Approaching Buddhism: Mind Training as a Means to Greater Happiness

Approaching Buddhism: Mind Training as a Means to Greater Happiness

John Bruna, Spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, offers practical and powerful guidance on Buddhist mind training. He describes how our suffering doesn’t so much come from the events of life, but rather from how we relate to the events in our lives. John introduces many ways that we can cultivate the…

Approaching Buddhism: The Benefits of Altruism

Approaching Buddhism: The Benefits of Altruism

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Foundation, talks about the Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice of great compassion. In this session, he describes many benefits of altruism and introduces many wisdom perspectives that will help us live with less suffering. He describes how traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings on compassion have been…

Approaching Buddhism: Bodhicitta, The Great Compassion

Approaching Buddhism: Bodhicitta, The Great Compassion

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, offers commentary and guidance on the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John unpacks a section of text devoted to bodhicitta known in Tibetan Buddhism as the great compassion. He gives helpful advice on cultivating compassion…

Approaching Buddhism: The Importance of Kindness and Compassion

Approaching Buddhism: The Importance of Kindness and Compassion

In this episode, John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, gives commentary and guidance for entering the Buddhist Path through the doors of kindness and compassion. He also speaks about the dynamic of creating a healthy sense of self while engaging in activities that don’t enhance self-importance. John describes how…

Approaching Buddhism: History and Various Traditions

Approaching Buddhism: History and Various Traditions

John Bruna, spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, continues to give commentary on the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John discusses the roots of Buddhism by giving a history of the Buddha’s life and teachings. He discusses the importance and interrelationship between different lineages…

Approaching Buddhism: The Spread of Buddhism in the Modern World.

Approaching Buddhism: The Spread of Buddhism in the Modern World.

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, teaches about the spread of Buddhism throughout the world and the cultural overlays that blend with Buddhism as it manifests in different countries. He speaks about the importance of how the Buddha taught to different mind streams of different sentient beings but always…

Approaching Buddhism: Survival of the Most Cooperative

Approaching Buddhism: Survival of the Most Cooperative

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, continues the discussion in the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. In this session, John focuses in on interdependence and the countless causes and conditions that give us the life we have. He discusses how successful…

Approaching Buddhism: A Good State of Mind

Approaching Buddhism: A Good State of Mind

The Way of Compassion Dharma Center’s spiritual director, John Bruna, engages in conversation and guidance around cultivating a good state of mind. John begins by answering questions about karma and the realms of existence as described from the Buddhist perspective. He then unpacks the teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron…

Approaching Buddhism: Constructive Actions

Approaching Buddhism: Constructive Actions

John Bruna, the Spiritual Director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, provides practical guidance and methods to cultivate constructive actions. He speaks about how we can strengthen our ability to engage in actions with compassion and wisdom through familiarity. John also points out how our own self-critical attitude is a manifestation of our mental…