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The greatest gift is the gift of the teachings
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Dharma Talks
2009-11-03
The Poisoned Arrow
60:43
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Stephen Batchelor
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A reflection on the Buddha's parable of the "poisoned arrow" (Malunkyaputta Sutta M63). This key text illustrates how the Dhamma is therapeutic, pragmatic and not concerned with metaphysical questions, which the Buddha regards as irrelevant and refuses to comment upon. What he does comment upon is the Four Noble Truths. The talk concludes with a reflection on the Buddha's account of his awakening as an insight into conditioned arising.
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center
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Meditation and Study Retreat
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2009-11-02
The City
61:18
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Stephen Batchelor
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As the first of a series of 6 talks, Stephen outlines his project to "deconstruct" Buddhism in order to uncover the foundational ideas in which it is erected. He then analyzes the Buddha's metaphor of the "ancient path that leads to an ancient city" to suggest that the core teachings of the Dhamma are to be seen as forming the template for a restored civilization...
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Spirit Rock Meditation Center
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Meditation and Study Retreat
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2009-10-21
Behind the Mask
49:00
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Tara Brach
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The development of a mask or persona based on our activities and roles is a natural way the ego tries to protect and enhance itself. Yet unless we wake up from our identification with the mask, we are unable to discover the truth and wholeness of what we are. This talk investigates how our masks manifest and the process of wise attention that can free us from a limiting sense of separate self. Includes a guided meditation.
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Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC
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IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks
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2009-10-16
Empty Yourself of Fear
25:03
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Ayya Medhanandi
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One night, while Malani was dying, we gathered a group of her close friends to meditate with her. Each breath was a struggle yet she stayed aware, serene, composed, and at peace. We listened in silence, breathing freely – but our minds were not free. We knew all is impermanent, that we can die at any time. Yet we carry on as if we have forever. So we try again, everyday, to practise living in awareness. One moment at a time, empty yourself of fear and let go the world. Listen to the silence and wake up – like dear Malani.
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Ottawa Buddhist Society
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2009-10-16
Empty of Fear
28:43
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Ayya Medhanandi
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A dedication to a member of the community who is in the last stages of life. She struggles with breathing but is composed and at peace with the process. We are reminded how important it is to train the mind while we are able to do so. A talk given at Quaker House, Ottawa.
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Ottawa Buddhist Society
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2009-10-12
Mindfulness of the Body.
56:42
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Sally Armstrong
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Though the heart of our meditation practice is to understand and free the mind, much of our experience is known through the body, so our relationship to the body is extremely important. Learning how to work skillfully with both pleasant and painful experiences is essential in meditation, and developing a wise attitude to the body that appreciates it yet doesn’t identify with it as me or mine is a great support to the deepening of practice.
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Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center
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Two-Month Retreat
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2009-10-05
Impermanence
61:16
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Guy Armstrong
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A lot of understanding can come from reflecting on the way impermanence shows itself in our lives both outwardly and inwardly, including our vulnerability to aging and death. But even more penetrating insight comes to the mind that has become still through meditation. Through this way of seeing, the truth of impermanence sinks into our bones and the wisdom of non-clinging becomes very obvious.
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Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center
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Two-Month Retreat
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