Sunday Dharma Talk

Thought Worlds

Most beings spend most of their lives in thought worlds, lost in thought.  The practice of the dharma, as the Buddha explained, is to abandon these thought worlds.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin explicates key elements of the skill for finding freedom from thought world and, in turn, for living in the present moment.  The talk was given in the summer of 2022.

The Conditioned & the Unconditioned

The Buddha's teachings guide us to a greater happiness:  a happiness that's not dependent on conditioned things, a happiness that's reliable, a happiness that's true.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin describes how, in following the path, we gradually lessen our preoccupation with conditioned things ... and how, more and more, we turn to the unconditioned, the happiness that doesn't die, the happiness of the heart.  The talk was offered in March of 2023.

Train for Peace

As dharma students, we make a determination to train for peace.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin explains the elements of this profound training.  As the Buddha tells us, the greatest happiness is peace.  The dharma talk was given in March 2023.

Voices in the Mind

We change by changing how we think.  All that we are, the Buddha tells us, begins with our thoughts.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes how we learn to change by changing our habitual ways of thinking.  The talk was given in February of 2023.

What the Heart Wants

As dharma students, we learn to follow the heart.  We learn to understand what the heart wants.  We learn to discern what it is we need to do so that we know happiness of heart.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes the skills we develop so that we come to know what the heart wants.  The talk was given in the winter of 2023.

Joy of Life

In following the path of the Dharma, we learn to know the joy of life.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin, explains how, when we reflect skillfully on the truth of the impermanence, it leads us to an appreciation for the gift of life.  It leads to joy.  The talk was given in December 2022.

The Path Is a Path

In this talk, Peter Doobinin, discusses what it means to be on the Buddha's path.  As he explains, in being on the path, we're asked to engage in an ongoing process of moving forward.  The dharma talk was given on June 4, 2023.

Lessons in Skillful Thinking

All that we are, the Buddha tells us, begins with our thoughts.  For the student of the dharma, the task is to abandon unskillful thoughts and to cultivate skillful thoughts.  In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin explains the skills for cultivating skillful thoughts.  The talk was offered in the winter of 2022.

Equanimity, Acceptance & Wisdom

In this dharma talk, Peter Doobinin takes a close look at the skill for being mindful of emotions, including blatant and subtle emotions.  He describes the role of equanimity and acceptance in bringing simple awareness to the experiences of mind; and how when these qualites are developed, there is the potential for wisdom.  The talk was offered on 3 December 2023.

Priorities for Life

What are our priorities for our dharma practice?  What are our priorities for life?  How can we change our priorities?  In this talk, Peter Doobinin discusses these questions; questions that dharma students are asked to ask.  The talk was given on 6 February 2022.