The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Dharma Talks given at Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2011-09-14 Dharmic Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of September 11th, Part II--Wisdom, Compassion and Courage in our inner and outer lives 66:13
Donald Rothberg
Howard Thurman, the great African American activist, mystic, and theologian, once said: “Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” In the spirit of this guidance, we continue exploring how to understand and respond some of the core issues related to the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. We are further guided by (1) understanding the inter-relationships between individual, relational, and collective domains of practice; and (2) taking wisdom, compassion, and courage (and responsiveness) as three touchstones of our practice, both more inner and more outer.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2011-09-12 9/12 ... Peace Begins Now 69:12
Jack Kornfield
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2011-09-11 Wise Speech in Groups, Part 2: Becoming More Skillful in Challenging Group Situations 3:22:40
Donald Rothberg
We begin with a review of what was covered in Part I (July 10, 2011), covering the importance of speech practice, the basics of Wise (or “Right”) Speech practice, what this practice looks like in the context of small groups, and the basics of how to approach speech practice in challenging situations. We then bring in new materials, using short presentations and exercises, that expand our capacities to respond skillfully in challenging situations. We first examine how to direct mindful attention to emotions and underlying interests or values both in ourselves and in others (using some of the models from Nonviolent Communication and the Harvard Negotiation Project on "Difficult Conversations"). We also bring attention to our stories and narratives, using the model of the "Ladder of Inference" to help clarify how we often go very quickly to stories (particularly self-centered ones, often way beyond the "data") in challenging situations. We then develop further our capacities to use these tools and perspectives in situations in which we are triggered, and to respond more skillfully.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2011-09-10 Growing Wise 54:47
Sherry Anderson
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2011-09-07 Dharmic Reflections on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11 63:40
Donald Rothberg
Guided by several key teachings, particularly how we might bring together wisdom, compassion, and courage, we explore some of the issues raised in reflection on the last ten years. A focus is the parallel between personal practice and responding to larger social issues.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2011-09-05 Dialogue with John Peacock 67:35
Jack Kornfield
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2011-09-04 Awakening Joy: The Buddhist Path to Happiness 64:21
James Baraz
Using the Buddha's teachings on cultivating wholesome states to awaken our innate capacity for well-being.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat

2011-09-03 Falling into the Dharma and Enjoying the Ride 56:05
Sharda Rogell
We live on the edge of uncertainty. But do we have to live with anxiety about this fact? The Dharma shows us we are the dynamic change and becoming. This is our own nature. Can we trust this and let go into it?
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat

2011-09-02 Following the Buddha's Way to True Happiness 62:08
Howard Cohn
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat

2011-09-01 The Essence of Practice: Relaxed, Interested, Kind Awareness 57:28
James Baraz
This talk addresses what we're doing in practice, why we're doing it and the attitudes that most support the unfolding.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Labor Day Insight Meditation Retreat

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