Sunday Dharma Talk

Knowing Our Goodness

Each of us has an innate goodness.  And many of us have made great effort to develop it.  But we may not be in touch with the truth of our goodness.  As Peter explains, the Buddha asks that we reflect on the truth of our goodness.  This essential reflection bring about joy.  And it leads us toward the development of concentration and insight.  In the talk, Peter describes the skills we learn in an effort to be in touch with our goodness.

Conviction

When we have conviction, we practice.  We put forth effort.  We develop concentration and wisdom.  We move toward a greater happiness.  In this dharma talk, Peter explains what conviction is and how we develop it.  The talk was given at an Eight-Day Retreat in 2017.

Developing Our Goodness

As human beings, we have an essential goodness.  It's our birthright.  The dharma inside.  It's a goodness that we have, and it's a goodness that we're asked to develop.  In this talk, Peter describes ways we learn to cultivate this goodness.  The talk was given at an eight-day silent retreat in April, 2017.

Refuge

In life, it's essential to be able to find refuge.  The dharma student learns to find refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.  Ultimately, though, she learns to find refuge within.  In this talk, Peter describes how we cultivate the skill of refuge.  As he explains, skillful refuge is not an escape, but rather a means by which we're able to maintain ourselves in the present moment and know true happiness.  

Wholehearted Intention

In the practice of the dharma, we learn to shape our lives.  It's through developing the skill of intention - the cultivation of skillful intention - that we're able to do this.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes how, by cultivating intention that is informed by lovingkindness and compassion, we're able to move toward a greater happiness.  The talk was given online in December 2020.

The Law of Karma

Understanding the law of karma is integral in following the Buddha's path.  Our happiness depends on our actions; and it's through understanding the law of karma that we're able to cultivate action that is skillful, action that will lead us to true happiness.  In this dharma talk, given in 2015, Peter gives a comprehensive teaching on the law of karma and how we apply it in finding a greater happiness in our lives.

The Art of Reflection

Reflection, perhaps, is a lost art.  But it's an art that a dharma student must learn.  In this talk  Peter Doobinin describes how we learn to develop the art of reflection. The talk was given at Downtown Meditation Community in 2018.

A Way to a Reliable Happiness

The things of the world are impermanent, inconstant, subject to change, arising and passing.  The Buddha's path, on the other hand, provides us with a way to a reliable happiness.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes how we can come to know a happiness not dependent on the circumstances and conditions of the world.  The talk was given online on March 28, 2021.

Mindful of the Body

If we can develop mindfulness of the body, the Buddha tells us, we can awaken and know a greater happiness in this life.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes the Buddha's practice for being mindful of the body.  The talk was given in September 2013 at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class.

Skill of Thinking

Through the application of skillful thinking, we shape our lives.  As dharma students, we learn to abandon unskillful thinking and cultivate skillful thinking.  In doing so, we move toward a true happiness.  In this dharma talk, given at a daylong retreat in 2014, Peter describes this process for developing skillful thinking.