Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation including a quote by Arundhati Roy | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene III | Online Wednesday-Mornings

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) After a brief review of the first two talks in this series, we explore the nature of ethical practice, one of the three core inter-related areas of training for the Buddha, along with training in meditation and in wisdom. We see how ethical practice has often been understood historically as having a social dimension, both in the teachings of the Buddha and later, as in the edicts of King Ashoka. We also explore some of the ways that ethical practice has been marginalized in Western Buddhist practice, with significant consequences. Then we look at the commonality of ethical guidelines in cross-religious context, with Donald telling some personal stories. Finally, we outline several ways to carry out ethical practice and then open up to discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) The renunciate quality of retreat removes our psychological cushions. Therefore soothing, not intensity, is needed. Gaining health and psychological flex, we can disband the fantasies that haunt the heart.

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation including a benediction by Master Eckhart | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene III | Online Wednesday-Mornings

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We continue our series of meditations and talks exploring the foundations of contemporary Buddhist practice. We begin by reviewing last week's talk on the basic model of Buddhist meditation, identifying three aspects of practice. These three are (1) developing samadhi or concentration; (2) cultivating three modes of liberating insight--into impermanence, dukkha or reactivity, and not-self; and (3) opening to awakened awareness. Then we focus on a crucial, central, and not always developed dimension of contemporary practice, especially for the vast majority of Western Buddhist practitioners who do not live in monastic contexts--bringing practice to everyday life. We identify nine ways of deepening daily life practice. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This talk offers a way of abiding in joy and other wholesome qualities through an acronym of CARE - Connect, abide, release/refresh, enjoy. A short talk is followed by a short guided meditation in abiding and radiating sympathetic joy.

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This talk reflects on joy and metta as central to the practice, and as supports for non-clinging. It explores this theme through the suttas, in everyday practice, and in challenging times.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) 2025 E-BIPOC Retreat, day 5 (4th full day): mental states, emotions, sati (to remember), body, breath, hindrances, vedana (feeling tone), train rides.

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) 2025 E-BIPOC Retreat, day 5 (4th full day): guided meditation centering One’s heart-body-mind. suggested for experienced meditators only.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This talk overviews the four foundations of mindfulness, and then explores the second foundation of vedana, feeling tone, as a doorway to freedom.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions) Ajahn responds to several questions around the themes: Is it necessary to have an attitude of sanctity or divinity when one is mindful in the sati sampajanna way? Is it possible to get anywhere in the practice without being ordained? How long should I sit and what particular process should I go through? Will I arrive at a certain recognizable state?

(Dhamma Stream Online Sessions)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)