Recorded October 31, 2007
with 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. Stephen Batchelor is a clear and lucid scholar speaking directly from the heart of his own deep practice; he shares with us some important tools for our own walk on the spiritual path.

Recorded: October 24th, 2007
Speakers: Tias Little
Show: 72

Tias Little, founder of Prajna Yoga gives this talk about the bservation of movement and change both within and without. He quotes from Buddha, Dogen and Thich Nhat Hanh as he explores the ‘most powerful of mindfulness meditations’ –that on birthing and deathing.

He discusses how our bias towards the present moment creates a tickiness which pulls us out of the present moment and discusses ways we might ‘right our boat” and re-orient our attention.

More on Prajna Yoga

Recorded October 10th, 2007
with Matt Flickstein

In this Dharma Talk, Matt Flickstein takes us through the Seven Stages of Purification according to the Theravaddin Tradition. He elucidates the spiritual path allowing us to see through the obscurations of the mind to our inherent freedom. The stages are like concentric circles as we weave through the stages daily and over time as we unfold and grow in the pratice. Matt lays out the map so we can track where we are in the process, beginning with the preliminary realizations that bring us to the beginning of a serious spiritual practice and moving through the seven stages of purification: purification of virtue, of mind, of view, by overcoming doubt, by knowledge of what is and what is not the path, by knowledge of the way, and by knowledge and vision.