On the Cross of Our Illusions – A Guided Dying Meditation and Reflections

To simulate the natural process of death is to experience the impermanence of the five aggregates and a pure awareness that knows the inherent emptiness of things as they truly are. Dying is a potent doorway for liberation of mind and the best death…

The Currency of COVID: Protection from Harm Through Spiritual Awakening

Waking up to our spiritual wealth, we learn the true currency of COVID – it is not fear and frailty but courage, compassion, loving-kindness, community and connection. We see what is protection for ourselves and for each other, dwelling with the Dhamma, the Truth,…

A Pilgrimage of Trust: Guided Meditation

A guided meditation on death and dying – the final steps in our life’s journey. Balance, mindfulness and faith teach us to touch the joy of the present moment as a spiritual pilgrim. Given at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, UK, Death & Dying Retreat in…

The Way of the Mystic

A reflection on the tale of Patacara’s meeting with the Buddha after the deaths of her sons, husband, and parents and how she attains equanimity in the face of great suffering. A talk a given during a death and dying retreat at Amaravati Buddhist…

Chariot to Nibbana

What is the best chariot according to the Dhamma? A commentary on the Buddha’s conversation with Ananda about the noble vehicle that will carry you victoriously along the spiritual path – to Nibbana, full awakening.  A talk given during a 10 day retreat at…

A Mind Empowered 5 Ways

Learn how we can refine our mental skills of faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. Enhanced by right view and a deepened understanding of the Four Noble Truths, these spiritual powers vanquish hatred and fear, nurturing our readiness to forgive and the blessed qualities…

Until Death Do Us Part: The Power of Determination

Are you interested in becoming fully awakened? The development of determination, adhitthana, is one of the Ten Perfections that will allow you to persevere with your practice and gain traction in spite of seemingly intractable obstacles and frustrations. A talk given at the Buddhist Society…

The Wilderness of Anger

Why does anger cause us so much misery? As long as we feed it, anger insidiously undermines our spiritual work. Mindful and aware, we learn to refrain from feeding that angry dog and we loosen its foothold within the mind. By the power of…

Dhamma Wings

Practice means we keep trying to purify the mind and strengthen our commitment to the precepts. There is no failure – we just begin again and again until we find our Dhamma wings. A short talk given during a Theravada Buddhist Community (TBC) retreat…

Ethical Footprint

We value peace of mind and yet life may seem fraught with complexity and stress.. How can we nurture inner calm in the midst of unsettling conditions? We need to take the time to stop and study the mind. See the arising of displeasure…