Cross River Meditation Center Podcast

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Meaning Of Becoming.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on Dependent Origination And The Phena Sutta Five Clinging Aggregates.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta Four Noble Truths.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Anatta Lakkhana Sutta.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Fire Discourse.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is one of seven recordings from our fall 2017 retreat at Won Dharma Center in Claverack, NY from October 19th to October 22nd. This talk is on the Kaccayayanagotta Sutta And Kalama Sutta.

Our retreats are structured by the Buddha’s dhamma as preserved in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Canon. Our retreats are a refuge form the world but not a retreat from the Dhamma so we avoid the asceticism of forced silence. Right Speech and the entire Eightfold Path provide the framework and guidance to develop the Buddha’s Dhamma. This how the Buddha taught - to develop the framework of the Eightfold Path in order to recognize and abandon ignorance of Four Noble Truths - to empty oneself of ignorance.

One of the first “rules” the Buddha established with the original sangha is that when gathered as a sangha to only discuss his Dhamma and have the Dhamma guide their moment-by-moment lives. In this way every moment that unfolds is an immediate opportunity to develop and establish the teachings of an awakened human being. Avoiding asceticism of any kind and guided by the Eightfold Path, the mindful interaction of our sangha during retreat develops the Dhamma as originally intended.

As you listen to these seven recordings notice the lighthearted laughter that is present throughout the talks and discussions, and the insight into the Three Marks Of Existence that is apparent from the sangha questions and comments. This lighthearted laughter is an expression of the joy developed from understanding the absurdity of maintaining ignorant views and the realization of the Buddha’s simple and direct teachings.

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is a recording of my Dhamma Talk and our Sangha discussion on the Malunkyaputta Sutta - a sutta on maintaining focus on the dhamma from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 24, 2017. The Buddha consistently refused to answer anything that would prove to be a diversion from the goal of the Eightfold Path, or would only reinforce ignorance.

“I do not answer these questions as they are not fundamental with the goal. They do not develop disenchantment, dispassion, with calming, with unbinding, with direct knowledge, with awakening. This is why I do not answer these questions...Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/malunkyaputta-sutta-staying-focused/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from October 18, 2017. This talk is on the Buddha’s teaching on developing lasting happiness.

The Buddha did not teach an all encompassing “Dharma” where all paths labeled “Buddhist” would develop what the Buddha describes as “awakened”: Unbound or Released from clinging to self-referential views. The Buddha was not concerned with presenting a scientifically provable dhamma. He did not teach a dhamma that was impossible to understand and develop. He taught a singular and well-focused Dhamma accessible to all who would develop it.

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/buddha-taught-happiness/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is a recording of my Dhamma Talk and Sangha discussion on the Vitakkasanthana Sutta - The Sutta Relaxation of Thoughts from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 17, 2017. In the Vitakkasanthana Sutta - the sutta on the relaxation of thoughts — the Buddha teaches that the refined mindfulness developed through the Eightfold Path brings a relaxed and peaceful quality of mind.

“…this is a person with mastery of thought sequences. This person thinks what they want whenever they want and does not think what is unskillful. This practitioner has severed craving and has brought an end to suffering and stress.... Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/the-vitakkasanthana-sutta-the-relaxation-of-thoughts/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is on the Anatta Lakkhana Sutta, the sutta on The Not-Self Characteristic. The Anatta-Lakkhana Sutta explains how a wrong view of self arises and how the interrelationship between this wrong view of self within an ever-changing environment results in ongoing suffering.

"When they find estrangement, passion fades out. With the fading of passion, they are liberated. When liberated, there is knowledge that they are liberated. They understand: 'Birth is exhausted, the integrated life has been lived out, what can be done is done, of this there is no more beyond.,, Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/anatta-lakkhana-sutta-the-not-self-characteristic/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is a Dhamma talk recorded at CrossRiver MeditationCenter in Frenchtown New Jersey on October 12, 2017. There were a few newcomers at this class and my talk is an introduction to meditation and mindfulness in the context of the Buddha’s Dhamma.

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from October 11, 2017. This talk is on the five common hindrances to awakening taught by the Buddha.

Hindrances or distractions will arise. They will have no permanent effect on your practice if you persevere. Hindrances are recognized mind states to be aware of. Be with them as dispassionately as possible. As long as you continue with your practice, hindrances will arise and subside until they no longer are a part of your conditioned thinking.

By putting aside resistance to meditation practice you will strengthen your resolve and begin to diminish your mind's natural tendency to resist the quiet and spacious mind developed by a true and effective meditation practice.

