Brian Lesage: Entering the Stream of Kindness

(Cambridge Insight Meditation Center) We are living through a profound pivot point. The old myths of our civilization–endless growth, rugged individualism, and “us first” hierarchies are crumbling. In their place, fear, division, and the architecture of fascism are rapidly rising. As the Jungian analyst Edward Edinger warned, when a central myth breaks down, meaning drains away, and primitive forces rush in. The Buddha also lived in a world burning with greed, hatred, and delusion. He challenged the systems of his time, endured attempts on his life, negotiated peace between warring factions, and even stood before armies bent on destruction. In the Sakka-pañha Sutta, when asked why beings who wish for peace end up in rivalry and violence, he pointed to the root: the mind entangled in papañca, the web of proliferating stories that harden separation. How then do we understand this immense historic moment? We can take courage from the Buddha. He didn’t always succeed. Even with his wisdom and compassion, he could not prevent the destruction of his own people. Yet he still stood before armies, still spoke truth, and still acted with courage. Even when outcomes are uncertain, we too are called, at this time, to step forward with clarity, compassion, and steadfastness. Together we will explore how to bring the medicine of the Dharma into this moment of profound challenge, not as escape, but as a path of right action, refuge, and renewal.

(Flagstaff Insight Meditation Community)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)

(Cittaviveka)

(Buddhist Society Summer School)

(Gaia House) A meditation, reflection, and (just the) responses to questions on the theme of appropriate calming and energising: and what it reveals and opens about experience and freedom.

(Buddhist Society Summer School) 00:11 Q1 I have an urge for an inspirational, imaginational arising. It shows itself as a wish to be inspired. I find it hard to connect with Buddhist mythology, "seeing things as they are” seems not to be beneficial all the time. Some people in places seem to have a special effect on me and I can have so many positive feelings just by thinking about them. It feels like a gift. Is it real? Or constructed idea? 26:11 Q2 What is the relationship between the citta which is intrinsically luminous, nibbana, sensation and the anidassana viññāṇa described as endless and luminous all over. 36:52 Q3 How can we live wisely with past hurts? Related Q: I've noticed a change within the spectrum of love and hate that surprises me. It's not that I feel less for people but the craving and the attachment are missing in a way that allows me to feel more completely as I don't get lost in it.

(Karuna Buddhist Vihara) This dhamma talk, guided meditation, questions and responses was offered on September 6, 2025 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - Guided Meditation 19:45 - DHAMMA TALK 45:10 - Questions & Responses

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center)