Morris Newman: Buddhism and Hasidism
On November 22, 2020, sangha member Morris Newman talked about how Buddhism has many points of comparison with other spiritual paths, including the mystical Jewish tradition of Hasidism. As in Buddhism, Hasidism relies heavily on an oral tradition of anecdotes and saying of celebrated spiritual leaders. Morris, who spent six years living and studying in a Hasidic community in his 20s, retells many of the stories he heard personally, and relates them to Dharma practice.
Autumn Payne: Daily Life and Obstacles as the Path
On November 8, 2020, sangha member Autumn Payne shared a look inside a her busy life. She's a mother of two young children, a business owner, an educator, a wife and a refuge student of Lama Jinpa. Finding time for meditation, also called, the "training" is challenging, but the opportunity for Buddhist practice when life is busy is plenty. In this talk, Autumn will explore how the dharma is practiced in her daily life and how obstacles can become the way of the path.
Susan Farrar: Finding Bodhicitta
On November 1, 2020, sangha member Susan Farrar explored, "Finding Bodhicitta: I know I want to know, but I'm not too sure what it is, so I'm seeking it out. By listening again to Lama Jinpa's dharma talks and LRDC community members' talks and stories, I'm hearing a whisper of what it might be."
Doug Kleinsmith: Love and Justice
On October 25, 2020, sangha member Doug Kleinsmith talks about Love and Justice, and how the combination of the two is bodhisattva work, that is, skillful means. It takes work to learn and to build these skills. This is bodhisattva work!
Jesus Sanchez: Azteca & Traditional Healing Practices of Mexico
On October 18, 2020, we were joined by our close friend Jesus Sanchez. Jesus is a member of Quetzalcoatl Citlalli Aztec, who shared their sacred dance and blessings with Lion's Roar in the Fall of 2019. Jesus shared with us more of the traditions and history of this lineage.
Kalachakra Mandala Blessing Ceremony
Today we were joined by Geshe Damchoe and Lama Jinpa to bless the Kalachakra mural. After a few words about Lion's Roar's mission and history, as well dedication to dharma, Lama Jinpa and Geshe Damchoe tell how the image which is the center piece was found with the help our Geshe Tsewang. The local artist, Jonny Knudson, who will be completing the mural, was on hand to talk about his experiences with dharma.
Dana Ferry: The Gift of Grief
On September 27, 2020, Sangha member Dana Ferry talks about the Gift of Grief.
Conor McCann: Memories and Buddhist Philosophy
On September 13, 2020, Sangha member Conor McCann explores memories of the past and a few ways Buddhist philosophy handles memory.
Jac Dufrense: Buddhist Practice and Social Justice
On August 30, 2020, Sangha member Jac Dufrense interweaves the Dharma with secular perspectives, including discussions around personal accountability, interdependence, equity, and ultimately faith. This talk is geared towards those called to action to engage liberation in all its forms.
Yeshe Sanglam / Dirk Johnson: Chanting the Names of Manjushri
On August 16, 2020, Yeshe Sanglam (Dirk Johnson) gave a thumbnail introduction to the Tantra "Chanting the Names of Manjushri."
Jules Jallab: Thangkar Monastic Institute in Kathmandu
On August 9, 2020, Sangha member Jules Jallab shared about her experience traveling to Nepal and living at the Thangkar Monastic Institute in Kathmandu. Jules shared her experiences teaching the child monks, as well as some of what she learned studying under Khangser Rinpoche
Yeshe Jamyang / Patty Marcotte: Practice with Family
On August 3, 2020, Patty Marcotte very briefly discussed practice with family.
Yeshe Jamyang (Patty Marcotte): The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Commentary
Yeshe Jamyang / Patty Marcotte delivered this talk on August 2, 2020. Unfortunately, the recording of her talk has some issues that prevent it from being displayed. What follows is a transcript of her talk: Buddha Nature as it relates to our basic goodness.
Conor McCann: Guru Rinpoche Stories
On June 28, 2020, Conor McCann talked about Guru Rinpoche stories. Following Conor's talk, Arjia Rinpoche continued his commentary on the Heart Sutra.
Therapists Colleen Wong and Lindsay Parkinson
On July 5, 2020, therapists Colleen Wong and Lindsay Parkinson each presented. Colleen explored the inner critic, what it is, when it's a problem and what to do about it. Then Lindsay explored the idea of creating our Inner Critic in a visual representation.
Dirk Johnson: The Five Skandhas
On Sunday June 28, 2020, Dirk Johnson gave an introductory talk about the Five Skandhas. At 56:46 the video continues with a talk by Arjia Rinpoche about the Heart Sutra. This video will also be posted in the visiting teachers section of the website.