Sunday Dharma Talk

Learning to Keep Present

In order to know happiness in this life, we need to keep ourselves in the present moment.  But how do we do that?  The Buddha gave clear and specific instructions for keeping present, not just in meditation but all the postures of our lives.  In this talk, Peter describes elements of the skill for learning to keep present.  This talk was given at the Berlin Dharma weekly class in the winter of 2020.  May all beings be at ease and live with joy!

The Skill of Community

Association with wise beings - teachers and fellow meditation students - is an integral element of the path to awakening.  As Peter explains, developing a relationship with wise beings and being part of a community is a skill that we learn to cultivate.  The dharma talk was given in May 2015 at the Downtown Meditation Community weekly Sunday Night Meditation class.

The Path to the End of Suffering

There is path to the end of suffering.  It's a path on which we learn to acknowledge the truth of our suffering.  It's a path that we follow by developing certain skills.  Most importantly, the skills of jhana and heedfulness.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes this path that leads us to freedom from suffering and true happiness in our lives.  The talk was given at Downtown Meditation Community in the summer of 2017.

"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)

The Limitless Heart

As dharma students, we're asked to cultivate love and compassion for all living beings.  This is something that we can learn.  It's a skill.  It's a skill that, when developed, enables us to know a greater happiness in life.  The talk by Peter Doobinin was given at a Meditation & Yoga Retreat in 2019.

As a mother would risk her life
to protect her child, her only child,
even so should one cultivate a limitless heart
with regard to all beings.
(Sn 1.8)

What It Means To Be Present

What does it mean to be present?  We may talk about "being present," but what actually is it to be present?  In this dharma talk, Peter explains what it means, according the Buddha's teachings, to be be present, how we establish ourselves in the present, and why there's such great benefit in doing so.  The talk was given in New York City on September 18, 2016.

A Way of Liberation

Dharma practice offers, for those who seek it, a way of liberation.  It's a way of living.  As such, dharma students are asked to make choices about how they live.  In this talk, we discuss these choices and how to make them in a wise and compassionate manner.  The dharma talk was given in New York City in September 2016.

True North

What is your true north?  In this dharma talk, Peter explains how we continue to remain true to our most wholehearted resolves. The talk was given at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class on August 21, 2017.

Mothers Day

This dharma talk was given on Mothers Day in 2007.  In the talk, Peter describes how by learning the skills the Buddha teaches, we're able to develop a skillful, loving, compassionate relationship with our parents and all beings.  The talk was offered at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class.  May all beings be happy of heart! 

Journey to the Moment

In meditation, we learn to make the journey to the present moment.  Of course, it's often a difficult journey, fraught with obstacles.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes the obstacles we're bound to encounter and how we make our way through them.  The talk was given at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class on October 22, 2017.

On Emotions

In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes how we learn to develop a skillful relationship to emotions.  The skill of practicing mindfulness of emotions is, of course, one of the most important elements of dharma practice.  The talk was given at the Downtown Meditation Community Sunday night class in October 2017.