In Buddhist teachings Mara is seen as the personification of greed, anger and delusion and stands in the way of our liberation. In this talk Mary offers ways to identify Mara in our own lives which gives us the opportunity to say, "I see you Mara" and choose the path of freedom. 
Recorded Oct. 7, 2021 in the virtual world

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 The term Human Condition can sum up our experiences on this planet, whether we admit to it our not. The Human Condition is also what the Buddha teaches in the First and Second Noble Truth especially. In this talk, Mary takes a look at what the Human Condition means for each of us and how we can move to a place of greeting and ultimately embracing it. 
Recorded Oct. 2, 2021 in the virtual world

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Appreciative Joy, or Mudita, is one of the heart practices and often considered the most difficult. This is an altruistic expression of joy for the good fortune and happiness of others and is an important practice to cultivate generosity of the heart and mind. It's difficult because we are caught up in craving and a sense of lack.  Mary discusses how to recognize what gets in the way and move into a place of sharing the joy.
Recorded Sept. 23, 2021 in the virtual world.

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 Often we latch on to the search for meaning, happiness or bliss and think they are "out there" waiting to be found or achieved. Drawing heavily on the work of Viktor Frankl, Mary reminds us that there is only this moment and we are asked to respond appropriately to each experience we encounter. Building a foundation of love, kindness and integrity allows us to respond wisely and for the benefit of all. 
Recorded Sept. 18, 2021 in the virtual world

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The Dhammapada, part of the Pali Canon, is one of the most popular collections of Buddha's teachings. Mary looks at some of the verses and how the entire collection is an easy way to remind ourselves of the most important parts of the dharma. There is much richness to be explored.
Recorded Sept. 11, 2021 in the virtual world

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Dharma practice teaches us how to disentangle ourselves from habitual thoughts and habits of mind. It can also support us as we disengage from the larger, systemic patterns baked into our culture. Mary discusses the qualities of the colonial mind and how to identify the greed, hatred and ignorance and move toward a world that works for everyone.
Recorded Sept. 4, 2021 in the virtual world

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The last factor in the Eightfold Path is often called Right Concentration, but it more about a steadiness or collectedness of the mind. Mary discusses this final piece and how the clarity and wisdom it provides allows us to be fully with reality as it is and move towards liberation.
Recorded August 26, 2021 in the virtual world

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Continuing with the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Mary discusses how these practices, when aligned with the Eightfold Path, lead to the end of suffering and facilitate awakening. 
Recorded August 21, 2021 in the virtual world

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Right Mindfulness underpins just about everything we do in our practice and is necessary for liberation. Without the clarity of present time awareness and the integrity to guide our mindfulness skillfully, it's easy to stay trapped in delusion and suffering. Mary discusses what mindfulness is and isn't, and touches on the first foundations of mindfulness (the Satiphatthana Sutta). Next week will continue this factor.
Recorded August 14,  in the virtual world.

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It takes effort to move from suffering to the end of suffering and the Buddha dedicated an entire factor of the Eightfold Path to this. Mary talks about the Four Efforts necessary to disentangle ourselves from our deeply rooted stories, causes and conditions to a place of freedom and ease.
Recorded August 5, 2021 in the virtual world

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