In this talk, Anna describes how the practice of relaxation has changed her life, and answers questions on the practice.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated guided meditation.

This talk was given on September 27, 2015.

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In this talk, Soryu joins other teachers in addressing the issue of global warming. He approaches it by way of the Buddhist teaching that mind is chief. Our actions are a reflection of our state of mind. If we want to change the world, paying attention to our state of mind is a pragmatic and efficient way to do so.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on February 15, 2015.

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In this talk, Soryu talks about how concentration is the most fundamental skill. We explore the relationship between awareness and ignorance. See how this connects to our solutions to internal and external problems.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on February 8, 2015.

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In this evening’s talk, Soryu considers the first noble truth, the presence of suffering, problems, and societal insanity. Soryu tells a story that addresses the relationship between morality and wisdom. In our practice and life, we can establish a positive feedback loop between morality and wisdom; this is what helps us face, understand, and overcome suffering.

In this talk, Soryu mentions the name Somadanda. This was an error; the name of this person was Soṇadaṇḍa. You can read more about him in the Soṇadaṇḍa Sutta, DN 4.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on February 1st, 2015.

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In this evening’s talk, Daniel Thorson, a CML resident, discusses the theme of stories. Daniel begins by saying that he spent much of his life seeking stories that would give him ultimate meaning and explanation (social theories, philosophies, etc.) but that he soon realized no story worked. Until he found Buddhism. By following the story of Buddhism (sitting still and observing one’s experience) not only did the need for a meaningful and explanatory story loosen, the very story of Buddhism seemed to self destruct.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on January 25th, 2015.

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In traditional Japanese Monasteries, New Year’s Eve is marked as an important occasion for reflection. In this evening’s talk Soryu discusses the importance of seeing the end of the year as an indication for our passing and precious lives. Soryu begins with a reflection on the importance of the dedications, the vows, made in community and by each of us personally. He then explains that seeing the limited time of this life need not paralyze us, but can enable us to cut through obstructions to giving our greatest gift to the world. Click here to read a full transcription of the talk.

This talk was given on December 31st, 2014.

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In this evening’s talk, Danny Morris, a CML resident, discusses the importance of creativity, balancing effort with letting go, and supportive friendships. Creativity is important as it allows us to discover ways to actually DO a technique. Balancing effort with letting go is important as too much of either can lead to dead ends. Establishing supportive friendships is important as they help us to be disciplined.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on December 28th, 2014.

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In this evening’s talk, Soryu tells us of a conversation he had with a fellow monk in Japan. During this conversation, Soryu expressed his passion for tangible action aimed at changing the world for the better while the other monk emphasized that the world does not need wisdom for it is wisdom. This conversation highlights the central question of this path: how does one balance doing with being? Soryu continues to weave this conversational thread through stories of teaching in difficult high school classrooms and soup kitchen drug dealers.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on December 14th, 2014.

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Each month, CML residents spend a week meditating. This is what it looks like.

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In this evening’s talk, Soryu discusses the two sides of the practice: letting go/wisdom and holding on/compassion. We learn that, broadly speaking, what survives in the world is what is given attention (i.e. what is held on to) and we should therefore use meditation as an opportunity to give good things our attention. Yet it is hard to know what is good and what is bad, and this is where letting go and wisdom comes in.

Deepen your understanding of this talk by following the associated Guided Meditation.

This talk was given on December 7th, 2014.

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