Zen Monk Lawrence Do'an Grecco discusses how what we normally view as obstacles to our spiritual lives are actually the path that can help us transform our difficulties into assets.

Turning Poisonous Mind States into Beauty

Dharma talks by Zen monk Ven. Lawrence Do'an Grecco, the founder and Guiding Teacher of Open Sky Zen Meditation &amp; Buddhist Studies Group, a nomadic Zen Center in New York City. Lawrence is also a teacher at the Interdependence Project.

For more information please visit www.OpenSkyZen.com. 

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Some think that Zen is about following outdated rules, performing rituals, and repeating dead words. But Zen isn't really any of those things--it's something that anyone can practice anytime and anywhere. Zen monk Lawrence Grecco discusses what the true purpose of Zen is during a dharma talk he gave at a weekend retreat held at the Interdependence Project in New York City.

What Zen is, What Zen is Not

Mahayana Buddhism is greatly characterized by the bodhisattva ideal. This approach to Buddhist practice stresses the importance of not only attaining enlightenment for ourselves, but also striving to help all other beings to do the same. This dharma talk by Lawrence Grecco discusses how the bodhisattva ideal came into being, what it really means, and how it can inform our practice.

The Bodhisattva Ideal

We always have an intention operating in our minds whether we're aware of it or not. Learning how to more consciously set an intention can help us control our karma rather than allowing it to control us through mental habit energy. Lawrence Grecco discusses the importance of keeping a strong intention, and how the ancient art of gatha writing can be utilized to help us do this in a very clear and simple way.

The Importance of Intention

Love comes in many forms and can inspire great happiness or great heartache. Yet many of us are confused as to what love truly is since it seems to appear and disappear so unpredictably. So what is love or lovingkindness from a Buddhist perspective? Lawrence Grecco discusses the true nature of unconditional love during this introductory talk before a Kindness and Compassion Training Retreat weekend at the Interdependence Project in New York City.

What is True Love?

Buddhism is usually considered a "Godless" religion. But what is it we are connecting with through the practice meditation and watching our minds throughout the day? Ven. Lawrence Do'an Grecco speaks on this rarely addressed topic during a dharma talk at the Interdependence Project in New York City.

Turning Poisonous Mind States into Beauty

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