Inspirational Dharma Talks - helpful archive for New Buddhists

anataman

To get straight to the point I took on board some comments from regular contributors of this forum and the fact that a thread was probably rightly dumped because someone seeking answers to basic questions on Buddhism may be discouraged by the general banter of this forum. I therefore propose this thread.

The aim is to deliver content (video or audio) to people seeking serious answers to serious questions and delivered by serious practitioners of any tradition. However, they should be capable of being understood by beginners.

There are rules, which I respectfully ask everyone to respect or their comments will be flagged for removal:
1. No verbal discussion or comments other than voting button (I suppose the lol button might be used as a disapproval button, but think how your image may be damaged before using it)
2. Dharma talks must be just that - talks about the various aspects of dharma.
3. Before you post a talk consider whether it's content has been covered in a previous one - this may require you review some of the similarly titled posts before you post. Duplication of a talk just shows that you have not considered previous posts.
4. For ease of scanning through the posts I would suggest the following format:
Title of talk
Teacher presenting the talk
Dharma covered
A brief synopsis of the talk and what insight it provided you and may offer the beginner
The link

Perhaps your personal comments at the end. However, the aim is for beginners to hear seasoned teachers of Buddhist dharma.

I would suggest 'meditation' and 'four noble truths' as initial introductions.

Mettha

Chaz

Interesting idea that might be better served by a web site that acts as an aggregator of of the kind of info you're talking about. A forum like this, while it can be very helpful, isnt really eqipped to deliver content in the way a human might be looking for info.

You could certainly build on a thread, but as it grows, the ease in getting info becomes more difficult. A wiki might be an appropriate system, but could also be too chaotic if contribution rules were too lax.

But then again, a separate source of information to guide forum users to has been discouraged.

Of course a fresh start community could pull it off.

anataman

You've broken the first precept of this thread @Chaz. As have I - so just watch all this hot air just evaporate, possibly with the thread. LOL

METTHA

Chaz

It need not be a separate site. It can be this site, but a new separate service, independant of the forum.

anataman

What meditation really is
Sogyal Rinpoche
Meditation
I like this particular talk by a teacher of mine, who talks simply about meditation in an introductory way, and succinctly tells you what meditation is not - although he is Tibetan he has a particular understanding of western culture and minds. Enjoy.

anataman

Chaz said:

It need not be a separate site. It can be this site, but a new separate service, independant of the forum.

we'lI leave @lincoln to make a decision on that - meanwhile, if you are new here, this thread might be a valuable resource for you - time will tell

fivebells

Well-being despite it all. A talk by Thanissaro I keep coming back to in difficult times.

anataman

Thank you @fivebells -listening to it now - would you oblige me by following the format prescribed in the OP

Metta

anataman

@Chaz - you have so derailed the intention of this thread that although I desire the thread be closed, I would like it to remain (closed) as a witness to your self.

This is my parting gift to you:

Delight in your self - but realise self destruction.
Delight in your comments - but realise who and what you are.
Delight in your perspective - only you can witness it, and my perception of you is of sadness personified be it on a forum

I pray that you do not indulge or delight in suffering. If you do - so be it; however it is akin to viewing child pornography. Take that to your teacher, and ask them., are they truly so blissfully unaware of the impact of the statement.

I have been offended by you. I do not wish to take part in this forum any more because of YOU.

Metta - note there is no humour anymore...

@samahita FYI

anataman

http://www.vipassana.com/resources/8fp3.php

Steve_B

Well so far this seems more bizarre than helpful.
But I like the idea. Maybe it could be in a section all its own.

anataman

I have asked either for the comments or the thread be deleted. As @Chaz set out to derail from the outset the virtuous intention that he had been instrument al in forming following his comments. It just hope he is happy with the outcome - no wonder he requires a teacher!

Linc

anataman said:

As @Chaz set out to derail from the outset

When a gadfly bites the horse, is it blamed if the horse works itself into a rage and kicks over a lantern and burns down the carriage house? :scratch: I'll get the water... I left it in a bucket marked 'Close'.