The ancient and radical teachings of the Buddha point to the possibility to be a free, loving and happy human being in the midst of our everyday lives. Oftentimes our stress, dissatisfaction or suffering come not necessarily from the actual things or events themselves, but from our relationship to them. A different way of looking is required for us to shake off the spell of our habitual views, opinions and interpretations of ourselves, other people or the world and to see and know life differently. Let’s explore this together.
Discover more from the Dharma Library
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Soothing Anxiety
Recorded :
October 20, 2019 Anxiety is a completely normal, natural human emotion. Anxiety can be rooted in circumstances related to one’s personal life, relationships, or larger issues affecting our society and planet. Regardless of the source, many suffer from intense, frequent or chronic forms of anxiety. What does spirituality and contemplative practice have to teach us about how to…
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Revealing The Heart’s True Nature: Resting in Metta
Recorded :
June 25, 2023 In this session we will explore the Brahma Viharas: the boundless qualities of heart the Buddha taught. The more we practice, the more these qualities are revealed and expressed naturally through our being. They nourish not only us, but all those we come in contact with. Join us as we reveal the heart’s true nature…
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with James Rafael – Week of January 8, 2024
This week’s topic is “New Year Habits and Hindrances”. In this week’s sessions we’ll explore how engaging with the Buddha’s teachings on the ‘5 Hindrances’ can help establish or deepen the habit of a daily meditation practice.
If you’re new to meditation, this framework offers ways to engage with common challenges we may face; “I can’t sit still’, “My mind is just too busy”, “I’m just not sure if this is working”.
If you have a consistent, established practice, revisiting the hindrances can be a gateway to access deeper levels of concentration (samatha), and the subsequent, often profound, insight (vipassana) which follows.
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Dharma Practice as Play, or, There is no Path until you Walk It!
Recorded :
September 13, 2020 In our troubled world dharma practitioners sometimes become earnest. But beings learn and develop through play, and to play we have to be fluid in mind, heart and body. Play fertilizes the human spirit and makes us feel a sense of belonging. Welcome to a session exploring dharma practice as original play and creativity.
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Pride Every Day of Our Lives
Recorded :
July 24, 2022 Pride celebrations are dedicated to celebrating the freedoms we have as LGBTQIA2S+ people and for campaigning for the human rights of Queer and Trans people around the world. 50 years ago the Gay Liberation Front held their first march in London. I was a kid, when history was being made. History is still being made…
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Loving awareness and the power of intention.
Recorded :
April 24, 2016 Worldwide Insight talk from Jack Kornfield: “Loving Awareness and The Power of Intention”. Guided meditation, Dharma talk and Q&A.
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The role of the intoxicants (asavas) in driving suffering and allowing release.
Recorded :
November 1, 2015 Worldwide Insight talk from Greg Kramer: “The Role of the Intoxicants (Asavas) in Driving Suffering and Allowing Release”. Guided meditation, Dharma talk and Q&A.
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The Unguarded Heart: Meeting Anger and Resentment with Love and Forgiveness
Recorded :
April 1, 2018 In this talk, we explore anger, resentment, jealousy, and other difficult emotions – learning how to see clearly and meet anger with true love and acceptance. We explore our misunderstandings about anger and learn how to cultivate the compassionate presence that offers a vast and courageous expression of love. Compassion’s perception of anger is more…
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