
We have an opportunity to learn patience whenever we feel impatient. To cultivate patience, it can be helpful to recall its three main qualities: gentle self-restraint, bearing the unpleasant thoughts/emotions of impatience, and being willing to accept things as they are. (11/03/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Effort (18 mins)
The perfection of effort is not about over-striving or forcing yourself to do something; rather it is an eager or enthusiastic energy. Traditionally in Buddhism, it has three features: persistent courage, taking responsibility for oneself and one's spiritual journey, and working to alleviate the suffering of others. (10/27/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Wisdom (22 mins)
This talk explores three types of wisdom, including learned wisdom, reflective wisdom, and wisdom of spiritual realization. It goes on to discuss the wisdom of seeing things as they truly are - empty and interdependent, an how this relates to awakening. (10/20/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Renunciation (22 mins)
Renunciation isn’t about forcing ourselves to give up things; it’s more about seeing what is getting in the way of living a spiritual life and letting go of it, because we value spirituality more than the obstacles to it. (10/13/20)

The Perfection (Parami) of Morality (23 mins)
This talk explores the three parts of any moral or ethical action. It also discusses the five Buddhist precepts for lay people and Thich Nhat Hanh's corresponding five trainings in mindfulness. (10/06/20)