Dear Friends, Here’s a brief talk you might find helpful to consider before practicing today. Brian Lesage explores the interplay between effort and letting go, highlighting how wise effort arises from a balanced, relaxed approach rather than striving. He reflects on the role of aspiration–driven by a deep love for the teachings–and its power to fuel practice with… Read More »
Dear Friends, Continuing with Sally Armstrong’s talk, “Facets of Equanimity,” looking at equanimity as an expression of wisdom, and in particular into the notion of karma (kamma). I appreciate that Sally spends a bit of time debunking some of the misunderstandings around the Buddha’s teachings on karma. I recall a meme that was circulating a while ago that… Read More »
Dear Friends, Bhante Gunaratana started chapter 8 with a recounting of the Two Kinds of Thought discourse, where the Buddha described a way we can classify and reflect on thoughts: Suppose I divide my thoughts into two classes. On one side, I set thoughts of sensual desire, ill will, and cruelty. On the other side, I set thoughts… Read More »
Dear Friends, Did you try the 10 bite experiment? I tell you how it went for me. The first bite, I really savored the fresh bread and nutty and subtly sweet flavor of the cheese on the sandwich I made for supper. The second bite was still good. But I’m not sure I made it to three… I… Read More »
