How can we make the Four Immeasurables (aka the Brahmavihārās or divine abodes) more present in our daily lives? In this talk, Jennifer Berezan explores these four virtues—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—integral aspects of Buddhist practice. She emphasizes their universal relevance, encouraging us to cultivate these qua…

In this departure from our usual dharma talks, David Moreno guides us in weaving sitting practice with the Tantric practice of Yoga Nidra and the energetic practice of Qi Gong. These processes augment and integrate meditation into moving mindfulness. Yet, they are complete meditations in themselves. Throughout this session, he encourages us to allo…

How can we continue to stretch our sense of loving-kindness to include all beings? In this talk, Dave Richo explores the practice of loving-kindness (metta) in Buddhism, emphasizing its expansive nature. Using an analogy from Romeo and Juliet, Dave explains that love is boundless, reaching beyond our immediate relationships to encompass all beings.…

When the world gets to be a little too much for us, how can we keep from shutting down? JD Doyle shares that the key lies in returning to our interconnectedness. JD ties this beautifully with the practice of the brahmaviharas (the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). JD explains that when we feel overwh…

How can we become truly present and engage with each moment we experience? In both interpersonal relationships and self-reflection, Daigan Gaither advocates for an open, curious approach where we allow things to be as they are, rather than forcing them to fit preconceived notions. This approach, he suggests, fosters deeper connection and understand…

Can turning away from pleasurable experiences actually limit our practice? In this talk René Rivera shares that there are wholesome states that signal we are on the path to awakening. However the pleasurable states often get a "bad rap" in Buddhism as something to be avoided so as not to trigger craving. René summarizes the importance of pleasure b…

How can we reconcile our sexuality with Buddhist practice? (Recorded June 11, 1995) Following on the heels of the AIDS crisis, in 1995 societal shame about LGBTQ sexuality was quite prevalent. Eric Kolvig emphasized that Buddhism is an ethical system focused on reducing suffering, not a moral system with judgments of good and evil. Arguing that rep…

What did the Buddha mean when he spoke of ignorance? In this talk, David Lewis discusses the essence of mindfulness and the core principles of Buddhism, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. He explains that the Buddha avoided metaphysics and focused on how things work, promoting meditation as a means of gaining wisdom. He …

When we feel stuck or overwhelmed by society, how can we find joy and courage? Steven Tierney asks us to challenge the notion that we are stuck with no way out. He emphasizes that rather than avoid the difficult, we can find a way through by embracing Buddhist teachings and practices. This can include: Living with Intention: Drawing from Victor Fra…

What core Buddhist teachings are reflected in all other wisdom traditions? As stated in the Kālāma Sutta, known as the Buddha's "charter of free inquiry," Donald Rothberg encourages us not to believe anything simply because we are told to, but rather apply our own experience and discernment. He encourages us to embrace the very practical core teach…

As spiritual beings grounded in oneness, how do we overcome the tendency to feel separated while in human form? In this practical talk, Michaiel Patrick Bovenes shares reminders for finding connection. Connecting with others depends on how we are being: Be open and present Be curious rather than critical Be understanding Be vulnerable - "consciousl…

If we are an expression of the whole, why does life feel so personal? In a talk that examines duality, Dorothy Hunt asks us who and what we really are. Is our awareness something that belongs to us as a separate 'me', or is it instead something that arises from our experience of reality? She likens reality to an enormous unending tapestry on a loom…

How can we use our practice to see us through troubled times and remain a light against the darkness? Laura Burges encourages us to see Buddhist practice as a laboratory, a place to experiment with our own experience. Drawing from the book, "Buddhism Without Beliefs" by Stephen Batchelor, she likens the Four Noble Truths to a diagnosis, prognosis, …

The divine abodes, also known as the Brahma Vihāras in Sanskrit, are four supreme emotions or mental states that are emphasized because of the Buddha's teaching that "whatever one frequently ponders on, that will become the inclination of their mind." In this talk, Walt Opie examines these four and offers the "near and far enemy" of each one. The c…

How have the Four Heavenly Messengers led you to the path of the dharma? In this talk, Bob Stahl shares his own experience with these messengers and how they changed the course of his life in the midst of being a very confused young man without direction. He encourages us to consider the conditions and events that have appeared in our own lives to …

Can we find meaning and pride in our ordinary lives? In this talk, Liên Shutt contrasts the extravagant events in our lives with the everyday moments and asks us to consider if we can drop our expectations of how things should be and instead allow them to exist just as they are. This is the definition of Buddhist wisdom or Prajña, which translates …

How can we cultivate an undefended heart that is open and caring? John Martin shares that the true nature of our heart is inherently pure and loving. However, we need to practice to cultivate this purity. Some of the practices he shares include: Being aware of our intentions. Using metta phrases. Radiating metta. ______________ John Martin teaches …

