The Buddha says the root of suffering begins with what he calls the three defilements, also known as the three poisons. These are greed, aversion or ill-will, and ignorance or delusion. This teaching is as valid today as it was almost 2600 years ago. In this talk Mary discusses how these poisons show up in our lives and how we can learn to let them go. She also touches on the three Buddhist personality types.

Recorded July 16, 2026 in the virtual world 

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In this talk, Mary reflects on the famous story of Milarepa and the demons who take over his cave. It's a wonderful reflection on our spiritual journey of aversion and delusion to being intimate with our deepest experiences.

Recorded July 11, 2026 in the virtual world

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St. Francis of Assisi invited us to wear the world as a loose garment and in this talk, Mary discusses how this is an invitation to equanimity. How do we turn towards the world without rigidity, yet with a willingness to stay present and meet life where it is?

Recorded July 4, 2026 in the virtual world

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One of the things we release on the journey to awakening is our attachment to fixed views. These are the stories that have become rigid and that we believe about ourselves and the world. This practice invites us to pause and take a look at our views and ask if they're even true. Freedom lies with our letting go of shoulds and opening to this moment as it is.

Recorded June 27, 2026 in the virtual world

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In order to move on the path of liberation, we need to see what gets in the way. The Buddha's teaching of the Five Hindrances is a helpful way to recognize these sometimes subtle obstacles and learn how to release them so we can continue towards freedom.

Recorded June 20, 2026 in the virtual world

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In the book, "Dancing With Life", Phillip Moffitt writes about the three insights associated with each of the Four Noble Truths: Reflecting, Experiencing and Knowing. This is a wise way to look at his core teaching and Mary offers a summary of Phillip's teaching. She calls these insights a journey of awareness from the head to the heart.

Recorded June 13, 2026 in the virtual world

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The 5th precept is more than just an admonition not to drink or use drugs, but is an invitation to look at our consumption and how we may numb ourselves and become lost in delusion. It's from this deluded place where we can cause the most harm to others and to ourselves.

Recorded June 6, 2026 in the virtual world

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Held in the shadow of Mary's husband's illness, this talk is a simple reflection on life's realities and the sentiment, "Very sad, no problem," as a path of equanimity. Sadness, joy and everything else does not need to be a problem. Instead, it's simply reality and we can choose how to show up.

Recorded May 30, 2026 in the virtual world

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Dogen said that enlightenment is an intimacy with all things. Mary reflects on this thought and it's similarity to equanimity and an undefended heart. How do we show up for the reality of the moment with complete openness. It is a journey and all we can do is begin with right now.

Recorded Mary 23, 2026 in the virtual world

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In this talk, recorded at Insight Community of the Desert, Mary discusses the Second Precept. It's often just referred to as not stealing, but this precept is about recognizing all the different places that craving and greed show up and how to let go of that. Additionally, the cultivation of generosity is an important step in freedom from craving and a way to live in harmony with others and in contentment with ourselves.

Recorded May 17, 2026 at ICD in Palm Springs

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Visit Mary's website for more info on classes and teachings.