Dharma Teachings

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”.

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…

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…

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…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna gives a teaching on the seven forms of arrogance.

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…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna gives a very helpful teaching to clarify the differences and grey areas of aspiration versus attachment. He describes scenarios that may be a subtle form of attachment that actually serve as a temporary motivator for our journey to Enlightenment. This teaching goes right to the heart of one…

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on the text “Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John gives clarity on how to identify mental afflictions and how specifically misperception, anger, and attachment impact our experience.

Spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, John Bruna, gives a commentary on the origins of duhkha or dissatisfaction based on a section of text from the book “Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. John talks about how our habits driven by misperception can…

Spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, John Bruna, offers a teaching on the four attributes of the third noble truth or true cessation of suffering. By using this model of understanding, John clarifies the meaning of Nirvana as complete freedom from all mental afflictions rather than a temporary state of bliss, luminosity,…