The Shurangama Sutra, which points out the foundations of Zen practice, discusses the essential nature of mind as the “primal essence of consciousness that brings forth all conditions.” Implied is the heart-mind (citta) both profoundly intimate with all things while at the same time free and independent of all things. How is it to live this paradox as we move within an unbearable evolutionary crisis polarized between human driven destruction and human inspired renewal?
With Thanissara recorded on February 18, 2018.
Found our teachings useful? Help us continue our work and support your teachers with a donation. Here’s how.
Discover more from the Dharma Library
-
Intuitive Wisdom and Embodied Love
Recorded :
September 28, 2025 “From my own experience, there is no difference between mindfulness and loving kindness. When you are fully loving, aren’t you also mindful? When you are mindful, is this not also the essence of love?” – Dipa Ma This session will invite us to reconnect with our inner compass by cultivating intuitive mindfulness-the blend of present-moment…
-
Vast View, Fine Attention
Recorded :
December 16, 2018 In this session, Martin explores the apparent paradox of a vast view combined with a fine attention, along with practices to bring both into focus. How do we hold both simultaneously? How can we be responsive, without feeling responsible? How might we bring both a vast view and a fine attention to both our inner…
-
Engaged Dharma and Systemic Change: A Dharma Inquiry into the Archetype of Spiritual Warrior
Recorded :
November 22, 2020 As engaged dharma increasingly shifts focus from palliative ministry to systemic change within our times of poly crises, what is Buddhist “Right Action?” This session explores Spiritual Warriorship as Dharma practice from within a Buddhist frame.
-
How to Find Equanimity Amidst Upheaval
Recorded :
May 3, 2020 We are deeply habituated to seek equanimity as if it’s a state to be found. In times of crisis, stakes are high. We try harder. The more desperate we feel, the more effort we put in. In this striving, we forget to ask: “Who is it that’s striving?” This question isn’t about finding the right…
-
Not Knowing as an Active Practice
Recorded :
April 18, 2021 We sometimes think of not knowing as something negative, but is it really? Truly not-knowing allows spaciousness, openness, and much greater intimacy. When we make not-knowing an intentional action, the barriers that hold us back from true intimacy begin to dissolve, offering much deeper connection with each other, and with the entire universe.
-
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…
-
Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ayala Gill – Week of 02 June, 2025
We’re delighted to have Ayala Gill guiding our Daily Meditation sessions this week. May these sessions support and deepen your practice.
This week’s theme is: The Body is a Doorway to Love
Through relating to the elements of the body, we cultivate a presence that is grounded, awake, open, relaxed and spacious.
As the body becomes a more stable home for the heart and mind, everything settles and softens back to its natural state of aliveness and love.Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.
-
The Individual-Relational Dharma Paradox and Why it Matters to Your Life
Recorded :
February 16, 2025 Biologically, psychologically, and in common sense there is no doubt that the human experience is both intrinsically individual and intrinsically relational. Our bodies are separate. You will never directly know my inner universe. Also, our bodies evolved to relate. The brain is a relational organ. Our sense of safety and joy, suffering and inquiry, has…
Discussion