One of the keys to understanding the Buddhist practice of death contemplation is remembering that it’s not just about all things being impermanent. Rather, it’s about mindfully facing our own death and understanding it could come at any time. The good news is that this practice can lead to lessening our fear of death and learning to live more fully (and even joyfully) each day.
The Historical Buddha’s teachings invite us to explore two profound dimensions of reality. Traditionally known as the Relative and Absolute (or Conventional and Ultimate) “truths”. They are often misunderstood as abstract philosophical concepts.
Instead, these two dimensions offer us complementary and inter-dependent ways of understanding our lived experience here on planet earth, in this universe. They also open two distinct pathways for practice that can enrich and deepen our journey.
Join us this evening as we explore together: what each dimension really means; the unique role each plays in our practice; how each relates to the other; and why weaving both experiences into our daily lives is essential for moving towards greater satisfaction, peace, and awakening.
The first talk is on Mudita, also known as Sympathetic Joy. Mudita can be defined as enjoying the good fortune or happiness experienced by others as well as ourselves. In today’s fast-paced, phone-obsessed, competitive society, we bypass much of the joy in our lives as well as in the lives of others.
Additionally due to societal polarization, as well as the emphasis on winning—no matter what it takes—we often find ourselves engaging in mind states that are the direct opposite of mudita. Due to jealousy, anger, and toxic competitiveness, we find ourselves taking delight in the misfortune of others. This “dark glee” is called schadenfreud and continually engaging in this mind state has severe repercussions including the exacerbation of depression and anxiety.
Tonight we will learn practical methods for decreasing schadenfreud and for elevating mudita in our lives, thus increasing our own contentment, ease and a sense of true connection with others.
As we practice to meet the ups and downs of life, we learn valuable insights about ourselves and each other. Rather than getting entrenched in our habits and blown around by uncertainty, we cultivate the capacity to meet the world with more compassion and grace and learn ways to meet these perilous times.
Come join Heather and community for an evening of her favorite teachings and guided practices on the Body, along with practical tips and discussion on how to use them to support more ease, peace, and release of reactivity in your daily life.
The Mirage of Self and the Liberation of the Heart
This talk explores equanimity—a steadiness of heart that allows us to meet life’s challenges. Through stories, similes, and reflections, we’ll see how equanimity is not indifference but a warm, caring presence that holds life lightly while engaging fully.
The Historical Buddha considered Generosity the first and foundational parami (or essential quality of mind & heart that leads to awakening.) It’s use as an antidote, as well as a path of practice, can support a rich experience of daily life and the simultaneous development of gradual awakening.
This evening will place Generosity in the context of the Historical Buddha’s psychology and teachings. We’ll look closely at Generosity as an antidote to a number of problematic states of mind and habits of reactivity.
What happens when we refuse to forgive? We’ve all felt it—holding on to insults or painful actions done to us, or replaying the memory of harm caused to others. Old wounds harden into resentment, anger drains our energy, and self-blame keeps us stuck in the past. Buddhism offers another way: forgiveness as a path to freedom. By letting go of grudges, daring to ask for forgiveness, and softening toward ourselves, we release the poisons that cloud the heart. In doing so, we also loosen the grip of the restless ego.
Tonight’s talk will offer some inspirational stories of forgiveness and will invite you to explore forgiveness in your own lives. Genuine forgiveness is not a weakness or forgetting, but is a courageous practice that restores peace, clarity, and compassion.
Guided Meditation (the first part of the meditation is missing – the audio was not clear)
Dharma Talk
In the suttas, the Buddha encouraged us to be grateful and thankful. Intentionally cultivating gratitude even during challenging times helps serve as an antidote to the negative bias of the mind. Otherwise, we often focus too much of our energy on what is wrong or lacking in our lives, rather than appreciating the many simple blessings all around us. Being grateful also counters tendencies towards greed, envy, jealousy and pride.