Transforming the Mind
Robina Courtin

Source: Lamrim.com

Three Jewels
Ken McLeod

The first of a two-part talk dealing with Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (the Three Jewels) and about appropriate efforts for the student.

Source: Unfettered Mind

What Is Buddhism?
Robert Thurman

Bob Thurman explains how Buddhism is, contrary to popular thought, not a religion based on any type of faith or belief. Rather, Buddhism is a way of understanding the true nature of reality through wisdom.

Source: Bob Thurman Podcasts

The Heart of Mind Training
Roshi Joan Halifax

Roshi Joan Halifax reminds us of Milarepa's words: "To sum up: First, a vivid state of mental tranquility and a sustaining energy together with a discerning intellect are indispensable requirements for attaining perfect insight. They are like the first steps of a staircase. Second, all meditation, with or without form, must begin from deeply aroused compassion and love. Whatever one does must emerge from a loving attitude for the benefit of others. Third, through perfect seeing, all discrimination is dissolved into a non-conceptual state. Finally, with an awareness of the void, one sincerely dedicates the results for the benefit of others. I have understood this to be the best of ways." --The Life of Milarepa.
She unpacks the words of Milarepa in our meditational experience. She then goes on to explore why is it important to train the mind, developing awareness through mindfulness, cultivating reflectivity (stability and insight), and prosocial states of mind (four boundless abodes). She describes the three outcomes we train for: mental stability, vividness, and relaxation.

Source: Upaya Zen Center Podcasts