Along with the Impermanence (Anicca) and Suffering (Dukkha), the teaching of Anatta or non-self is one of the Three Characteristics of Existence taught by the Buddha. In this talk Mary discusses what this actually means and how to work with it in daily life.
Recorded June 17, 2021 in the virtual world

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Ancient teachers in the Theravada tradition collected four meditation subjects which the Buddha taught that they considered to be protective and worthy of dedicated practice. Drawing on work by Bhikkhu Bodhi, Mary discusses these four subjects (Mindfulness of the Buddha, Lovingkindness, 32 Parts of the Body and Death Meditation) and talks about how the protection they offer is a deep grounding in practice which offers a firm foundation from which to greet the world.
Recorded June 12, 2021 in the virtual world

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This short talk is a reflection on how we can see the dharma everywhere if we keep our eyes and ears open. It is so easy to keep ourselves and others separated into different containers when in reality we share more than we think. The invitation is, as always, to pay attention.
Recorded June 3, 2021 in the virtual world

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As the pandemic restrictions ease we are either looking for a return to normalcy or expecting a new way of life. Each of these ideas indicates an arrival and an attachment to the way it's supposed to be. Instead, we are asked to recognize that we are always in transition - beginnings and endings are happening all the time and the only place to be is right here, fully present. 
Recorded May 29, 2021 in the virtual world

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Delusion, not seeing clearly, is something we find everywhere, both in our personal lives and at the collective and national level. Sometimes it is recognizable, but often it's subtle and we don't even notice how pervasive it is. Along with greed and aversion, delusion can cause so much harm and suffering that we must investigate what we see, hear and believe with mindfulness and the intention to be present with the way things actually are.  The road to freedom lies this way.
Recorded May 20, 2021 in the virtual world

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The ease with which humans create identities around self and other makes it challenging to recognize our shared humanity and live in harmony. Listening to the news on any day will prove this point. The Buddha, however, gave us teachings and practices which enable us to be in wise and kind relationship with each other if we make the effort. Mary talks about the ethical practices of wise speech and wise action which have impact both for ourselves and for the world. This is truly the path to liberation for all beings.  With gratitude to Gregory Kramer and Rhonda Magee for their work in this area.
Recorded May 13, 2021 in the virtual world

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The Buddha was very clear in talking about how we allow small misperceptions to blossom into full blown delusions which cause harm to ourselves and others and continue the cycle of suffering. In this talk Mary discusses the extremely relevant Vipallasa Sutta which talks about how ignorance grows and how it is eliminated, both for ourselves and for the world.
Recorded May 8, 2021 in the virtual world

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Sometimes our humanity just smacks us right in the face and there is no getting around the fact that life can be messy and there are no secret ways out of feeling. The world continues to rage and dance around us as we make our way the best we can, finding joy where it lays. Making friends with mortality is a good way to find peace in this moment. 
Recorded May 1, 2021 in the virtual world

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Energy or effort is an important part of the path to awakening. Our practice is not simply sitting back and waiting for something to happen; instead we bring a wise energy and effort to guide the heart-mind to wise and compassionate action. In this talk Mary discusses energy (viriya) as a paramita, part of the Eightfold Path and one of the Awakening Factors.
This talk was offered at the Insight Community of the Desert.
Recorded April 25, 2021

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The Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta is called the direct path to realization, or in other words, the path to awakening. These important instructions are all about developing our mindfulness practice and cultivating wisdom and insight. In this talk, Mary discusses the teachings from a Satipaṭṭhāna retreat she did with Bhikkhu Anālayo, one of the foremost experts on the text and the practice. This is a practical way to establish mindfulness and move towards freedom.
Recorded April 17, 2021 in the virtual world
 

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