The Pali Canon as a user's manual for this life; reconfiguring the core elements of the dharma; problems with the term "truth;" rewriting the operating system of Buddhism: from Buddhism 1.0 to Buddhism 2.0; the post-metaphysical practice of the four noble tasks; the acronym ELSA.
After an analysis of the roots of suffering based on the teachings of Dependent Arising, we explore two aspects of the path of awakening. The first aspect is about gradual awakening; the second is about immediate awakening in awareness, first momentary, then gradually stabilized.
Cultivation of morality (in the ten permutations called Perfections (Paramitas) is presented as the path to rather than simply a preparation for meditation. Stories illustrate how the practice of each paramita leads to insight.
How can the teachings be applied in daily life? The Eightfold Path provides an easily applied guide to bringing the dharma alive. This talk emphasizes the ethical application of the Path and how it impacts our lives in many ways.
A definition of the term "Secular Buddhism;" a practice-based rather than belief-based form of the dharma; concern with human flourishing in this life; links with the Hellenistic philosophies of Pyrrho and Epicurus.
Inner Critic: Looking at how the mind state of 'the critic' can undermine our practice and giving some useful tools of working with it. Healing aspect of Qigong: What is the relationship of 'healing' with awakening of body, heart and mind?
"The spiritual path moves through cycles. The key is balance."
The talk journeys from the ground of ethical conduct through developing concentration, working with doubt, developing insight, working with dukkha of many types, to stabilizing in equanimity and opening to and integrating awakening.
an exploration of ways of finding happiness, including temporarily through sense pleasure and more lasting by inquiry and insight into the nature of the "self" that experiences dukkha.
The talk outlines the Three Characteristics (change - suffering - not self) and the Three Subtle Characteristics (emptiness - suchness - not with the object). Teachings on the 4 Seals and the 5 Aggregates are also offered.
