Tag Archive for: Dennis Warren

11/20/2025 “What Are We Supposed to ‘See Clearly?” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

One of the fundamental teachings we hear regularly is to “see things clearly as they are.” But Seeing Clearly is not an inherent quality of mind. It is a skill that matures through intentional development. Join us this evening to explore these questions:

  • What does it mean to “see clearly”?
  • What are we supposed to see clearly?
  • Why is seeing clearly so important?
  • What are the obstacles to seeing clearly? And what do we do about them?
  • How do we develop this skill?

The presentation and discussion will include a practical examination, and handout, of the critical elements of the Historical Buddha’s Psychology of Causation which explains the nature of suffering. We’ll apply Seeing Clearly to the stressful dynamics of being with family during the holidays.

Handout – DO Chart – HB Liberating InsightsDownload
The Ralpo Sutta On the Wise Use of the Thinking MachineDownload
/by

10/30/2025 “Demystifying the Two Dimensions of Reality” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

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.

/by

9/18/2025 “Generosity As an Antidote and a Doorway” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

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.

GENEROSITY AS AN ANTIDOTEDownload
Forgiveness for Kalyanamitta GroupsDownload
/by

6/19/2025 “On Thought and Thinking” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Many practitioners relate to thought and thinking as obstacles to meditation and daily life practice. This evening, in contrast, will explore the Historical Buddha’s teachings that thought and thinking can be functions of wisdom.

The Buddha’s vision emphasizes the qualities of intention and discernment in thinking as guides for creating, and testing, a sound conceptual framework for practice. This approach includes mindful and intuitive reflection on the results or outcomes of one’s efforts. Thinking and thought can become powerful tools for developing clarity, deepening insight, and supporting ethical conduct.

/by

4/10/2025 “Practicing with Fire” with JD Doyle

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Reflections on the fire element, how it shows up in us and in society, and suggestions for practice.

/by

3/27/2025 “Practice As Discovery” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

The Historical Buddha said that he taught only suffering and the end of suffering. While this sounds straightforward, the psychology, multitude of methods, and 1000s of the Buddha’s discourses can make understanding how to end suffering unclear and confusing.

At the center of getting a sound overview of practice, and understanding how the many pieces of practice fit together in one, cohesive whole, is the principle of discovery. It is the center piece around which all elements of practice revolve.
The talk and discussion this evening will focus on this important principle and the role it plays in meditation, daily life, and relationships.

/by

2/13/2025 “State of the Sangha” with Dennis Warren, Rich Howard, and Amy Kovak

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Sacramento Insight Meditation invites you to a special gathering where we’ll reflect on our journey as a community, share our vision for the next five years, and discuss the financial health of our sangha. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners, learn about our five-year plan, and explore how we can all contribute to creating a vibrant and sustainable future together.

Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of SIM’s initiatives in teaching, leadership, and infrastructure, and consider how our collective efforts will support future generations of Dharma practitioners.

/by

1/16/2025 “Clear Comprehension – Clarifying and Integrating Intention into Practice and Life” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

/by

11/21/2024 “The Factors of Momentum in Practice” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Momentum – the sense that the Dharma is taking hold and guiding us forward – is essential to our development as practitioners. It is key to experiencing confidence, satisfaction and genuine pleasure in meditation and life.


What are some of the factors that influence sustaining and cultivating Momentum? What are the factors the support expanding Momentum outside of our meditation practice and into our relationships and daily activities?

These questions will be the focus of the presentation and our discussion this evening.

/by

10/17/2024 “Lessons & Practices from the Traditional Model of Awakening” with Dennis Warren

To download this talk, right-click and select ‘save audio as’ or select the 3-dot menu to the right of the speaker icon.

Awakening, or Enlightenment, is considered the point of liberation when a practitioner exits the Wheel of Suffering associated with daily life. The biographies of those who practiced directly with the Historical Buddha are filled with stories of Awakening and Enlightenment…while meditating, listening to a dharma talk, during the course of daily monastic life.
It’s reasonable to ask if this profound notion of liberation – where the mind is purified of all obstacles, limitations and suffering – is relevant and realistic today for the community practitioner?


This evening will explore the meaning and different models of Awakening or Enlightenment. It will examine a working model that may help us reframe our understanding and experience of this important potential in our lives, and provide for a more satisfying practice and life.

/by