Coming to terms with the teaching and implications of the first noble truth can be challenging, confusing and ongoing. When we are unable to do the hard work of completing the task of the first truth, to embrace Dukkha, we become vulnerable to destructive emotions.
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A Relational Dhamma
Recorded :
October 17, 2021 If humans are intrinsically relational creatures, how do we integrate this understanding with the Buddha’s teachings on suffering and its cessation? Relational suffering and craving? Dependent origination? In this session, we explore the power and necessity of a relational understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. We discuss and practice relational aspects of the path, including the…
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Beyond Mindfulness: The Fullness of Insight Meditation
Recorded :
June 13, 2021 Mindfulness is the engine of meditation practice, and it tends to get all the press. But is mindfulness sufficient to transform our hearts, minds and lives? In this session, we’ll explore some of the other qualities and cultivations that are essential to deep on the spiritual path.
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Introduction To Buddhist Psychology
Recorded :
March 22, 2026 The Four Noble Truths are a foundational practice that supports our ability to navigate the inevitable changes life presents. They offer insight and guidance. Mindfulness fosters compassion and paves the way for a deep dive into Buddhist Psychology. You will gain a better understanding, a reason for, and an application in everyday life of the…
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Refuge: The Heart’s Own Knowing
Recorded :
September 29, 2019 It’s important to recognize that we are living in extremely challenging times, and because of this, we are going to experience some very painful and disturbing bodily feelings, emotions, and mind states. As profound uncertainty deepens and intensifies within and all around, our Dharma practice becomes ever more vital. The ground and heart of this…
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The Practice is Earthed Through Our Body
Recorded :
October 5, 2025 Wherever we go, here is our body. Finding a sustainable shape when meditating is crucial for our practising. We can then use our bodies as ways of experiencing change and kindness. In this session, we will look at various forms of meditation (including standing and sitting) and do various techniques that can help our meditating.
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From Mindfulness to Dharma: The Fourth Foundation
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October 28, 2018 The huge popularity of mindfulness is accompanied by a lot of confusion in relation to mindfulness in and of itself and how much it embodies the wider teachings of the Buddha. What is dharma? When, if and how is mindfulness the same as or different from dharma? This topic will be discussed in relation to…
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Refuge, resilience and response in uncertain times
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October 15, 2017 By now, we can consciously acknowledge that our planetary state of emergency and ineffectual political response is impacting and fast changing our Dharma curriculum. We are being mercilessly shaken awake while at the same time facing overwhelming uncertainties. In this session, Thanissara explores how the Dharma, its practices and guidelines, can come to our aid…
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The practice of pleasure and delight (or the spiritual art of having fun).
Recorded :
April 22, 2018 Dharma teachings importantly emphasise suffering, compassion, renunciation, desire, non-reactivity, peacefulness. All these are potent themes, yet ones which can make our practice feel overly heavy, unnecessarily serious, maybe even uptight! Dharma practice equally points us towards a playful nature, light-heartedness and ease, delight and the capacity to really enjoy life. Especially when we can get…
