Dharma Teachings

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on the Text, “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path” by Kathleen McDonald. John lays a foundation for his teaching on the 4 fundamental general characteristics of Karma and covers the first of these characteristics. He offers a helpful inroad to the reality…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna helps us understand what it means to take refuge in the teachings of the awakened ones. He talks about how what we are really taking refuge in is the Dharma, which are teachings that ultimately lead us to know reality as it is. John distills the journey to…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna gives a talk about the Buddhist view of Samsara and the true causes of suffering. Upon this foundation, he then speaks about how to correctly understand what taking refuge in the Buddha’s teachings and practices actually means.

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna unpacks the complicated Buddhist understanding of Karma. His practical approach gives us an easy entrance into engaging with these teachings and clears away many obstacles that our Western minds create around actions and their consequences. We are left with a sense of empowerment to engage in healthy actions…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna offers a talk on subtle impermanence. He talks about how bringing this aspect of reality into our daily thoughts and meditation can help us become an active participant in our own becoming as we are changing all the time.

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna discusses an important topic about how to engage in the dying process more peacefully. He covers three specific points of a death meditation that can help us loosen the strings of attachment to our family, friends, possessions, and body. John describes how these analytical meditations can prepare us…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna continues to offer his commentary on the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path” by Kathleen McDonald. John discusses the very foundation of Buddha Dharma practice by discussing and adding clarity to the preliminary practices known as the “4 thoughts that turn the mind to…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna continues his guidance and commentary with the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”.  His encouragement for this text is for us to investigate and meditate upon each topic of discussion for the week to gain further understanding and realization of the Stages of the…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna deepens his commentary on the Eight Worldly Dharmas by focusing in on Gain and Loss. He offers a wise and gentle approach to investigating our own behaviors to see how much of our time is spent trying to get what we want. John reminds us that getting what…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna brings clarity and important distinctions regarding the Eight Worldly Dharmas. He guides us to understand and recognize these Worldly Dharmas in our lives and gives clarity on how we can be sure that when these arise we can practice in a way that leads to liberation.