Progress in meditation may be slower than we anticipate. Discouragement develops when the comparing mind holds unrealistic expectations, demands perfection, and craves for measurable progress, predictable results, or signposts of success. This talk explores the obstacle of discouragement and its roots in conceit and the comparing mind. To prevent discouragement, we develop skillful ways to uplift the discouraged mind, nurture patience, and trust in the unfolding of the path.
With Shaila Catherine recorded on September 12, 2021.
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Discover more from the Dharma Library
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Exploring the sense of self.
Recorded :
May 24, 2015 Worldwide Insight talk from Christopher Titmuss: “Exploring the Sense of Self”. Guided meditation, Dharma talk and Q&A.
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Vesak 2568: The Radical Message of Siddhattha Gotama
Recorded :
May 18, 2025 On the Theravāda holiday of Vesak, 2568 years after the Buddha’s death, we honor the ancient ascetic named Siddhattha Gotama, whose insights into the nature of suffering and freedom have inspired fierce disciplines, soaring poetry, subtle psychological and philosophical investigations, and social movements for nonviolence, and social justice. We’ll meditate, learn traditional verses celebrating the…
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Buddha’s toolbox: a spectrum of skilful means.
Recorded :
June 28, 2015 In this class we explore the various ways to diffuse difficult emotions, see through mental patterns, re-direct our attention, and understand the nature of experience.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Miles Kessler – Week of June 24, 2024
This week’s topic is “Let Come, Let Go, Let Be, Let Grow – Practicing the 4 Noble Truths”. Join Miles in this exploration of the Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths. Over 5 days you will gain insight into how the 4 Noble truths unfold in your practice and in your life. You will learn how these 4 practices unlock your true nature, allowing it to grow and flourish in your life.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Miles Kessler – Week of October 30, 2023
This week’s topic is “Meditation In A Time Of Crisis”. As the world spirals into yet another all too frequent crisis, we are once again confronted with our basic human fragility. At times like these, it is not uncommon to be overcome by insecurity, anxiety, and fear with the recognition of your own human vulnerability. Now more than ever, it’s helpful to rely on your Dharma practice as a refuge. Not as a practice of liberation that gives you refuge FROM the world, but rather as one that gives you refuge IN the world. Join Miles in this week of Meditation In A Time Of Crisis and cultivate your greatest spiritual resource.
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of 23 June, 2025
We’re fortunate that Ulla Koenig has generously offered to lead our Daily Meditation sessions for this week. May they be of benefit to your practice.
This week’s theme is: The Myth and Reality of Interconnection
According to the Buddha’s teachings, nothing exists in isolation – everything is part of a constantly shifting web of relationships. This week, we’ll explore the deeper, and sometimes challenging reality of interconnection beyond spiritual clichés. Through reflection and practice, we’ll develop a grounded, practical approach to living this insight in everyday life.
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Blunt Suffering
Recorded :
April 29, 2018 Let’s not flinch when we look at the lived experiences of illness, confusion, and relational pain. Let’s allow the texture of hurt to be known. Awareness remains brilliant, for sure. Any of us can experience this. Maybe the more we allow the blunt pain of the body-mind, the more we can sit squarely in awareness….
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Daily Meditation Recordings, with Martin Aylward – Week of Nov 29, 2021
Daily meditations with Martin Aylward.