The Four Passing Sights, also known as the Four Messengers is a famous story about Siddhartha Guatama and when he first encounters the reality of life and suffering. These were catalysts for him to leave his comfortable home and go forth to search for the end of suffering.  In this talk Mary discusses how this story can jolt us into an awareness of our own denial of suffering and serve as a "call to an ethical life" (Bhikkhu Analayo). It's especially important right now as we deal with the suffering of the pandemic and our world today.
Recorded  Oct. 10, 2020 in the virtual world.

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Even during a global pandemic there seems to be so much that needs to be done. It's easy to be caught up in the need to fix or take care of or just do something. Many times we feel uneasy about taking time to nourish ourselves, but it's imperative that we do so. Mary talks about how we get caught up in doing, and how to go let go and take care of ourselves in a wise way.
Recorded Oct. 1, 2020 in the virtual world

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In the Satipatthana Sutta, the Budda's teaching on mindfulness, he offers a way to develop insight and awareness. The practice is not just about when we're sitting on the 'cushion' but about being aware all the time. The monk Sayadaw U Tejaniya invites us to practice "from the moment we wake up until the moment we fall asleep." In this talk, Mary discusses the foundations of mindfulness which allow us to develop a way to be aware as much as possible and to tend to whatever arises, whether pleasant or not. This practice allows us to feel all the feels without checking out.
Recorded Sept. 26, 2020 in the virtual world

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Life is challenging for all of us especially right now, and our natural go-to is not always kindness and compassion. However, responding to rage, fear and other emotions with kindness and compassion is important and should frame how we move through each moment. Mary discusses what this looks like, why it's important and what gets in our way. 
Recorded Sept. 19, 2020 in the virtual world

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 The Paramis (paramitas) are ten qualities said to be necessary for awakening. However, they can also serve as a framework as we maneuver the highs and lows of our daily lives. Sylvia Boorstein describes these as the "natural inclination of the heart" and a path of kindness.
The Paramis: generosity, integrity, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, determination, lovingkindness, equanimity.

Recorded Sept 12, 2020 in the virtual world.

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It's so easy to be caught up in our thoughts, emotions and everything that's going on in the world today. We can become reactive and operate from our fixed views and preconceived ideas rather than seeing clearly what is actually going on. This practice of Beginner's MInd and asking "What is this?" gives us an opportunity to slow down the thinking mind and come into direct experience with what is actually happening. It's a beneficial practice we can use today and which offers a path to equanimity.
Recorded Sept 6, 2020 in the virtual world.

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Another challenging week in our world with loss, violence and moments of joy. How do these teachings help us to hold all the emotions yet also move forward with what Roshi Joan Halifax calls 'wise hope' which enables us to transform suffering?
Recorded August 29, 2020 in the virtual world.

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The term 'skillful means' (upaya) is used a lot in Buddhist circles, but what does it mean and how do we utilize the teachings to move through out lives? Mary discusses upaya as a way to move away from suffering or dukkha in this moment and how we find these skillful means in our own lives.
Recorded August 22, 2020 in the virtual world

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It's nice to think that we follow the precepts because we want to be in harmony with the world, but often times it takes remorse and fear of repercussions to dig us out of our old conditioning. The Buddha's teaching on Hiri and Otappa offers us a way to utilize these feelings and emotions to move towards a more easygoing and embodied relationship with the precepts.
Recorded August 15, 2020 in the virtual world.

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The Buddha said, "Impermanent are conditioned things," but that has not stopped humans from thinking things are solid and permanent. Using the book The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor as a jumping off point, Mary discusses the great suffering we have all experienced ourselves and caused others by holding on to concepts about size, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability and mental health. We've been deluded into thinking there is a default that is best and we other people based on these ideas. Breaking out of the conditioning is the path to liberation. "Their subsiding is bliss."
Recorded August 8, 2020 in the virtual world.

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