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/hindrances-practice/

 

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is a recording of my Dhamma Talk and Sangha discussion on Samadhi And Jhanas - Concentration And Absorption from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 10, 2017. The Samadhi Sutta shows the proper use of Shamatha-Vipassana meditation practiced within the broader framework of the Eightfold Path. The jhanas are not to be taken as mind states to achieve. The jhanas are simply an explanation of different levels of concentration.

“Friends, these are the four qualities that are developed from concentration. 

“Those who understand The Three Marks of Existence, 

For whom there are no disturbances, 

Free of desire, at peace, 

This one has abandoned confusion, delusion, and disappointment.... Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/samadhi-and-jhanas-concentration-and-absorption/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is the senenth of a series on Karma And Rebirth.
A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/karma-and-rebirth/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This Dhamma talk and Sangha discussion was recorded at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 5, 2017and is on the subject of fear arising during meditation and how this relates to anatta - wrong views of self. This was an appropriate talk as there was a newcomer at class. A brief introduction to Shamatha-Vipassana meditation within the broader framework of the Eightfold Path precedes tonight’s talk.

“Visakha, your clinging-mind has demanded too many answers and your question will lead to only more confusion and suffering. The Buddha’s path, the Eightfold Path culminates in unbinding. Is this not enough…Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/fear-meditation-anatta/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from October 4, 2017. This talk is the third of three talks on the meaning of becoming as the Buddha teaches becoming. One can either ignore ignorance and continue to become rooted in ignorance of Four Noble Truths or develop the Dhamma and become awakened.

 

There is much confusion as to the meaning of “becoming.” Due to this confusion, great license is taken in interpreting what is meant by becoming as taught by the Buddha. This confusion and the following misapplication of the Dhamma can be avoided by simply looking at the Buddha’s own words from three sutta’s - the Loka, Bhava, and Mula Sutta’s

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/shunyata-three-discourses-on-emptiness/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is the third of three talks on Shunyata - Emptiness from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on October 3, 2017. Rather than attempt to establish a self in everything (clinging to impermanent objects, events, and ideas) or to crave for establishment of self in discrete, impermanent phenomena, or conceptual “dharmas,” both extreme views, the Buddha taught emptiness as a way of describing that followers of his Dhamma should be empty of clinging to objects, events, views, and ideas, and should not attach any notion of self into, or onto, the impermanent phenomenal world.

“What is not present is understood as empty of what is not present. Whatever remains is understood as what is present - in what is seen there is only the seen, in what is heard there is only the heard, in what is cognized there is only what is cognized. “So, Ananda, this is (final) entry into emptiness which is in accord with reality and is undistorted and pure... Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/shunyata-three-discourses-on-emptiness/

Here is the archive for all of my Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

A live stream of our Saturday morning Dhamma class on September 30 2017 from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The stream begins every Saturday at 8:30 AM Eastern US time.

 

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is the sixth of a series on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/karma-and-rebirth/

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: https://becoming-buddha.com/dhamma-articles-and-talks-archive/

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

A live stream of our Thursday evening Dhamma class on September 28, 2017 from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The stream begins every Thursday at 7:15 PM Eastern US time.

 

Thursday's class in Frenchtown is on the Ratana Sutta. Nearly all schools of Buddhism refer to "The Triple Refuge" or taking refuge in “The Three Jewels.” Refuge is a place or state of mind that is a protection or a shelter from hardship or danger. Refuge is a place or state of mind that is a source of comfort and peace.

True refuge is found in:

1. The Buddha
2. The Dhamma
3. The Sangha

“"There is no more precious jewel than the teachings of the Buddha, the Dhamma. Understanding this brings true liberation and freedom.”…Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/ratana-sutta-true-refuge/

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from September 27, 2017. This talk is on the meaning of becoming as the Buddha teaches becoming. One can either ignore ignorance and continue to become rooted in ignorance of Four Noble Truths or develop the Dhamma and become awakened.

There is much confusion as to the meaning of “becoming.” Due to this confusion, great license is taken in interpreting what is meant by becoming as taught by the Buddha. This confusion and the following misapplication of the Dhamma can be avoided by simply looking at the Buddha’s own words from three sutta’s - the Loka, Bhava, and Mula Sutta’s

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/shunyata-three-discourses-on-emptiness/

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is the second of three talks on Shunyata - Emptiness from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on September 26, 2017. Rather than attempt to establish a self in everything (clinging to impermanent objects, events, and ideas) or to crave for establishment of self in discrete, impermanent phenomena, or conceptual “dharmas,” both extreme views, the Buddha taught emptiness as a way of describing that followers of his Dhamma should be empty of clinging to objects, events, views, and ideas, and should not attach any notion of self into, or onto, the impermanent phenomenal world.

