Sunday Dharma Talk

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.

A Way to Change

Can we change?  Can we transform painful habitual ways of thinking and acting?  As Peter Doobinin explains, dharma practice - the path the Buddha laid out - provides us with way to change.  By developing the skills the Buddha taught, we can transform our lives.  This is why we practice.  This talk was given at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class in December 2012.

Finding Your Voice

We learn, in practicing meditation, to guide ourselves through the meditation.  In doing so, we learn to find our voice.  It is this voice, straight from the heart, that guides us through our days and nights.  The dharma talk was given online by Peter Doobinin in May 2021.

Finding Our Way Out of the Forest of Suffering

Can we lay down our burdens and find true happiness in this life?  In this dharma talk, Peter describes how by developing the skills the Buddha teaches - namely, jhana and heedfulness - we're able to find our way out of the forest of suffering.  The talk was given on the final night of an eight-day retreat in 2019.

"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)