dharma Archives - Page 2 of 15 - The Open Heart Project

SUSAN’S
Blog

Viewing Posts in dharma

Is this the most important Buddhist teaching for our time?

November 17, 2025   |   6 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 9:30

Hello Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and finding sources of joy, big, small, in-between. In this week’s video, I share some thoughts about what may be the most important spiritual teaching for our time. I’m pretty sure I’m not exaggerating. Have a listen and see what you think! Love, Susan

What meditation is really for

November 3, 2025   |   4 Comments

I hope this finds you well, or at least finding your way. This week, I have a new kind of video for you to check out. It’s the latest episode of my new-ish podcast, Buddhism Beyond Belief where I talk about the real-life meaning of being a meditator. For example! Lately, I’ve been feeling a little grumpy (yes, truly) about... READ MORE

Four reminders that restore sanity

September 15, 2025   |   19 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 16:13

I hope you are well during this difficult time. Before our meditation this week, I share with you a Buddhist teaching called the Four Reminders. They have a way of immediately restoring clarity, balance, and lovingkindness. Don’t take my word for it! Have a listen and see how they land for you. In other news, I cry during this talk!... READ MORE

How to remain strong in this time of turmoil?

August 25, 2025   |   9 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 14:27

Hello wonderful Open Heart Project, I hope you are well during this difficult time. Before our meditation this week, I offer some thoughts on a Buddhist teaching that I have found helpful in knowing how to direct my energy and strength to create more sanity and decency in the world—not so easy in this particular moment.  Please have a listen... READ MORE

7 Sources of Richness

August 18, 2025   |   9 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation begins at 16:45

Hello, practitioner and seeker! I hope you are well. In this video, I share a short talk on a semi-obscure teaching called the Seven Riches of the Universal Monarch. If that doesn’t sound obscure, I don’t know what does. In any case! I find this teaching incredibly useful and practical. It lists the 7 things you and I need to... READ MORE

When it’s hard to be generous to others…

June 23, 2025   |   17 Comments

Audio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 17:18

Hello, wonderful Open Heart Project. I hope you are well and I send you my love. Before today’s sit, I share a few thoughts about the first paramita (transcendent action) which is generosity. The remaining transcendent actions–discipline, patience, exertion, meditative absorption, and wisdom–would not be possible without some sense of your own richness and indestructible kindness. But when times are... READ MORE

3 Qualities of Awakening, Part 3: Power

May 26, 2025   |   4 Comments Traits of an Awakened Mind | Buddhist Wisdom

Hello wonderful Open Heart Project, We’ve discussed two of the three aspects of the awakened mind—compassion and wisdom. Today I’d like to offer just a few thoughts on the third quality—power. When we think about the quality of power, I’m sure many things come to mind. Some are positive—the certainty of a strong ruler or the beneficence of a saint.... READ MORE

3 Qualities of Awakening, Part 2: Wisdom

May 19, 2025   |   11 Comments 3 Qualities of Awakening, Part 2: Wisdom | Buddhist Teachings

Hello Open Heart Project, According to Buddhist thought, the awakened mind has three qualities. The first is compassion. The second quality, wisdom, is the topic of today’s post. When it comes to what it really means to be wise, it’s easy to posit all sorts of definitions from really, really smart to deeply insightful to maybe simply being old and... READ MORE

3 Qualities of Awakening, Part 1: Compassion

May 12, 2025   |   2 Comments

Hello Open Heart Project, According to Buddhist thought, the awakened mind has three qualities. Although I’ve said many times that having goals for your practice is a bad idea, I’m now going to suggest that there actually are goals and they are to realize these three qualities. However, the path is not accomplished by conventional means. Interestingly, these qualities arise... READ MORE

What does it mean to take the refuge vow?

May 8, 2025   |   5 Comments

If you’re not sure about taking the Refuge Vow but you’re curious, I encourage you to listen to a talk I’ve offered in the past about why one takes this step and what it would mean (and of course, remember that this is in no way a requirement to practice together).  Whether you have a passing interest or something more... READ MORE

We have so much to share with you

Get a new meditation from me every Monday morning