Month: November 2014
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There is a Body: Joseph Goldstein
Memorable Quote: “This is not an effort of struggle, but an effort of remembering. When the mind is lost in a thought, we simply come back.” Synopsis: “Be mindful, there is a body, to the extent necessary, for clear knowledge, and continual mindfulness.” Joseph urges us to make a simple mental note, “there is a…
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Damnit Dukkha: Ruth King
Length: 14 minutes, 31 seconds Memorable Quote: “The mind has no shame. It will do anything to get your attention.” Synopsis: Ruth contrasts the “big” dukkhas (suffering), such as illness and death, with the smaller kinds of dukkha, those moments when you say “Damnit!” These smaller sufferings are moments of not getting what you want,…
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Anticipation: Ines Freedman
Memorable Quote: “It’s important as we look at the life desire that moves us forward, and we keep a balance between forward movement and having a really strong presence in the now.” Synopsis: Ines points out that, although we often think of mindfulness as being in the present moment, we should also pay attention to…
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Right Action: Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Length: 17 minutes, 41 seconds Memorable Quote: “Anything that can be described, you let go. That’s how the path in-line with the dharma leads to freedom.” Synopsis: Dharma (the teachings) is always there, all we have to do is listen, Thanissaro Bhikkhu says. The problem is that we prefer to hear delusions, because those are…
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Relaxing the Mind: Anam Thubten
Length: 23 minutes, 59 seconds Memorable Quote: “When yogis think of Nirvana, they think of nonstop dancing and drinking. When Monks think of Nirvana, everyone is sitting in the lotus position.” Synopsis: Our notion of reality, Anam Thubten reminds us, is created by our minds. This includes our moods, perceptions, perspective, and point of view.…
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Open Awareness: Bhante Sujiva
Length: 15 minutes, 6 seconds Memorable Quote: “If one has too much tranquility without enough awareness of impermanence, watch your whole body sensations to develop a perception of change.” Synopsis: Bhante Sujiva talks about many different types of mindfulness, or degrees of openness. On the one end of the spectrum is completely open awareness, which…
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Empathy: Rick Hanson
Length: 12 minutes, 2 seconds Memorable Quote: “Ask yourself: what’s the hurt underneath the anger, what’s the vulnerability under the defensiveness, what’s younger, underneath this adult surface?” Synopsis: In order to treat others well, Rick tells us, we need to understand what is going on with them. We can’t simply treat them with generic kindness;…
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Renunciation and Desire: Aya Santacitta
Length: 27 minutes, 23 seconds Memorable Quote: In renunciation, I am not “forcing” myself to do something, but “adding” more mindfulness and awareness to my life. Synopsis: Renunciation is out of style these days, Aya Santacitta tells us. Renunciation, in a way, is the opposite of pursuing sensual desire. Being free from addiction and desire…