Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction

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Latest Episodes:

Ayya Santacitta: Iddhipada IV: Integration ~ Not Relinquishing One's Seat In the Midst of Challenges Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation including a poem from the Sioux Nation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene IV | Online Wednesday-Morning

Donald Rothberg: Practicing the Wise Speech Guideline of Truthfulness: Four Dimensions of Practice 2 Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We review the importance of giving attention to ethical practice, and how it has often been marginalized in Western Buddhism, with meditation typically being at the center (as is evident in speaking of “meditation centers” and “meditation groups”). Wise Speech, as one of the three aspects of ethical practice named in the Noble Eightfold Path, is particularly important in contemporary Western practice; we can have an opportunity for many hours a day of spiritual practice if we bring Wise Speech practice into our lives! The Buddha’s four guidelines for Wise Speech were truthfulness, helpfulness, care and kindness, and appropriateness (especially good timing). We focus, in this second talk on the first guideline of truthfulness, on how we understand and practice being truthful in our relational and social lives, with reference also to how truthfulness is understood in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. We see how truthfulness is crucial in communities and societies, what the consequences are of a lack of truthfulness, and how one dimension of our Wise Speech practice is helping to develop more truthfulness in our communities and societies. The talk is followed by discussion.

Donald Rothberg: Guided Meditation: Developing Concentration and Mindfulness, Ending with Three Reflections on Practicing Wise Speech Sep 16, 2026

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(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) First, there are basic instructions in developing concentration offered, including the optional "three-part breath" technique which can help with avoiding controlling the breath and with developing more continuity. Then basic mindfulness instructions are given. The last minutes bring in reflection and inquiry questions related to our practice of wise speech, including the guideline of truthfulness, related to the talk that follows the guided practice. This is followed by discussion about different aspects of our practice.

Gavin Milne: Morning Instructions - Illuminating the Inner Weather, Becoming Aware of Mind States Sep 16, 2026

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(Gaia House)

Gavin Milne: Talk - Wisdom is Not Enough Sep 15, 2026

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(Gaia House)

Mark Nunberg: The Sublime Resting Place of Goodwill - Talk Sep 15, 2026

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(Common Ground Meditation Center)

Mark Nunberg: The Sublime Resting Place of Goodwill - Meditation Sep 15, 2026

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(Common Ground Meditation Center)