The Self
Stephen Batchelor

In this talk, Stephen Batchelor uses a poem from the Dhammapada to elucidate the correct relationship with the self; that the self is something to be cultivated, fashioned and carved like a field, an arrow, and a block of wood. Stephen challenges us to not fall into the typical idea of the self as an illusion, but to recognize that it is the very thing we work with on the spiritual path. Quoting from the Buddha, he shares a story from the end of the Buddha’s life when he was asked whether there is or is not a self. The Buddha refuses to
answer either question. Stephen tries to answer both.

Source: Upaya Zen Center

Compassion
Rev. Heng Sure

Source: Audio Dharma

The Lies Our Mind Tells Us
Venerable Robina Courtin

Buddha is saying we live in a fantasy world. This world that we think is normal and real, with apples and carpets and flowers and people and dogs, he says, is a complete fantasy world. We're making reality up and it's all we've ever done. But when everything appears incredibly solid and real, it's hard to see that it's all an illusion.

Source: Hopkins Tibetan Buddhism Archive

How To Overcome Fear
Ven Sangye Khadro

“We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing completely that happiness and suffering come from ‘out there’. But in fact, our experience depends on us. We have full responsibility for our lives. The more we are aware, the better we become at making skillful choices.” Venerable Sangye Khadro will challenge our concepts of seeking satisfaction in a material world-not as a method of escape from the world, but as a way of balancing our material well being with our inner well being to create a harmonious world.

Source: Lamrim.com

Accepting that Everything Belongs
Ajahn Amaro

Source: Abhayagiri Monastery

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 Open Way
Trungpa Rinpoche

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism

Source: Shambhala International

Creative Engagement
Martine Batchelor

Rather than talking about non-attachment or non-grasping, we can talk about creative engagement.

Source: Audio Dharma

Yoga and Buddhism
Joan Halifax and Richard Freeman

Roshi Joan Halifax and Richard Freeman talk about the interplay of Buddhism and yoga. Both disciplines share strong mental and physical practices. Roshi uses stories from Buddha’s life and her interactions with the Lacandon Indians of Chiapas Mexico to illustrate.

Source: Upaya Zen Center