Buddhist Women on a Path of Spiritual Awakening
Empty Mirror: Awake, Forgiving, Free
Forgiveness is the greatest generosity we can give ourselves. We come to it by wisely seeing that the harm in the world, whether it originates within ourselves or others, comes from ignorance. So there is nothing to fear and nothing to forgive. We can…
Polish the Moon & Sweep the Clouds
What stops us from realizing Truth? We face the human condition besieged with obstacles in the mind that can be overcome with a total commitment to giving up our many forms of addiction. We learn to stay present and to develop the enlightenment factors…
Come to the Edge
In our meditation practice, we journey inwards to come to the edge and see ourselves as we really are. To do this, we have to cultivate special qualities, the paramis or perfections. And so we learn to grow a silent harmless space within ourselves…
How Do I Save That Moth?
The Winter of the World is here… How do we bear it? What does the mind need in order to open to the teachings? Dana. Sila. Generosity and virtue. Cultivating generosity, starting with the material, can mature into acts of sharing one’s time, energy,…
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,…
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…
~ Dhammapada Verse 54