Use code SUMMERPRACTICE for a 25% discount on all On Demand Courses through August 31.

Why we practice: reclaiming authority, ending dissatisfaction, and engaging wholeheartedly

With Deborah Eden Tull recorded on February 25, 2018.

Found our teachings useful? Help us continue our work and support your teachers with a donation. Here’s how.

So many people are asking the potent question, How can I make an impact in a time of such adversity? How can I contribute to positive change in our world? How can I stay rooted in presence and well-being during such tumultuous times?

Presence itself is enough. Just to have a practice and affirm the authority of the heart is a subversive act. Compassionate awareness makes us available for the clear seeing and skilful action that allows us to respond consciously, rather than react habitually, to the challenges we face – individually and collectively. During an age of so much fear and reactivity, let us remember why we practice, and the profound impact that practice can have in our world.

Listen to the audio version below, or click here to download the mp3.

Discussion

Leave a Reply

Discover more from the Dharma Library

  • Kaira Jewel Lingo

    This is, because that is

    “This is, because that is. This is not, because that is not. This comes to be, because that comes to be. This ceases to be, because that ceases to be.” – The Buddha When conditions are sufficient things manifest. But if there aren’t enough conditions, things cannot yet manifest. How can we skilfully live in…

    Read More

  • Integrity – A Bridge Over Troubled Water

    In challenging situations, we can lose our ground. Not knowing what to rely on, we are liable to reactivity, either withdrawing or lashing out. Fear and anger are very human reactions to what we perceive as injustice or threat. While there is no need to condemn us for experiencing them, our hearts might yearn for…

    Read More

  • Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of Feb 27, 2023

    This week’s theme is “Samadhi – Doors of Harmony”. The Buddha encouraged us to nourish, calm, gladden and liberate our heart-mind (citta). To know ways to inner harmony, stillness and contentment independently of outer circumstances is a precious resource. It contributes to resilience, allows steadiness in challenging situations with others and brings confidence into our lives. Yet the path towards samadhi can be easily misunderstood and contribute to more pressure and self-doubt. We dedicate this week to exploring kind and nourishing ways to practice.

    Read More

  • Daily Meditation Recordings, with Jaya Rudgard – Week of 25 May, 2026

    This week’s theme is: Staying Steady in the Flow – Supports for Everyday Practice

    This week will consider different ways we can stay connected with and resourced by our practice in the midst of the ups and downs and unpredictability of everyday life.

    Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.

    Read More

  • Miles Kessler

    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.

    Read More

  • Ralph Steele

    Being your own physician.

    Worldwide Insight talk from Ralph Steele: “Being Your Own Physician: Using the Four Noble Truths for Diagnosing, Cleansing and to support Embodiment”. Guided meditation, Dharma talk and Q&A.

    Read More

  • Daily Meditation Recordings, with Ulla Koenig – Week of 05 May, 2025

    We are delighted to have Ulla Koenig guiding our Daily Meditation sessions this week. May these offerings support and enrich your practice.

    This week’s theme is: Touching Ground

    Whether it is the dynamics of the world that stir our hearts and minds, or personal challenges, as human beings we are confronted in many ways with the fragility of life. Touching ground, finding something to orient and trust in, is a deep need and yet not an easy endeavor. We dedicate this week to exploring the idea of taking refuge and translating it into a meaningful act that we can participate in no matter what.

    Our Dharma Library thrives through collective generosity. Your donation helps sustain this offering for our entire community.

    Read More