We live in challenging times. Biologists speak of micro-systems where species sequester during times of crisis. They are called refugia. In times of uncertainty and fear, we too need refugia, places of spiritual safety where we can put down roots, grow and thrive. In this Sunday teaching, Willa invites us to explore the concept of refugia, and how it can help expand our conventional understanding of what “refuge” means in the Buddhist context. Refuge, an ancient Buddhist practice of finding sanctuary in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, is not a ritual or initiation. It involves a deep exploration of the role of safety in spiritual life. Refuge is an ongoing inquiry into what refugia looks like for each of us, into our crisis-sanctuaries and how they become a catalyst for our spiritual evolution.
With Willa Blythe Baker recorded on September 1, 2024.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Martin Aylward – Week of Oct 11, 2021
We’re fortunate that Martin Aylward has generously offered to lead our daily meditation sessions for Europe and the UK this week. To find out more about Martin, and view his other recordings on the platform, click here.
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Danna / Generosity: It’s More than Just the Talk at the end of the Retreat
Recorded :
November 17, 2024 Generosity, be it material or spiritual is universal across cultures and spiritual practices. In today’s talk we explore Buddhist and other teachings, as well as deeper neuroscience behind why generosity makes us happier and more resilient, even touching on whether science can validate karma as it relates to kindness and generosity. We’ll take the time…
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Appreciation and joy
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September 11, 2017 We can cultivate the attitude of appreciation and allow it to enhance and strengthen our mindfulness practice. Shaila Catherine speaks about the powerful impact that joy and appreciation can have on the quality of our minds, and the development of our spiritual path.
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The extraordinary nature of ordinary self
Recorded :
May 24, 2017 It is an extraordinary relief to encounter the perfection of ordinary self in a world that is screaming loudly, “There is something better out there! There is something you might be missing! There are standards you need to meet! There is something more you need to prove!” As we remember our inherent goodness, we cease…
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Milla Gregor – Week of 27 April, 2026
This week’s theme is: Resources for the Path of Engaged Practice.
Engaged practice combines dharma wisdom with justice and liberation movement wisdom, allowing us to fly with the wings of compassion and wisdom towards the better world we know is possible.
This week we’ll dive into ideas, practices and poems from those on the engaged practice path, strengthening our ability to participate in building justice, liberation and joy both within and beyond our individual lives.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Martin Aylward – Week of Jan 10, 2022
Daily meditations with Martin Aylward.
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Daily Meditation Recordings with Nathan Glyde – Week of July 1, 2024
This week’s topic is “Alight, Enlight, Delight”. The Buddha is recorded as saying “be a lamp unto yourself”. Let’s explore enlightening experience by releasing unnecessary burdens, brighten the heart by delighting in the overlooked, and shine our liberating light into the whole world.
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Exploring Karma, Choice and the Mind
Recorded :
June 30, 2024 Karma is action in Buddhism, driven by intention. With practice we cultivate the ability to choose our response and our actions, internally and externally. We might think if our intentions are good our actions will follow, but our intentions are often under the influence of strong conditioning that prevents us from living our choices. But…
Discussion