Sunday Dharma Talk

What is True Happiness?

Asking questions, the Buddha tells us, is an indication of wisdom.  A good question to ask is:  "what is true happiness?"  The Buddha, of course, is concerned not so much with providing the answer but rather with having us asking the question and seeing for ourselves.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin explains how this question and others guide us along the path.  The talk was given in the spring of 2021.

Keeping the Mind Bright

In this talk, Peter Doobinin explains the skill for cultivating brightness in the mind & heart.  As we go through our days, this quality of brightness, or appreciation, enables us to develop concentration, maintain ourselves in the present moment, and live joyfully.  The dharma talk was given in January 2021.

The Salt Crystal

If we're able to develop mindfulness of the body, the Buddha teaches, we'll find our way to the goal of awakening.  In the simile of the salt crystal, he explains the benefits of developing this mindfulness.  The dharma talk was given by Peter Doobinin on November 29, 2020. 

They awaken, always wide awake:   
          Gotama's disciples
whose mindfulness, both day & night,
is constantly immersed 
          in the body.

(Dhp 299)

Shaping the Future

Life is a process in constant change.  Which means that we can change.  It means that we can shape our lives.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin explains how, using skills we learn as dharma students, we can shape our lives, live meaningfully, and move toward a greater happiness.

Daily Practice

Our daily meditation is the foundation of dharma practice.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin explicates the purpose for having a daily sitting practice and the rudiments of establishing a strong practice.  The talk was given in May 2021.

“Over there are the roots of trees; over there, empty dwellings. Practice jhana, monks. Don't be heedless. Don't later fall into regret. This is our message to you."
(MN 19)

Stillness in Motion

In the practice of meditation, we learn to develop a stillness within.  And, in turn, we learn to maintain this quality of stillness in all our posture, in the course of our days and nights.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin explains how we develop in stillness ... and how we're able to cultivate stillness in motion.  The talk was given in October 2021.

Doubt & Conviction

As we make our way along the Buddha's path, doubt will arise.  As dharma students, we learn to bring awareness to doubt ... and we learn to abandon it.  In its place, we develop conviction.  In the talk, given in April 2021, Peter describes how we let of doubt and cultivate conviction in ourselves and the path.

How the Body Feels

It's important how the body feels.  When the body is stressed, in pain, it's difficult for us to move skillfully through life.  When the body feels good, we're able to make the most of our human experience.  In this talk, Peter describes why it's so important to learn to cultivate an easeful, pleasuarable abiding in the body.  And how we learn to do this.  The talk was given in February 2021.

Home for the Mind

It's important to have a good home for the mind.  In this dharma talk, Peter explains what it means to have a home for the mind ... and how we build this home for the mind.  The talk was given in November 2020.

A Greater Happiness

The practice of the dharma enables us, when we practice accordingly, to make the most of this life.  What does this mean?  As dharma students, we gradually shift away from seeking the "happiness of the world" and, instead we seek to know a greater happiness:  the happiness of heart.  In this dharma talk, Peter explains what it means to incline ourselves to knowing a greater happiness.  The talk was given on January 3, 2021.