Undefended Dharma with Mary Stancavage

The idea of experiencing darkness in our spiritual practice is an old one and often means facing difficulties or challenges. Although we're tempted to avoid this discomfort, the invitation is to stay…

In this teaching the Buddha invites us to investigate what it is like when suffering is not present. It doesn't mean there are no challenges or difficulties, but these seven factors offer a way to le…

One of the biggest barriers to our practice is ill-will or anger and resentment and the antidote is loving kindness. It is vital to our practice and also necessary as we cultivate care and concern fo…

There is so much in our world to be heartbroken about today. Heartbreak can sometimes lead to anger however this practice invites us to be with the heartbreak and instead move into Wisdom and Compass…

This moment in 2020 can feel very chaotic and full of fear, and we can become trapped in the search for certainty. However, that chase for assurances that things will turn out the way we want is empt…

We often hear about how the practice allows us to experience a sense of spaciousness, but what does that mean and how do we get there? It's actually helpful to examine how we tend to be constricted a…

Oftentimes when we think we're being strong we're actually defending ourselves or shutting down. The pseudo-strength comes from our armor which is really a type of aversion. In this teaching, origina…

Equanimity is the culmination of many Buddhist lists and is a place of wisdom, clarity and and deep intimacy with our own experience. In this talk Mary discusses what equanimity is and isn't and how …

So many of our thoughts and emotions are habitual and not necessarily tied to what is happening in the present moment. The Buddha talked about this conditioning and the need to let go of the habits a…

The Buddha said that admirable friendship is the whole of the holy life. Friendship, connection and community are always important, but seemingly even more so as we move through this world of pandemi…

The Four Passing Sights, also known as the Four Messengers is a famous story about Siddhartha Guatama and when he first encounters the reality of life and suffering. These were catalysts for him to l…

Even during a global pandemic there seems to be so much that needs to be done. It's easy to be caught up in the need to fix or take care of or just do something. Many times we feel uneasy about takin…

In the Satipatthana Sutta, the Budda's teaching on mindfulness, he offers a way to develop insight and awareness. The practice is not just about when we're sitting on the 'cushion' but about being aw…

Life is challenging for all of us especially right now, and our natural go-to is not always kindness and compassion. However, responding to rage, fear and other emotions with kindness and compassion …

 The Paramis (paramitas) are ten qualities said to be necessary for awakening. However, they can also serve as a framework as we maneuver the highs and lows of our daily lives. Sylvia Boorstein descr…

It's so easy to be caught up in our thoughts, emotions and everything that's going on in the world today. We can become reactive and operate from our fixed views and preconceived ideas rather than se…

Another challenging week in our world with loss, violence and moments of joy. How do these teachings help us to hold all the emotions yet also move forward with what Roshi Joan Halifax calls 'wise ho…

The term 'skillful means' (upaya) is used a lot in Buddhist circles, but what does it mean and how do we utilize the teachings to move through out lives? Mary discusses upaya as a way to move away fr…

It's nice to think that we follow the precepts because we want to be in harmony with the world, but often times it takes remorse and fear of repercussions to dig us out of our old conditioning. The B…

The Buddha said, "Impermanent are conditioned things," but that has not stopped humans from thinking things are solid and permanent. Using the book The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor as…