Dharma Roadside Dialogue 2024

Dharma roadside dialogue

Dharma Roadside Dialogue 2024 #1

Dharma Roadside Dialogue 2024 #1 January

What about the Preliminary Exercises?
Is the preliminary practice stage essential?
What to do with resistance to undertaking this section of the path?
Where is the training in calm abiding (Samatha) in these exercises?

20240224_Dharma roadside dialogue #2 February Common Preliminaries

20240330_Dharma roadside dialogue #3 March. Extraordinary Preliminary practices

Body, speech and mind's attitude in the exercise of prostration.

Advice

About Prostrations

How to deal with mental distractions? For example going to the cinema or theater, reading a novel, social media, or watching TV. Does distraction come from the fact that the mind cannot find itself within itself, and is disturbed by perceptions, by forms, by sensations?
How can we stay on course when we are too lucid about what is happening in our society?

20240427_Dharma roadside dialogue #4 Dharma and social life.

20240427_Dharma roadside dialogue #4 April Dharma and social life.

Navigating the Terrain of Change
Synopsis:
Denial, or refusal of change. Fear of the unknown. Attachment to the usual, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. All these little deaths that we go through in our daily lives can be rebirths in a higher state of consciousness, freer, better equipped to embrace the everyday and what it brings us. How can we prepare to meet the inevitable?
I.The Resistance to Change
This section explores the common human reactions to change, highlighting denial, fear, and attachment to familiarity as key obstacles. It emphasizes how these reactions, while seemingly negative, can be viewed as opportunities for growth and transformation. 
II. Transformation Through Acceptance
This section focuses on reframing the experience of change. It argues that embracing the unknown and letting go of old patterns can lead to a higher level of consciousness and a greater capacity to navigate life's challenges. 
III. Preparing for the Inevitable
This section poses the question of how to cultivate a mindset that is receptive to change. It suggests that developing specific skills and practices can empower individuals to meet change with greater resilience and adaptability.

The synopsis main message is that change is an inevitable part of life and that embracing it can lead to personal transformation and a richer life experience.

Glossary of Key Terms:
Denial: The refusal to acknowledge or accept a reality or situation.
Fear of the unknown: Apprehension and anxiety stemming from uncertainty about future events or experiences.
Attachment: An emotional connection or bond to a person, place, or thing.
Little Deaths: Symbolic representations of the daily letting go of old habits, beliefs, or attachments.
Rebirth: A metaphorical representation of transformation and renewal that occurs after a period of change or loss.
Higher State of Consciousness: A level of awareness characterized by greater understanding, wisdom, and acceptance.
Embrace: To willingly accept and welcome something, even if it is challenging.
Inevitable: Something that is certain to happen and cannot be avoided.
Comfort Zone: A psychological state where a person feels safe and in control, often characterized by familiar routines and behaviors.
Resilience: The ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, challenges, and setbacks.

20241019 Dharma Roadside Dialogue #8 October Navigating the terrain of change

Resident Dharma Teacher at the Bodhipath Buddhist Center in Natural Bridge, VA

20241019 Dharma Roadside Dialogue #8 October Navigating the terrain of change

Lama Tsony