DHARMA TALKS--CDs of talks by David Chernikoff
A number of additional titles not listed are now
available. For more information and/or to order CDs, please contact
Myrna Castaline at 303-444-4423.
LEARNING TO EMBRACE CHANGE--February 21, 2006
This talk introduces a traditional Buddhist teaching call the Four Heavenly
Messengers. These existential “visitors” touch all of
our lives at one time or another--they represent aging, illness,
death, and a monastic, i.e. one who makes a commitment to live an
awakened life.
COMMITMENT TO AWAKENING--April 18, 2006
This talk is a discussion of the fourth of the Four Heavenly Messengers,
i.e. an exploration of the role that commitment plays in the process of
conscious living.
BECOMING YOUR OWN GUIDE--April 19, 2005
This talk is a reflection on the nature of inner guidance in the spiritual
life. Specifically, the issue of when to change practices, traditions,
or teachers is addressed as well as the relationship between being guided
from within and being open to guidance from spiritual teachers outside
of oneself.
BUDDHIST PRACTICE AND WESTERN PSYCHOLOGY--A 3-part
series November 1, 8, and 15, 2006
This series of talks is an extended reflection on the similarities and
differences between western psychology and Buddhist perspective. Particular
attention is paid to issues that are common sources of confusion for
western students--dealing with anger and other emotions, the importance
of attachment and
bonding as related to attachment as a source of suffering, the
concepts of ego and egolessness as
they are understood in eastern and western contexts.
PASSION, MONEY, AND MEANINGFUL WORK: Reflections on
Right Livelihood—October 17, 2006
This talk delves into the nature of right livelihood as it's
taught in the Buddhist tradition and as it's evolved in the context
of western practice. Questions that are addressed include: What is a wise
understanding of work and money? How does the western concept of
a “vocation” or "calling" relate
to the Buddhist view of livelihood? How do we create a balanced
life that reflects our deepest values?
SPIRITUAL WEALTH—February 13, 2007
This talk addresses the relationship between material wealth and spiritual
well being. The nature of the “wanting mind” is
examined and the inherent limitations of it are discussed. The
cultivation of innate qualities like generosity, lovingkindness,
faith, and bodhicitta (altruistic
intention) is presented as a method of celebrating our inner riches.
INSIGHT MEDITATIION AND THE INNER HEALER—April
13, 2007
This talk addresses the relationship between the practice of meditation
and the experience of healing. The distinction between “curing” and “healing” is
discussed and clarified. Three specific qualities that meditation
cultivates are described as the inner conditions that facilitate
the transformative healing of the whole person.
WORKING WITH A SPIRITUAL TEACHER—May 15, 2007
Relationships between spiritual teachers and their students can be healthy
or unhealthy. This talk addresses the potential benefits that come from
working with a spiritual teacher and offers some guidelines for creating
healthy relationships with those who guide us on the path of awakening.
The relationship between inner guidance and learning from a teacher is
also explored.
WHOLEHEARTEDNESS IN SPIRITUAL PRACTICE—October
7, 2003
This talk focuses on a
statement by a Zen teacher who said that “What matters
most is that you put your life on the line!” The role of
commitment as it relates to choosing our priorities in life is
discussed as well as the importance of finding an authentic
practice path that supports the full actualization of our true
nature.
SUFFERING AS A GATEWAY TO COMPASSION—April 3, 2007
This talk addresses the role of suffering in the process of
spiritual unfolding. As we deepen
our involvement with spiritual practice, we come to find that
our own suffering plays a key role in sensitizing our hearts. The “wounded
healer” is
one who can relate skillfully to the suffering
of others because he or she has learned to “convert poison
into medicine
SEXUALITY AND SPIRITUALITY—September 18, 2007
This talk addresses the role of sexuality in the process
of spiritual awakening. The central focus of the talk is the question, “What
is a wise and compassionate way to relate to our sexuality?”
A number of additional titles not listed are now available.
For more information and/or to order CDs, please contact Myrna Castaline
at 303-444-4423.
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