Sunday Dharma Talk

A Noble Path

The Buddha's path is  considered a noble path because it leads to the end of suffering.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes this noble path and some of the skills we learn to develop as we make the effort to follow it.  The talk was given at Sunday Night Meditation in New York City in the autumn of 2015.

Being in Harmony

In a world of disharmony, we learn, in community with our fellow dharma students, to live in harmony.  Practicing the dharma with others, we move from preoccupation with self toward a way of life guided by the heart, by generosity, compassion, and love.  The talk, "Being in Harmony," was given at Sunday Night Meditation in May 2015.  

Natural Meditation

How do we maintain ourselves in the present moment? By developing the skill of mindfulness as the Buddha taught it, the dharma student is able to have present moment awareness in all postures, in all the circumstances of life.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes how, by learning to maintain present moment awareness - the skill of "natural meditation" - we're able to know a greater happiness in our lives.  The talk was given at Sunday Night Meditation on April 12, 2015.

Making a Difference

In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes how as dharma students, following the Buddha's path, we're able to make a difference in the world.  The talk was given at the Sunday Night Meditation class on November 13, 2016.

Ardency

The dharma student, as the Buddha often noted, is "mindful, alert, and ardent."  The cultivation of these three qualities is integral to dharma practice.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin discusses the quality of ardency, what it is and how we develop it.  The talk was given at yesterday's daylong retreat in Berlin.

The Factor of Concentration

When concentration is developed, we're able to maintain ourselves in the present moment.  What does this mean and how do we get there?  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin talks about concentration as one of the Seven Factors for Awakening.  The talk was offered at Sunday Night Meditation in 2015. 

The Skill of Gratitude

The teachings of the Buddha ask that we practice certain skills.  One of the essential skills that, as dharma students, we learn to develop is the skill of gratitude.  When we're able to cultivate gratitude, meditation practice thrives and we move forward, toward a greater happiness in our lives.  In this talk, given at the Sunday Night Meditation class, Peter Doobinin explains how we cultivate this important skill.  

"Monks, these two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful for a kindness done and feels obligated to repay it. These two people are hard to find in the world."
(AN 2.119)

The Goodness in Life

The dharma student learns to remember the goodness in life.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes how we cultivate this essential skill.  The talk was given at Sunday Night Meditation on September 11, 2016.

The Teaching on Not-Self

What is the Buddha's teaching on "not-self?"  In this dharma talk, Peter explains this often misunderstood teaching.  For the dharma student, seeking freedom from suffering, it is a teaching that is essential to comprehend and put into practice.  The talk was given at the Sunday Night Meditation class in October 2016. 

"Rahula, any form whatsoever that is past, future, or present; internal or external; blatant or subtle; common or sublime; far or near: every form is to be seen as it actually is with right discernment as: 'This is not mine. This is not my self. This is not what I am.'"  (MN 62)

Beginner's Mind

This dharma talk on "Beginner's Mind" is the final talk that Peter Doobinin gave at the Sunday Night Meditation class.  The class was held every Sunday night in New York City for sixteen years.  The final class took place on Sunday, February 25, 2018.