An exploration of what it means to take refuge generally, and then specifically in relation to dharma, with a brief introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Four Brahamavihāra of kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity

Focusing more on the relationship between the first and second truths

Guided mettā meditation for a loved one with focus on feeling. Dhamma talk an entry-to-rains discussion on giving (cāga/dana), drawing from the Dhammacakkappavattana sutta and the four noble truths. Cāga as one of the metaphors for nibbāna and how it fits into the four noble truths. Discussion of suffering and its relationship to letting go.

After a period of settling, we work with two main forms of inquiry or investigation (one of the Seven Factors of Awakening). The first is inquiry through mindfulness when an experience has some duration: Asking what's happening and exploring what's going in the body, the emotions, and the story-line or narrative. The second is inquiry through working with a teaching. Here we work with a simple teaching, coming from the Four Noble Truths: "If there's suffering (or struggle), where's the attachment (or fixed idea, etc.)?" We explore these in formal meditation; they can also be applied in the flow of daily life.

An elaboration of the third of the Four Noble Truths

Meditation guided by Bhante Sujato. Dhamma talk by Bhante Sujato on desire and contentment, the four Noble Truths, and how meditation can lead to deeper contentment.

In his teaching on the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha describes in the Second Noble Truth four kinds of attachments that cause suffering. One of these is attachment to ideas and opinions. We explore this topic of looking beyond our views and opinions that are causing so much divisiveness and separation in these pandemic days.

This the foundation of the Buddha's teaching. The crucial word here is dukkha - suffering, disatisfaction, pain etc.

As a foundation for all Buddhist communities, these teachings focus on the nature of and relief from suffering. Practice is aimed at recognizing suffering. Clinging is complex and related to how we experience pleasant, unpleasant and neutral sensations. Effort and curiosity are needed to untangle this clinging process. Practitioner story and Q&A included.

An overview of some of the key teachings of the Buddha, as a framework for "finding the heart of wisdom"