Introduction to the Brahma Viharas including orientation to the benefactor category.

There is weaving together in the talk of several areas, including (1) Donald's stories of his encounters with and learning from Thich Nhat Hanh, starting in 1987; (2) the life story of Thich Nhat (1926-2022); and (3) exploring Thich Nhat Hanh's core teachings, including his teachings about "interbeing," engaged Buddhism, mindfulness, and "being peace." There is a slide show of Thich Nhat Hanh's life shown during the talk available as a pdf file. The talk is followed by the first 3 minutes and 19 seconds of a video of Thich Nhah Hanh talking about "War and Peace Within" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk1jpeo3w6U) and a period of discussion.

A 35-minute or so guided meditation in the manner of Thich Nhat Hanh (connected with the talk honoring Thich Nhat Hanh). The guided meditation is mostly silent, with three short periods of guidance, using these words: (1) Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out. Breathing in, I calm myself. Breathing out, I feel at ease. (2) Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment. Bring body and mind back to the present moment. So that you do not miss the appointment with life. (3) Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. Breathing out, I feel fresh. Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain. Breathing out, I feel solid. Breathing in, I see myself as still water. Breathing out, I reflect all that is. Breathing in, I see myself as space. Breathing out, I feel free.

Applying the antidotes to the hindrances regularly wil strengthen awareness of the luminous mind. Use the hindrances as opportunities to practice.

Here is a simply guided meditation to bring kindness and patience to our mindfulness practice. As mindfulness develops it brings both clarity and warmth to our awareness.

A guided meditation on deepening concentration using the breath as the primary object.

The Five Spiritual Faculties in the Buddha's teaching give a clear description of the natural unfolding of practice unfolds over time. It also describes the process over the course of a month-long intensive retreat.

This guided meditation introduces three anchors for attention--sounds, body, and breath--with an emphasis on orienting to the pleasant to pleasurable aspects of the anchor.

All practices of mindfulness begin with commitment toward breath and body awareness. This is where we start our practice and where our practice develops. Here in this guided meditation we simplify our ambition just to rest in the in breath and out breath.