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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The final factor in Sila or ethical behavior, Right Livelihood is more than just about how we make our living. It's how we interact with the world: where we spend our money, how we meet our needs and how we behave as global citizens. Supported by Right Speech and Right Action, Right Livelihood allows us to live ethically and compassionately as we move towards liberation.
Recorded July 29, 2021 in the virtual world. 

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Right Action is the second part of Sila, or the ethics portion of the Eightfold Path, and includes some of the most powerful practices for living in the world in harmony with other beings. Together wish Right Speech, Right Action forms the foundation of the Five Precepts. As with most of the Buddha's teachings however, it's not just about not causing harm or not stealing, but rather living in a way that is compassionate, kind, is for the benefit of all beings, and works to end suffering wherever we find it. This is a powerful foundation we can all access through effort and mindfulness.
Recorded July 22, 2021 in the virtual world  

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Right Speech can also be considered Right Communication. How we show up in the world and communicate with others is so important and critical in moving on this path toward liberation for ourselves, and all beings. Mary discusses the Buddha's teaching on this factor as well as offering an invitation to look at all the ways we communicate. Shout out to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Recorded July 17, 2021 in the virtual world 

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Continuing the series on The Eightfold Path, Mary discusses Right Intention and the three components: Renunciation, Good Will and Harmlessness. This factor works to break up the defilements of greed and aversion and helps us move into harmony with the world. 
Recorded July 10, 2021 in the virtual world

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The Eightfold Path is the Buddha's the path to end suffering. In this video Mary discusses Right View, the first factor in the path. Right View allows us to move away from ignorance - seeing where we've been snagged by delusion - and into clarity and wisdom.  First talk in the series.
Recorded July 3, 2021 in the virtual world

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