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…

Approaching Buddhism: A Synthesis of Daily Practice

Approaching Buddhism: A Synthesis of Daily Practice

John Bruna, the Spiritual Director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, continues to offer his commentary on the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chödron. John is known for translating the Dharma to make it practical and accessible for the daily life of a westerner. In this session,…

Approaching Buddhism: Analytical Meditation and Great Compassion

Approaching Buddhism: Analytical Meditation and Great Compassion

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion, continues his commentary on the text Approaching Buddhism by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chödron. John is known for clearly translating the Dharma into practical and accessible teachings for individuals with a western mind. In this session, John offers clarity on analytical…

Approaching Buddhism: The Antidote of Wisdom

Approaching Buddhism: The Antidote of Wisdom

In this session, John Bruna continues to teach from the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John offers a variety of accurate perspectives that act as antidotes to our mentally afflicted states. He also speaks about how important context and integration are for our rituals, meditation practices, and…

Approaching Buddhism: Working with Afflictions

Approaching Buddhism: Working with Afflictions

John Bruna, Spiritual Director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, continues to offer commentary and guidance on the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John brings the teachings of training the mind right into our daily lives in this session focused on working with afflictions in our…

Approaching Buddhism: Emotions and Survival

Approaching Buddhism: Emotions and Survival

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, discusses emotions from modern psychological and Buddhist perspectives . He discusses how emotions can be helpful and even save our lives. On the other hand, emotions rooted in exaggeration and projection can be quite harmful to ourselves and others. John offers clear examples…

Approaching Buddhism: Unrealistic Expectations and Disillusionment

Approaching Buddhism: Unrealistic Expectations and Disillusionment

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Foundation, continues to offer commentary and guidance on the text “Approaching Buddhism” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chödron. In this session, John gives guidance around disillusionment stemming from unrealistic expectations.