“What is not present is understood as empty of what is not present. Whatever remains is understood as what is present - in what is seen there is only the seen, in what is heard there is only the heard, in what is cognized there is only what is cognized. “So, Ananda, this is (final) entry into emptiness which is in accord with reality and is undistorted and pure... Read More: https://becoming-buddha.com/shunyata-three-discourses-on-emptiness/

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

A live stream of our Saturday morning Dhamma class on September 23 2017 from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The stream begins every Saturday at 8:30 AM Eastern US time.

Each class will have a thirty minute Shamatha-Vipassana meditation followed by my Dhamma talk and Sangha discussion and conclude with Metta intentional meditation.

 

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is the fifth of a series on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: Karma And Rebirth

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talk Archive

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

A live stream of our Thursday evening Dhamma class on September 21, 2017 from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The stream begins every Thursday at 7:15 PM Eastern US time.

Each class will have a twenty minute Shamatha-Vipassana meditation followed by my Dhamma talk and Sangha discussion and conclude with Metta intentional meditation.

Thursday's class in Frenchtown is on the Sambodhi Sutta. In the Sambodhi Sutta the Buddha teaches the importance of admirable friends and other specific requirements in supporting self-awakening.

“For when one understands impermanence, clinging to anatta, to not-self, is abandoned. Understanding not-self uproots conceit. Unbinding arises in this moment.”…Read More

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from September 20, 2017. This talk is on the meaning of becoming as the Buddha teaches becoming. One can either ignore ignorance and continue to become rooted in ignorance of Four Noble Truths or develop the Dhamma and become awakened.

There is much confusion as to the meaning of “becoming.” Due to this confusion, great license is taken in interpreting what is meant by becoming as taught by the Buddha. This confusion and the following misapplication of the Dhamma can be avoided by simply looking at the Buddha’s own words from three sutta’s - the Loka, Bhava, and Mula Sutta’s

A related article is here: https://becoming-buddha.com/shunyata-three-discourses-on-emptiness/

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is the first of three talks on Shunyata - Emptiness from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey on September 19, 2017.

Rather than attempt to establish a self in everything (clinging to impermanent objects, events, and ideas) or to crave for establishment of self in discrete, impermanent phenomena, or conceptual “dharmas,” both extreme views, the Buddha taught emptiness as a way of describing that followers of his Dhamma should be empty of clinging to objects, events, views, and ideas, and should not attach any notion of self into, or onto, the impermanent phenomenal world.

“What is not present is understood as empty of what is not present. Whatever remains is understood as what is present - in what is seen there is only the seen, in what is heard there is only the heard, in what is cognized there is only what is cognized. “So, Ananda, this is (final) entry into emptiness which is in accord with reality and is undistorted and pure... Read More

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is the fourth of a series on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: Karma And Rebirth

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talk Archive

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from September 14, 2017.

This talk is on the Yasa Sutta. This short sutta teaches that developing the wisdom of the Buddha will bring the ability to avoid self-aggrandizing and the distraction that occurs from creating a "Dhamma" practice that is dependent on external entanglements as its theme.

“"Then there are those that cling to a group and takes food, clothes, shelter, and recognition from the group and becomes enamored with the group. They do not establish seclusion and will not end distraction…Read More

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This is my Dhamma talk streamed live every Wednesday at 12 noon eastern US time from September 13, 2017. This talk is on the Yuganaddha Sutta - Tranquility and Insight In Tandem.

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

A mind of contentment and gratitude is developed by acceptance and awareness of who and what we are as life occurs. It is only conditioned mind that creates the sense that we should be different than we are, and that our life experience should be different than it is.

A related article is here: Yuganaddha Sutta Tranquility and Insight In Tandem

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

A live stream of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class on September 12, 2017 from Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey. The stream begins every Tuesday at 7:15 PM Eastern US time.

Each class will have a twenty minute Shamatha-Vipassana meditation followed by my Dhamma talk and Sangha discussion and conclude with Metta intentional meditation.

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

Tuesday's class in Frenchtown will be on the The Sallatha Sutta, the sutta on the two arrows. This sutta is a key teaching as it clearly explains what for many is a confusing aspect of the Dhamma. In the teachings on what it means to awaken to The Four Noble Truths.

