Holding On and Letting Go

Posted: June 10th, 2010 | Teacher: Philip V. Starkman | Filed Under:

The burden of holding on (grasping, craving, attachment) is clearly seen around us. The rewards of letting go become evident to us personally, socially and environmentally through practice of mindful living.


Kilesas: What Keeps Us Stuck in the Mire of Our Misery

Posted: April 7th, 2010 | Teacher: Philip V. Starkman | Filed Under:

Without watching, without being alert we get drawn into that which leads to suffering. As a result of mindfulness we can see the causes of our suffering and abandon them.


Homo Sapiens, Wild Geese and Freedom

Posted: January 11th, 2010 | Teacher: Philip V. Starkman | Filed Under:

If we knew the purpose of this precious human life and the tragedy of wasting this extraordinary opportunity to be guided by this purpose, we would not forfeit practicing the Dhamma in the pursuit of temporary pleasures, irrelevant entertainment, or unnecessary acquisitions.  By following the example of genuine spiritual warriors like Aung San Suu Kyi, we can overcome our fear, anger and ignorance, and rise to the pinnacle of human potential by courageously doing ‘what needs to be done’.


Introduction to Meditation

Posted: December 9th, 2009 | Teacher: Philip V. Starkman | Filed Under:

A brief overview of the basic meditation techniques practiced at Spring Rain Sangha is presented here, as well as reflections on the benefits of meditation and an introduction to Buddhist principles.


Love

Posted: December 9th, 2009 | Teacher: Philip V. Starkman | Filed Under:
Our very happiness relies on the giving and receiving of love.  But this isn’t the kind of conditional, romantic love that’s celebrated in popular love songs.  Rather, this deeper, absolute and unconditional love resides in each of us as an expression of our true nature.  As John Welwood writes:  “The light of unconditional love awakens the dormant seed potentials of the soul, helping them to ripen, blossom and bear fruit, allowing us to bring forth the unique gifts that are ours to offer in this life.”