As an ancient practice of deep listening, Dhammanusati is proven to develop an authentic spiritual connection and transformation. The central practices of Buddhism are meditation and Buddha-recitation (Nembutsu). Of the meditation practices, one of the most important practices is called Dhammanusati, the Contemplation of the Dharma. The practice consist of selecting a scriptural passage of…

Often Western Pure Land practitioners wonder how to fully practice Buddhanusmirti (Buddha Recitation). What are the nuances of this practice? How can this practice make a real different in our lives? How can its practice open us to ultimate salvation? This talk and subsequent Q & A will look into how to realistically practice Pure…

During this talk we will learn about the history of mandalas, ways they are used for engaging with the dharma, and what the meaning is of various symbols found in mandalas. Also, this talk and Q & A will look in how mandalas can support our practice. What is a mandala? It is a spiritual…

The Buddha mentioned that their were basic Five Hindrances that distracted us on the spiritual journey they are desire, aversion, fatigue, restlessness, and doubt. During the time of Buddha, when life was so much simpler, ordinary people suffered from these interferences. Today, contemporary life’s fast pace is full of new distractions never conceived by our…

Commemorating the Buddhist holiday of Nirvana Day, the death of the historical Buddha, this talk and Q & A will discuss the meaning and reality of nirvana and its relation to life and death. Most Americans have the misconception that nirvana is a sort of Buddhist heaven. However, “nirvana” literally means “quenching” or “blowing out,”…

“Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment–non-judgmentally and completely–rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future.” – Elizabeth Scott, M.S.

This insightful talk and Q & A will explore the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of the bodhisattva, which means “spiritual being” in Sanskrit. What is the meaning of the Bodhisattva? What are the practices and the goal of the Bodhisattva? Who can be one? What does it mean to the average person? Not only will this…

Modern technology has given our generation easy access to vast amounts of knowledge as well as an almost limitless salacious amount of pornographic imagery. Online you can view any sex act multiple times and some people become addicted to porn. What does Buddhism say about this? How does viewing pornography affect our minds as we…

This talk and subsequent Q & A will explore the Buddhist teaching of compassion through a real story of young woman, Toni. At the prime of her life with all the hope of the future before her, Toni falls ill with an incurable disease. Compassion in the Buddhist context comes from the Sanskrit work karuna,…