In this talk, Melvin Escobar looks at the loneliness and separation prevalent in our world. Especially for LGBTQI individuals, this has roots in both the individual level as well as the structural level, such as the way families may ask us to hide parts of ourselves in order to find acceptance. The societal hierarchies we encounter also contribute …

How can Buddhist philosophy help us address the everyday suffering we encounter in a human body - the accidents, falls, missteps, mistakes, broken bones and broken hearts? In this talk, Laura Burges recounts her own experience following a recent fall and injury. She shares practices and reminders that can be helpful when we experience "The thousand…

How can our relationship with fear deepen our practice? In this rich talk, Dale Borglum explains that in fear, we are separated from our feeling of unity. Yet, all true contemplative traditions teach that the end of the spiritual path brings us to the realization that all is one. He speaks of the two main spiritual paths: Devotion and Self-Inquiry.…

Why is wholesome speech one of the hardest precepts to navigate? In this talk, Tom Baker explores the many nuances of wise conversation, including: The ways our words cause suffering The intoxicating aspect of slander and gossip The mindfulness component of watching our speech Listening with our whole presence Our responsibility to speak out agains…

What is humanity's relationship to change? In this talk, Syra Smith shares her thoughts on impermanence, leading with this quote: "Change is the thread woven through the fabric of Human existence, a constant force shaping our journey. In transition, we navigate the spectrum of emotions, from the excitement of new beginnings to the discomfort of unc…

What does it mean to "be Buddhist?" In his signature honest and humorous style, Kevin Griffin enriches this powerful and practical talk with numerous examples and approaches to making the dharma real in our everyday lives. He shares that living the dharma is not about doing activities that are Buddhist, but instead making every activity we engage w…

What does it mean to go beyond separation as described in the Heart Sutra? Prasadachitta prefaces this rich talk by asking us to consider all the ways we are steeped in separation. This is evidenced by our language's practice of adding -ism to a tradition or condition to define ourselves or others -- a practice that can serve as a judgment that fos…

Do we trust our thoughts more than the wisdom of our own experience? In this talk, David Lewis helps us see that our reliance on thinking and studying can be an obstacle to gaining a true understanding of reality. He outlines that Sangha can help us gain wisdom in three ways, through: Direct experience - meditating in silence Listening to Dharma ta…

Can generosity lead to joy in a wounded world? Ian Challis believes so, and helps us explore both our generous impulses and the actions they give rise to if we allow it. Generosity is the first of the 10 Paramis or beautiful qualities that lead to Buddhahood: Generosity Virtue Renunciation Wisdom Energy Patience Truthfulness Resolve Loving Kindness…

Steven Tierney shares that we begin to truly embody the Bodhisattva vow when our decisions are based on their impact on "we" rather than "I." We pause and consider others before we think or act. It doesn't mean we forget ourselves, but that others are considered in our actions. Taking this vow we commit to not being instigators of any further chaos…

How can our practice inform encounters with dark times, when we feel loss or face a turning point with trepidation? Laura Burges shares that we can find "fountains of joy" even in going to the places that scare us. Our practice is not separate from the dark places - we can turn towards the darkness and examine it clearly and experience the "soft he…

We all have Stories, Opinions, and Ideas but we don't have to buy into them. In this talk, Rev. Daigan Gaither explains that as humans, our minds think; it's just what they do. Letting go of these thoughts can become the focus of our practice. He examines the trap of thinking that our meditation should be a certain way, but then our experience ofte…

Alchemy is all about transformation, and there is nothing in our practice more transformative than generosity - toward both ourselves and others. In this talk, Kevin Martin shares that what we do on the cushion is the most generous thing we can give to ourselves. Our practice can help us disrupt personal karma by making us more curious about the de…

How do we bring our practice into the difficult moments of relationships with others? Can we learn from these and approach them with curiosity and presence as an opportunity to grow? René Rivera looks at the ways our practice can help us become more aware of when our words or behaviors generate conflict. He shares his approach to mend these transgr…

The Diamond Approach incorporates some aspects of psychology to look at what causes our suffering, obscures our innate qualities, and stands in the way of personal freedom. In this talk, Trip Weil examines a key aspect he sees that the Diamond Approach shares with Buddhism: one calls it the super-ego, and the other speaks of the demon Mara. He expl…

How do we quiet the 'monkey mind' that dwells on regrets of the past and fear of the future? In this talk, Michaiel Patrick Bovenes shares that the monkey mind is fueled by immature aspects of our ego. He looks at the stages our ego goes through as we mature: Am I getting enough? Am I good enough? Am I doing enough? I am enough. He explains how we …

