The Workshop is in the Mind

To reverse the delusion behind our most troubled states of mind, we need reliable methods. Buddha provides those in a nicely organized package called "The Gradual Path." It suggests we look at your own thoughts and take stock of our karma. Reviewing the steps in the Gradual Path immediately calms the mind.  With a clear intention, we can develop a more realistic relationship to the mind – thus counteracting delusion. Wisdom comes about through this kind of sustained review.

16:52 | Extracted from "Finding Freedom and Ultimate Happiness" teachings given at Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center, August 03 & 04. Full teaching here.

To understand the whole purpose of Buddha's teachings, we can learn and internalize the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha challenges us to consider that suffering can indeed end. The implications are huge.

17:32 | Extracted from teachings given at Chenrezig Institute, April 4, 2013. Full teaching here.

The Buddhist approach to anger is to understand these feelings in their widest context. We get angry when we don't get what we want. So, first, we use patience, not in a passive-aggressive way, but to create some space and avoid acting out. We use that time to break down the causes for our own particular anger. New understanding can drain the power out of those toxic emotions.

24:43 | Full teaching here

There are special skills we develop on the path. Rather than focusing on the external world, we learn to pay attention to the internal landscapes of our mind. At first, it might seem these crazy thoughts are unworkable. But slowly, with skill and work, we learn how to see, and eventually change our minds.

23:01 | Full teaching here

There are subtle levels of cognition that help us understand who we are in vivid detail. But we have to get familiar with what we mean by "mind," or "mind stream." Buddha says "mind" is an experienced result from previous moments going back in time. And he challenges us to explore the mind, to ascertain how our senses and thoughts create positive, negative, and neutral experiences, habits and propensities. This is a radical discovery.

25:58 | Extracted from teachings given by Ven. Robina on the 2017 Lawudo Trek - Stillness Beyond Samsara, April 04, 2017.

Full teaching here

The Buddhist path is primarily concerned with working with one's own mind. Why? Because that's the source of all our suffering.

2:44 | Extracted from "When the Chocolate Runs Out" teachings given at Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center, August 18, 2017. Full teaching here

On a deep level, we all have an intuitive craving or attachment. This frantic junkie mind gets reinforced with fear and hunger and drives us to suffering. We can learn to identify it and work with it over time to reduce it. This is the job of the Buddhist.

11:19 | Extracted from teachings given at Vajrayana Institute, September 22, 2017. Full teaching here.

"Know your own mind," sums up the Buddhist view. Consider the Buddha's view that the mind is the root cause for both pleasant and unpleasant emotions. We might not be able to change difficult external things, but we can change how we internally process things in the present. Rather than blame the outside world for our troubles, look at what we can change. That's the Buddha's cognitive therapy.

20:52| Extracted from teachings given at Vajrayana Institute, September 22, 2017. Full teaching here.

At the base of many disturbing emotions lies fear. Just look at an angry person's face.

We must learn the mechanics of these emotions – their causes and effects.

3:41| Extracted from teachings given at Vajrayana Institute, September 22, 2017. Full teaching here.

These steps lead through a counter-intuitive, courageous and altruistic state of mind. By contemplating these eight stanzas, we expand our capacity to understand a new perspective on suffering. We replace narrow selfishness with love for countless others.

20:16 | This is part of a series of talks given at the Himalyan Buddhist Meditation Center in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 5-7, 2019.

Full teaching here (Session 7)