Being human is an inevitably vulnerable experience. The challenge lies in being taught that there is something wrong with us for feeling as sensitive and vulnerable as we do, We learn to cover up or numb out our sensitivity.Practice teaches us to turn towards, rather than away, from vulnerability, and allow it to affirm the qualities of genuine strength – authenticity, compassion, resiliency, wisdom, and interconnection. Our sensitivity is our greatest strength – in daily life and spiritual practice. It is our best ally in meeting the global challenges we face.
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Faith and confidence: the first spiritual faculty.
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September 4, 2016 Faith, confidence, and trust are English translations for the Pali term saddhā. In this talk, Shaila Catherine explores the cultivation of saddhā as an aid to awakening and as the first in the list of spiritual faculties that include faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.
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Feeling Tone as a Door to Awareness, Compassion and Wisdom
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November 24, 2024 In this practice related talk, we will explore the profound concept of “Feeling Tone or Vedena” and how it serves as a gateway to deeper awareness, compassion, and wisdom in our lives. Feeling Tone, often referred to as the raw and immediate tonality of our experiences, holds the key to unlocking a more profound connection…
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The nature of experience. Part 3: Non Self Existence.
Recorded :
January 29, 2017 Today’s session is the third in a special run of three consecutive sessions with Martin, where he looks deeply at the nature of experience through Buddha’s profound descriptions of reality – Impermanence, Emptiness, Non self-existence. The classes point directly to how these themes can come alive in our practice and understanding, looking at the personal,…
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Caverly Morgan – Week of June 1
We’re very grateful to have Caverly Morgan hosting our Daily Meditation Series for North America. To find out more about Caverly, and to view her past recordings and contributions to Sangha Live, click here. Monday, June 1 Collective CARE and addressing whiteness Wednesday, June 3 Grounding and releasing “shoulds” Friday, June 5 Honoring the song…
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I Am Not OK, You Are Not OK, That Is OK.
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September 22, 2024 Reflection on suffering and the ending of suffering, with focus on second Noble Truth.
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Of Two Minds: The Mind of the Body, the Mind of the Mind
Recorded :
May 3, 2026 Awareness opens doors to discovery – the Buddha emphasized it, and science is proving it. We have two minds that work together, yet the body knows before the mind cognizes. The Buddha’s teaching of Nāmarūpa – mind and body as two forms of consciousness – honors the body’s deep wisdom. How the mind elaborates on…
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Let’s Talk about Meditation
Recorded :
November 22, 2019 This class is an opportunity to explore our meditation practice, on and off the cushions. Meditation can be everything we do. It’s up to us whether we have a life of meditation or a life of daydreaming. Meditation will lead to freedom of your mind and daydreaming will lead to the enslavement of the mind….
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Yahel Avigur – Week of 14 September, 2026
This week’s theme is: Nourished by the Breath: A Path of Deepening Calm . We will dedicate this week of practice to meditation with the in and out breath, following the Buddha’s careful guidance. In the discourses on practice with the in and out breath, the Buddha offers guidance on important aspects of the path: bringing a kind sensitivity to the body and the breath; developing skill in relation to pleasure and pain; finding nourishment and well-being in the body; discerning helpful and unhelpful mental activity and learning how to calm body and mind; and cultivating liberating insight. These different dimensions of practice unfold organically, deepening and supporting one another, while allowing each practitioner to find their own pace. We will practise lightly and with curiosity around the first steps of this path: from establishing ourselves and finding nourishment in the body, towards calming mental activity. These steps can provide a clear and steady foundation for collectedness and deepening. Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
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