Dharma Seed - Dharma Talks given at Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC

2009-01-14 Humble Of Heart 1:11:49

Tara Brach

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As consciousness evolves, there is a deepening understanding of the interdependence of all of life. This wisdom naturally leads to an authentic humility--an awakening from the burden and violence of self-importance. In this talk we explore the relationship between being humble of heart, and living with kindness and compassion. There is particular attention to the necessity of humility and deep listening--as individuals and societies--if we are to respond to conflict in a way that can bring peace to this earth.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2009-01-07 The Three Refuges 1:26:28

Tara Brach

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The spiritual path can be understood as forgetting and remembering. We suffer when we lose sight of truth, of love, of awareness. And we touch freedom in the moments of remembering. This talk includes guided reflections on three gateways to remembering: three refuges--buddha, dharma and sangha--that are the foundation of classical Buddhist teachings and profoundly relevant in our contemporary lives.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-12-17 The Undefended Heart 1:21:40

Tara Brach

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Our dedication to not pushing anyone--or any part of ourselves--out of our hearts, serves the healing of our world. This talk includes a short guided meditation on opening to our human vulnerability and forgiving another person.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-12-10 Relaxed Attentiveness 1:14:34

Tara Brach

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While the heart of meditation is resting in open awareness, our conditioning to be distracted and reactive can keep us on the wheel of suffering. We awaken from trace by developing skillful ways of paying attention that create the environment for natural presence. This natural awareness, while sometimes hidden, is always here: It is our true home.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-11-26 Thanksgiving 2008 - Living The Life Fully - Gratitude And Generosity 1:19:19

Tara Brach

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While generosity and gratitude are natural capacities, our conditioning to want life different can often keep us from living from a free and open heart. This talk explores three gateways to awakening and expressing love in our daily life.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-11-19 The Three Characteristics - part 3: No-Self 1:15:27

Tara Brach

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At the center of the Buddhist teachings is the understanding that the passing phenomena of this world--sounds, sensations, thoughts, bodies and minds--have no self at the center, no self as owner, and are not happening to a self. In other words, our familiar sense of self is an illusion. When there is full presence, a presence not filtered by thoughts, this illusion dissolves, freeing us to realize our true nature. This talk exploring the teachings of no-self, or emptiness, includes several reflections and practices that guide us in awakening to this essential and liberating truth.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-11-12 The Three Characteristics - part 2: Impermanence 46:03
Tara Brach	Download Listen
The Buddha taught that when our understanding of impermanence is direct and non-conceptual, it is liberating. By directly opening to the radical impermanence of all experience, including the truth of our own mortality, we discover the natural capacity to let go. With this "mind that clings to no thing" awakens wisdom, authentic spontaneity and a natural cherishing of life.
Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-11-05 The Three Characteristics - part 1: Unsatisfactoriness 1:20:04

Tara Brach

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The Buddha described three basic and interrelated insights into nature of reality that are revealed through a clear and deep attention. Called "the three characteristics," these insights include dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), annicha (impermanence) and annata (selflessness or emptiness). In the first of this three week series of talks, we explore the meaning of dukkha, how we directly recognize the varied expressions of dukkha and it's gift when met with full presence.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-10-15 Equanimity In The Face Of Conflict 67:02

Tara Brach

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This talk, given on the eve of a presidential debate, explores how we can awaken from the conditioning that turns us against ourselves and others. The guided meditation offers an opportunity to choose a place of conflict and reactivity with others, and discover what is possible when we turn towards our deepest wisdom and compassion.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks

2008-10-01 Inviting Mara To Tea 1:12:00

Tara Brach

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One of the great archetypal themes in the Buddha's life is facing Mara, the shadow side of greed, hatred and delusion. Rather than being seduced, fighting or running away, the Buddha simply recognized Mara's presence and invited him to tea. This talk and guided meditation explores the theme of a radical and engaged presence, and how it directly translates into a sacred path of healing and freedom.

Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC : IMCW Wednesday Evening Talks