Tag: resilience

In this Dharma talk, I discuss Buddhism’s first noble truth, “Life is Suffering.” At first, this teaching may seem morbid and nihilistic.  However, when we look deeper, we find that the first noble truth serves to change our perspective; giving us an “enlightened pessimism” that protects us from suffering. If you enjoyed this Dharma talk,…

In this Dharma talk, I read a passage from the Ornament of Realization Sutra and discuss how it relates to Thanksgiving. In the end, I show how traditional Thanksgiving practices like sharing food and spending time with family help us cultivate the wholesome Dharmas of generosity and gratitude. If you enjoyed this Dharma talk, you’ll…

In this Dharma talk, I discuss a teaching from Vasubandhu’s “Treatise on the Three Natures”.  I use his description of reality to explain how societies are created, and the circumstances under which we should opt-out of societal norms.                                   …

I explore the age-old question, “How Should I Spend My Time?” and discuss the two most important items on everyone’s to-do list.                                                                   …

In this Dharma talk, I discuss Bodhi Day celebrations and the story of Buddha’s enlightenment.  More specifically, I discuss the primary lesson we should take from his journey to liberation, and how it can influence our own practice.                                   …

I’ve been alone my entire life.  I don’t mean that literally, of course.  I have a large family, a girlfriend, and a job that requires me to speak with people on a near-constant basis.   When I was younger, I served in the Marine Corps. where I routinely shared a squad bay with 60 other men. …

I discuss the “paradigm of meritocracy, and how it can set up wrong expectations when we go about our daily lives.  I also discuss the Buddhist practice of Intoku; explaining how it can help motivate us toward Right Action when there is no clear benefit to ourselves or others. If you enjoyed this Dharma talk,…

If one were to visit my home in the wintertime, they’d see wood chips all over the house.  They end up on the floor, and on the chairs, and I’ve even found them in my bedroom.   I use the wood chips in my chicken coop to provide nesting material and warmth to the birds.   They’re…

I discuss Buddhist pure lands and the challenge of facing all of the world’s suffering. Using the pure land teaching I show how we can create small sanctuaries that save ourselves and others from harm.                                         …

  Today, I woke up feeling sad. All of my basic needs are met. I have a pantry full of food and a warm, safe place to sleep at night.  Put simply, my life is going well by most objective standards. I have (almost) nothing to complain about. So, why am I sad? I don’t…