Acceptance is not Complacency

In these uncertain times, our roles as individuals in the sweeping events washing over the world stage can feel deeply unclear, sometimes frightening and frequently overwhelming. It is tempting to respond to these often painful situations by vacillating between anger and complacency. Buddhist teachings can offer insight into accepting “what is” while developing the capacity for equanimity and the courage for wise action. Join Ven Tenzin Chogkyi and Mathew Divaris in a lively conversation where we navigate the nuances of accepting where we are, while cultivating a wish for positive transformation and avoiding the traps of striving and complacency.

Words Matter: The Power of Skillful Speech

The concept of Right Speech (or "Skillful Speech") is core to many Buddhist teachings about how to live an ethical life and avoid causing harm. In our hyperconnected world, our ability to communicate beyond face-to-face has increased exponentially, and navigating our own speech (and written words) is important because of the wide-ranging ramifications that our words can have on others, as well as on our own minds. In this talk and meditation, Ven Tenzin takes us through the practical advice given in the traditional teachings so that we can exercise our communication with skill and compassion.

The Four Virtues of the Heart

His Holiness the Dalai Lama has often commented that the foundation of Buddhist practice is cultivating a good heart. As important as mindfulness and concentration meditations are within the Buddhist tradition, it is crucial to balance such practices with the cultivation and development of altruism, good will and care. The practice of the Four Immeasurables is the ideal technique for achieving this goal.

The Four Immeasurables, or the Four Brahmaviharas, as they are called in the Pali tradition, are loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. These characteristics are essential qualities that when developed lead to constructive emotions, well-being and genuine happiness.

Join Ven. Tenzin and host Mathew Divaris for a conversation about these universal human values, how to develop them, obstacles that may arise, and how they support each other.