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Retreat Dharma Talks

Monday and Wednesday Talks

Regular weekly talks given at the lower Spirit Rock meditation hall

Spirit Rock Meditation Center

  
2007-05-30 Inquiry And Investigation - part 1 59:16
Donald Rothberg
Because we live in such a mental culture, we sometimes interpret meditation as getting rid of all thinking. But inquiry and investigation, often aided by language are crucial to Buddhist practice. We look at three practical methods of inquiry, using (1) mindfulness (2) deep listening, and (3) the lens of particular teachings.
2007-06-06 Inquiry And Investigation - part 2 36:22
Donald Rothberg
In this second talk on inquiry, we review some of the material from last time, including the Kalama Sutta, inquiry as a factor of awakening, and the inquiry methods of (1) mindfulness, (2) deep listening and (3) working with teachings to help inquiry. Then we explore (4) radical questions and (5) deconstruction of fixed beliefs.
2007-06-11 The Bodhisattha 61:21
Jack Kornfield
2007-06-13 Inquiry And Investigation - part 3 43:33
Donald Rothberg
We continue exploring the nature and methods of inquiry, the freshness, openness, interest and energy it can bring to practice. We explore (1) mindfulness – based inquiry, (2) deep listening, (3) working with teachings (here particularly the Four Noble Truths and Precepts), (4) radical questions and (5) deconstructing fixed beliefs, with more time on numbers 3 – 5.
2007-06-18 "Buddha And His Son" Father's Day 52:58
Eugene Cash
Reflections on Father’s Day and Buddha and his son’s teachings.
2007-06-20 Summer Solstice And The Factors Of Enlightenment - part 1 50:21
Donald Rothberg
The qualities of the summer solstice: stillness (between days with more or less light), light and clarity, openness and space, warmth, and abundant energy, parallel in many ways the factors of enlightenment in the teachings of the Buddha. We explore these qualities through teachings, poetry and suggestions of practice.
2007-06-25 Interdependence Day 57:58
Jack Kornfield
The 4th of July celebration of American Independence met with the Buddhist teaching of interdependence brings a deeper understanding of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
2007-06-27 The Seven Factors Of Awakening 50:39
Donald Rothberg
We explore in general the Seven Factors as a guide to our practice and as an experience of awakened being and presence. We examine each of the seven: mindfulness, investigation, effort, rapture or joy, stillness, concentration and equanimity, with suggestions of what to do to cultivate each quality.
2007-07-04 The Dharma And Democracy 58:33
Donald Rothberg
Thich Nhat Hanh has written of how the encounter of Dharma and democracy will bring something new and exciting to the world. We explore 1. the beauty and dream of democracy and its resonance with the Dharma, 2. what currently needs attention in our would-be democracy and 3. a vision of how the connection of Dharma and democracy mature is vital for ourselves and our world.
2007-07-09 Buddhist Psychology 63:44
Jack Kornfield
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