Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The 12 Links of Dependent Origination

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The 12 Links of Dependent Origination

In this session, the Way of Compassion Dharma Center director John Bruna gives a Dharma talk about the 12 links of origination. These 12 links describe the how cycle of suffering, known as Samsara, comes into existence, and John describes how the path of Buddhist Dharma can break the link of ignorance setting us free…

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: Misperception

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: Misperception

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna begins a series of teachings that will give an in-depth view of the 12 links of dependent origination. He spends this session talking about the first link, defined as ignorance or misperception, that is specifically an inaccurate way of perceiving ourselves as independent and inherently existent.

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Six Perfections

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Six Perfections

In this session, Spiritual Director John Bruna talks about the path of a bodhisattva as the six perfections of generosity, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom. He also translates these perfections into a variety of different practices that can meet us where we are right now regardless of our scope of motivation within the…

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: Taking Refuge in the Truth

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: Taking Refuge in the Truth

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna offers an in-depth perspective of the Buddhist notion of taking refuge. He describes how we are taking refuge in the truth and the supportive structures that allow us to nurture a path of increasing clarity and living in accordance with “the way things are”.

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Medicine of Buddha Dharma

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Medicine of Buddha Dharma

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna digs into the heart of the Buddha’s teachings on the removal of all suffering. He intertwines commentary on Buddha Nature and the Bodhisattva path while showing us steps along the way for removing stress, worry, and fear from our lives. He finishes this empowering talk by offering a…

Samsara, Nirvana, Buddha Nature: Auxiliary Afflictions

Samsara, Nirvana, Buddha Nature: Auxiliary Afflictions

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna goes to the very heart of awakening by giving an in-depth discussion on root and auxiliary mental afflictions. He describes how from the root afflictions of misperception, anger, and attachment arises a variety of afflicted mental states that can lead to unhealthy behaviors. John finishes the talk with…

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Three Marks of Existence

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Three Marks of Existence

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a clarifying discussion about the three marks of existence. He describes practical ways to engage with these three realities that will lead to less suffering in our lives. John also answers a variety of questions about meditation practice and encourages some different daily practices that can help…

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Mental Affliction of Anger

Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature: The Mental Affliction of Anger

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna gives an in-depth teaching on the root affliction of anger. He describes the Buddhist view of anger as a very destructive mental state for ourselves and how it also leads to harmful behaviors toward others. John finishes this session by encouraging us all to practice patience which is…