Keep an eye on Unproductive Kammax at the bottom of the main page and at Dhamma Comics for some beautiful renderings of famous teachings, including A Taste of Freedom by Ajahn Chah and a visual tour of the Pali Canon!
A Visual Taste of Freedom Read More »
This last Wednesday we had a lively conversation around the topic of our mental landscape – small worldly concerns becoming massive mental hindrances. Sometimes we make a decision and we don’t get to know if it was the right one, and we can agonize and worry and dwell on what could have been. It’s amazing
Coming to terms with Uncertainty Read More »
Since the first of the year, Tahn Pamutto has been in residence in a spacious and well-equipped apartment generously offered in the town of Shelburne, not far from the Vipassana Meditation Center. During this time most of the online broadcasts have come from that location and there were many daylongs and even a weeklong retreat
Goodbye to Shelburne, For Now Read More »
In this Uposatha reflection, Tahn Pamutto discusses in depth the Second Noble Truth – that of the Origin of Suffering, namely Craving. It takes wisdom and investigation to see how this seemingly innocuous force in our daily lives, the gross or subtle wanting that drives us into situations, is in fact the requisite condition for
Talk: The Second Noble Truth Read More »
The latest Upavana newsletter is out, a bit early for the fall season to let everyone know about upcoming events in September. If you didn’t get the email, you can see it here: UPAVANA FALL NEWSLETTER You can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of any page!
Upavana Fall Newsletter Read More »
Meditation: We started with a meditation. First we calmed ourselves, slowing down from the activity before. Listening to the house we were in, and getting quiet enough to hear it creak and gurgle. Things are always changing! Then we suggested a few scenarios that were a little silly but would be dukkha for someone in
Family Group: The First Noble Truth Read More »
On the Uposatha with a group online and in-person, Tahn Pamutto reflects on the First of the Four Noble Truths. These foundational teachings are not just true, in that they apply to all people, but they are ennobling – they allow us to be better, happier, and to suffer less. The first noble truth is
Talk: The First Noble Truth Read More »
(This story and reflection come from a session of Upavana’s online “Lay Sangha Chat”, held on the first and last quarter Moon, open to all and hosted by Upavana sangha members.) “So I bought the chocolate bar. And ate it.” He shrugged his shoulders with a good-humored expression of “I tried not to, but
The Chocolate Hindrance Read More »
The family group has collectively decided to take a look at one of the quintessential buddhist teachings: the Four Noble Truths. This is not an easy topic to cover, and even those who have devoted their whole lives to buddhist practice have not exhausted their exploration of the topic. But at its core the Four
Introduction to the Four Noble Truths Read More »
Tahn Pamutto has at last collected all the various resources gathered by the family group over the last year under one heading. There is surprisingly little material out on the web around forming family dharma groups, so if you know anyone doing or interested in starting, pass them the link. It can be found on
Family Group Resources Read More »