In this sutta the Buddha states that awakening is “understanding stress and unhappiness, abandoning the cause of stress and unhappiness, experiencing the cessation of stress and unhappiness, and developing the Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of stress and unhappiness.”... Read More

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

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Thank You. Peace.

Greeting Friends, I’m John Haspel

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from September 9, 2017.

This is the third of a series of talks and sangha discussion on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: Karma And Rebirth

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from September 7, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Nidana Sutta. In the Nidana Sutta, the Buddha focuses on recognizing and abandoning the Three Defilements of greed, aversion, and deluded thinking. A related article is here: The Nidana Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from September 5, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is the second of two talks on the Assuttava Sutta. In this sutta the Buddha teaches Dependent Origination in relation to the Five Clinging Aggregates and the difficulty in clinging to mental fabrications.

A related article is here: Assuttava Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from September 2, 2017.

This is the second of a series of talks and sangha discussion on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: Karma And Rebirth

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 31, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on The Anusota Sutta - Going WIth The Flow. The Anusota Sutta is another concise and remarkable sutta that shows how often the Buddha’s original teachings as preserved in the Pali Canon are simple and practical advice on staying focused within the framework for the development of lasting peace and happiness, the Eightfold Path.

A related article is here: Anusota Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 29, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is the first of two talks on the Assuttava Sutta. In this sutta the Buddha teaches Dependent Origination in relation to the Five Clinging Aggregates and the difficulty in clinging to mental fabrications.

A related article is here: Assuttava Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 26, 2017.

This is the first of a series of talks and sangha discussion on Karma And Rebirth.

A related article is here: Karma And Rebirth

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 24, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the  Bhaddekaratta Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha teaches the importance of being mindfully present of life as life unfolds developing auspicious days.

A related article is here: Bhaddekaratta Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This talk is from August 23, 2017 and is on Paradox And The Dhamma. Engaging in the dhamma and taking true refuge in the dhamma does not begin with recognizing the paradox of attempting to  “save all sentient beings” but with the realistic and achievable goal of individual awakening.

A related article is here: Paradox And The Dhamma

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 22, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the  Maha-Assapura Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha teaches the meaning of being contemplative.

A related article is here: Maha-Assapura Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 19, 2017.

This Saturday’s talk and sangha discussion is on the Khema Sutta. In this sutta the Buddha teaches that not all questions deserve a direct answer as the question it self is rooted in ignorance.

A related article is here: Khema Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 17, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Rahulavada Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha teaches his seven year old son proper mindfulness

A related article is here: Rahulavada Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This talk is from August 16, 2017 and is on Dependent Origination And Conditioned Mind

A related article is here: Dependent Origination And Conditioned Mind

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 15, 2017.

My talk  and sangha discussion is an introduction to the Buddha’s Dhamma.on the Maha-Assapura Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha teaches the meaning of being contemplative.

A related article is here: Introduction to the Buddha’s Dhamma

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

 

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 5, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Sankhitta Sutta. This is a concise teaching to a monk on completing the Path in seclusion.

A related article is here: Sankhitta Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 10, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Akankha Sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha teaches that if one wishes to be truly compassionate they will develop the Dhamma.

A related article is here: Akankha Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

 

This talk is on the meaning of the Paramitas - perfected qualities of mind from August 9, 2017.

A related article is here: Paramitas

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Tuesday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 8, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Arahant Sutta. In this concise teaching, the Buddha teaches that penetrative understanding of Five Clinging-Aggregates brings awakening.

A related article is here: Arahant Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Saturday Morning Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 5, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Bahiya Sutta. In this sutta the Buddha teaches the impatient Bahiya a succinct teaching of mindfulness leading to awakening.

A related article is here: Mindfulness of Bahiya

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This a recording of our Thursday evening Dhamma class at Cross River Meditation Center in Frenchtown, New Jersey from August 3, 2017.

My Dhamma talk and our Sangha discussion is on the Pariyesana Sutta. In this sutta the Buddha teaches the importance of a Dhamma practice focused on what will bring awakening and avoid what is more distraction.

A related article is here: Pariyesana  Sutta

All of my talks and videos are available through my website at Becoming-Buddha.com

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.

This talk is on the meaning of Shunyata - Emptiness - as the Buddha teaches emptiness. This the third of a series of four Wednesday talks on emptiness and the first talk based on the article below.

A related article is here: Shunyata

Here is the archive for all of John's Dhamma articles and talks: Dhamma Article and Talks

An audio only version of this video is available at my podcast archive: Becoming Buddha Podcast

If you find benefit from this talk please consider a donation at https://becoming-buddha.com/support-john-and-becoming-buddha-com/

Thank You. Peace.