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 Miles Kessler – Week of 27 July, 2026
This week’s theme is: The Simple Feeling Of Being & Becoming . The Simple Feeling of Being and Becoming is the direct felt sense of pure non-dual Presence as it unfolds within an ever-changing world. During this week of daily meditations, you will explore the ever-present background of awareness that exists prior to every state, sensation, insight, or realization. Theravāda Buddhists understand this as the knowing quality of awareness before identification; in Zen, it is often called our original face before thinking arises. Through meditation, reflection, and inquiry, you will explore this ever-present ground, bringing greater clarity, freedom, and ease to your practice and your life. Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
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The First Teaching: Radical Medicine for a Painful World
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July 19, 2026 The July full moon marks Dhamma Day (Āsāḷha Pūjā), the anniversary of the Buddha’s very first teaching, given to five friends in a deer park 2,614 years ago. This one ancient talk is said to contain the entire path. And it still asks something…
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Not Clinging to Anything in the World
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May 17, 2020 These words, spoken by the Buddha in the Satipatthana Sutta, point us to the potential for awakening inherent in mindfulness practice. Even now, in the midst of the pandemic of Covid-19, we can explore what it means to live a life of love, commitment and authenticity as we discover the freedom of not clinging to…
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of 20 July, 2026
This week’s theme is: Taking Refuge in Sati: Resting in Intentional Awareness . In this session, we explore sati as a refuge: a gentle gathering of attention that protects our heart-minds both in meditation and in daily life. We will inquire into the dynamics of attention and learn to navigate the many impressions that touch our hearts, so we can use our attention in ways that support clarity, resilience, and fresh energy. Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
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The full range of the heart.
Recorded :
December 18, 2016 We call this ‘the season of goodwill’. A reminder to care for one another, and to wish each other well. This year, we find ourselves in more need of understanding and expressing our common humanness than ever. We use this week’s session to honour the human heart; to reflect together on both how we respond…
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Martin Aylward – Week of 31 August, 2026
This week’s theme is: A Path With Heart . A week of morning practice together, exploring dimensions of loving awareness, including the depths, the vulnerabilities and the liberating expansiveness of the undefended heart. Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Sophie Boyer – Week of 28 April, 2025
We’re delighted to have Sophie Boyer guiding our Daily Meditation sessions this week. May they bring peace and depth to your practice.
This week’s theme is: Groundedness to Groundlessness
Grounding oneself in this very moment to realise that what we are looking for has never left us. It has always been here and is not bound to anything. It is an invitation to let life inform every moment without a “me” being in charge – a groundless home.
Sophie Boyer will lead our Daily Meditations this week, inviting us to engage with this paradoxical dynamic.Grounding ourselves in this very moment to discover that what we’re searching for has always been here. It has always been here and is not bound to anything. Sophie Boyer leads our Daily Meditations this week, inviting us to explore this beautiful paradox: finding a groundless home where life informs every moment without a separate “me” being in charge. Join us as we practice together in this space of gentle revelation and discovery.
Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
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Sometimes Bodhisattvas need a rest!
Recorded :
October 22, 2017 The life of a bodhisattva can be tough. There is immense suffering on our planet at this moment in history. It can be joyful work, but it can also be difficult to live a life aligned with values such as serving others with compassion. How can the wisdom of the dharma help? Join Nina La…
Discussion