This is the only way most of the world can continue on a spiritual path. Even in a non-theistic tradition, we set up an authority. It’s possible to practice without this authority.

https://youtu.be/XxUBMcFoxMQ

The model of the 6 realms is a traditional Buddhist teaching about states of mind. Each realm is characterized by one of the three poisons and describes the way we are working with them. Bodhisattvas are said to appear in every realm in order to save beings.

https://youtu.be/Qr1iLddzLuE

We attach ourselves to a standard when we don’t want to see what something really is. We need standards, but they need to be observed with respect. You may stick to it 90% of the time, but If you always just go to the standard you are ignoring the open dimension of your mind.

https://youtu.be/BMYPTaDHIRY

People are controlled by their beliefs. These are positions the ego takes up in order to avoid looking into the darkness, the unknown. It’s hard to see if you're believing something because it shows up as an opinion. Just look at that and receive the discomfort without covering it up.

https://youtu.be/7hoOaWAcpRc

We make little short stories about everything. Be aware that you’re doing that. We’re not trying to not have stories; it’s always about awareness, not about controlling things. Observe what’s coming or going and what’s hanging around.

https://youtu.be/s9vA4pPezbI

When anger arises in your mind stream, don’t stop it, don’t explain it, and don’t blame anyone for it including yourself. This just gets us deeper into the circularity of samsara.. Anger is dependently arisen and is not generated by a person. If you think it is, you’ll go in circles.

https://youtu.be/KoT2ENAK0KQ

The three poisons are passion, aggression and ignorance. The hardest one to identify and not jump to conclusions about is ignorance. The very nature of it is to not look, not to see it. Without instruction it’s very difficult not to mistake it for some kind of samadhi.

https://youtu.be/LEwn_qKWGro

Buddha means awakened one. What is the nature of that? Buddha Nature does not come and go; it’s ineffable. Over time, through watching what is appearing and disappearing, you can change your allegiance over to the awareness of just what is dependently arising.

https://youtu.be/nFAk5uz8Gbo

Receive without producing is saying the same thing. I want to encourage you to receive the thoughts. If you can, don’t express and don’t add. You may have to put a lunge line on that pony of your thoughts so that you can see the way you continue to take what arises and use it as a credential or proof of something else.

https://youtu.be/kNNQb1Hc_aI

Kleshas may appear to increase because you’ve been covering them up. Now that you’re practicing meditation and studying the buddha’s dharma, the cover-ups aren’t working quite so well. If it shows up in your mind, it is yours. Don’t fight with that.

https://youtu.be/XbVK3xWYbww