What makes humans precious? The magic, mystery & wonder embodied consciousness that is characterized by the Oneness of Birth-and-Death, & the paradox of unity of suffering and awakening being in Precious Human Birth

How to Meditate--The 4 Practices Rooted in Tradition and Confirmed by Neuroscience. In this talk, Tina gives concise overview instructions and guidance on how to begin meditating, suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike. She talks about general guidelines that apply to every type of meditation. Then she gives an overview of the 4 practice categories being studied in neuroscience, which are also reflected in the Buddhist tradion. Then she gives instructions on how to practice each type of meditation, with a short period of practice. To go directly to those sections, please see the following time markers: -Heart Practices--Bodhicitta and the Bramaviharas (lovingkindness, compassion, joy/gratitude, and equanimity): 15:45 -Focused Attention--Samatha (concentration and serenity), Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing): 31:03 -Open Monitoring--Vipassana (insight meditation): 39:26 -Self-Transcending--Dzogchen (Rigpa): 49:37

Was the Buddha a Buddhist? The Buddha was fully awakened, having realized the truth beyond convention, beyond worldly identities. We want that – to fully awaken; to understand our experience at its core through the purification of the heart. When the mind is completely content within itself, in pure awareness, gone beyond attachment to worldly perception, sensation or gratification, we can know a loving authentic opening to true consciousness, godness itself. We are that.