Sometimes it can be a relief to hear the recognition offered in the First Noble Truth: that suffering exists and everyone experiences it. In addition to this fact, the Buddha taught that suffering can be ended. All of his teachings on achieving this freedom from suffering fall under two wings: wisdom and compassion. In this talk, infused with dharm…

Dharma friends for over 30 years, Danadasa and John Del Bagno present Dharmic poetry, artwork, and chanting. View the artwork and poetry selections at https://gaybuddhist.org/podcast/art-poetry-and-the-imagination-danadasa-chan-john-del-bagno/ ______________ Dhammachari Danadasa has been practicing with the San Francisco Buddhist Center (SFBC) comm…

Understanding impermanence is essential for awakening to the dharma - the truth of the way things are. All conditioned phenomena that we experience are impermanent, which is part of the difficulty in life, yet it is perfectly normal. In this talk, Eugene Cash begins with instruction for listening to any dharma talk: by relaxing but remaining aware.…

We often come with specific expectations about how the practice will help us reduce our suffering. But how do we react when these expectations are not met? What can we learn from these experiences? In this talk, Steven Tierney helps us explore: We often get attached to fixed views because we crave certainty, knowing that we are doing something the …

Instead of seeing ourselves as separate from the world we observe, can we imagine that it is the Buddha looking out through our eyes, wishing the best for everyone and everything? In this talk, Larry Robinson explains that in the Mayahana traditions, we sit and practice not to attain or accomplish anything, but to express our Bodhicitta, our true n…

In some of her books, Laura Burges writes about addiction, which she sees as a metaphor for the craving we all experience that leads to suffering. To counter this, the dharma, much like recovery, is passed from person to person. In this talk, she examines the fable of Rumplestiltskin and how greed and craving can take hold of us like a curse or a s…

Who or what do we refer to when we say, "I am..."? In this talk, Dorothy Hunt explores the difference between the 'home ground' of just being, before we add definitions of 'I am.' Our pure being, or Buddha nature, is always becoming something, and often underlies the doing that we experience. However, as we focus more on doing, it draws us into a n…

In what ways do we engage in retaliation in our relationships? How can we let go of this urge? In this talk, Dave Richo defines retaliation as reacting equally to the harm that was initiated against us; revenge on the other hand is a magnified form of retaliation. He looks at what various spiritual traditions have to say about retaliation. From a p…

Part 3: GBF 2023 Fall Retreat. How do we embody in our lives the practices we learn and the qualities we develop on retreat? In this talk, Donald Rothberg examines how we can 'bring the retreat home' with us and make our practice real in everyday life. He suggests key methods for accomplishing this, including: Become grounded in one's body. Meditat…

Part 2 - GBF 2023 Fall Retreat Most spiritual traditions and religions speak about the value of compassion, but Buddhism seems to be the only one with specific practices for developing this quality and opening our hearts. In this talk, Donald Rothberg explores the challenges we face when opening our hearts. Once we do, how do we integrate this comp…

Part 1: GBF 2023 Fall Retreat. Our teacher for the weekend, Donald Rothberg, informs us that the purpose of Buddhist practice is to move beyond techniques and teachings, into a deep state of resting in one's own being. There we can experience insight into Impermanence, Dukkha, and Not-Self that informs our behavior in daily life. A 45-min dharma ta…

In this stressful world, there are many things we can do to alleviate our suffering and the world's, but there's only so much we can change. That's when it becomes important to realize the ways in which we are powerless, and to take refuge from the resulting stress. In this talk, David Lewis shares that true refuge is not a place or a person, it is…

As queer/non-conforming individuals, how do we claim our unique way of living, but also let go of our attachment to an identity? In this talk, JD Doyle explores how we can re-orient ourselves to our lives, and connect with the non-human aspects of our world, such as other life forms and the natural world. As we witness so many attacks on various ca…

When we open our heart, we open it to all experiences: our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. Danadasa opens this talk by reading a poem from the book by Dawna Markova, "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life" He shares an image that represents the meaning of Vadrasana - the "Diamond Throne," on which the Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment und…

Can we see the extraordinary in the ordinary? How can we discover the sacred in the mundane? In this talk, Tetsugan Tom Baker examines how we can come to realize that we already have everything we need to experience the sacred in our lives. He looks at the common desire for transcendence that underlies most spiritual pursuits, whether Bhakti yoga o…

How can we use the experience of anxiety to understand the Buddhist concept of emptiness? Dale Borglum shares that our understanding of emptiness is necessary for conscious living and conscious dying, the subject of his life work. Just being on the spiritual path can lead us into anxiety at times, because we are letting go of our identity. This anx…

Do we have the ability to laugh at ourselves? Bill Weber shares that this is a terrific way to work with one of the foundations of Buddhist wisdom: the concept of Non-self. The allure of our sense of self can easily lead us to become overly attached to our identity. We become competitive, demanding, and obsessive about the way we are treated. To co…