What it means to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Wholesome doubt, unwholesome doubt, and the types of faith are explored in the first part of this talk. In the second part, how to utilize all of them in the development of one’s practice is thoroughly covered with emphasis on careful attention, wholeheartedness, the importance of showing up and making the effort, the antidotes to unwholesome doubt, and helpful strategies for getting unstuck from unwholesome doubt.

Balance as the essence of practice, underlying form.

The near and far-reaching benefits of generosity and gratitude.

This teaching begins with an overview of the Five Hindrances: Desire, Aversion, Sloth and Torpor, Restlessness, and Doubt and continues with a thorough discussion of the Five Jhanic Factors: Aiming one’s mind, Investigation, Raptness, Comfort in Being, and One-pointedness which the meditator uses to effectively deal with and utilize the Five Hindrances in deepening her/his practice. The meditator gains perspective, alertness, connection, caring, and energy.

The seven factors are already in the mindstream being developed by our simple practice of mindfulness.

Bringing together the understandings of compassion and wisdom helps us to bring together the understandings of self and selflessness. We then begin to live from a bigger, more limitless heart and mind.

The talk explores action and its results. It also looks at how karma and not-self are a mutually necessary way to understand personality and the path of practice leading to the end of karma.