The Buddha famously said, “I have dukkha and the end of dukkha.” Yet it can be confusing to know what the Buddha might have meant. One reason for the confusion is that there are multiple accounts of dukkha in the discourses; we explore four of them, finding that, for the first three, it doesn't make sense to speak of the "the end of dukkha." Only for the fourth sense of dukkha, which we find both in the teaching of the Two Arrows (or Darts) and in the teaching of Dependent Origination does "the end of dukkha" make sense. On this basis, we then explore the nature of dukkha, interpreted especially as reactivity, which we find in two forms--grasping and pushing away. We lastly explore eight core ways of practicing with dukkha.

We are spiritual beings incarnated into human form. We need to remember our zip code as well as our Buddha nature. We are creatures of this paradox. The middle way invites us to find peace wherever we are, here and now. By neither grasping nor resisting life, we can find wakefulness and freedom in the midst of our joys and sorrows.

Q and A from 11/23/2020 Wonder, Mystery, Awe, Gratitude Monday Night Talk

How do we relate to people who are wildly different? In truth, we have more in common than not. When we can see one another with the heart and eyes of wisdom, we're reminded that there is something bigger than all our ideas.

Do you experience the painful effects of self-judgment, or hurt from your mind's harsh attacks on yourself? If you wish to be free from the torment of the inner critic, then this day is for you. During our time together, you will learn to work with self-judgment with clarity and skill and develop greater self-acceptance, self-compassion and forgiveness as antidotes to criticism. The day will include a combination of talks and interactive exercises, mindfulness and kindness techniques. This will be a practical and experiential day retreat, taught with lightness, compassion and humor and the need to not take ourselves too seriously!

Bringing mindfulness to the tone of experience (Guided Meditation)

Grief and the process of mourning can be held as a sacred time that lends towards a greater capacity for compassion and a clearer knowing of what is truly precious in our life?

How to make the shift from viewing thoughts as a problem meditation, to including them in the range of what is noticed. Turning to look directly at the nature of thoughts as opposed to being so concerned with their content or story.