Online Sangha Video Archive

This Sangha gathering focused on discussing an upcoming meditation retreat and welcoming Geshe Sonam, who is visiting from Nepal. The group discussed the retreat's structure and Geshe shared insights about meditation practice, including the importance of balancing philosophical understanding with physical practice, and explained concepts about energy and reincarnation in Bon tradition.

The group discussed the Bon lineage and its integration with contemporary life, with several members expressing gratitude for how the practice has supported them. Geshe joined late and provided extensive teachings on soul retrieval, explaining the differences between Bon concepts and Western understandings, and answered questions about Abhidharma and the nature of mind. The conversation ended with a guided meditation led by Eyal.

Geshe shared insights about the nature of creation stories across different religions, explaining that Bon Dharma views such stories as metaphorical rather than literal, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true nature and the natural state of mind. The group discussed boundaries in meditation practice, with Geshe explaining how inner fire teachings help practitioners recognize and work with both secure and unsecure mind states.

This sangha meeting focused on discussing emptiness and its various levels of experience in Buddhist practice. The conversation began with Geshi Sonam explaining Stage 14 of the ATRI path, followed by detailed discussions about how emptiness can be experienced conceptually, through interdependence, and directly through meditation practices.

The discussion included discussion on the upcoming retreat as well as a detailed explanations about the relationship between concentration and insight practices, with Mark sharing his personal experience transitioning from Theravada Buddhism to Bön practice

This session focused on a discussion with Geshe talking about various aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, including the practice of Phowa, the role of Rigpa, and the importance of refuge. Participants asked questions about navigating difficult life circumstances, such as being a new parent or dealing with political separateness, and Geshe Sina provided guidance on maintaining patience and compassion.

Participants discuss the benefits of sangha and community support in their meditation practices. The group explored concepts of the natural state, attentional narrowing, and the use of various tools and practices to support their spiritual journeys. They also touched on the integration of Western psychological concepts with Bon teachings, particularly regarding attachment repair. The session concluded with a dedication prayer, though technical difficulties prevented the full recitation.

This session included topics around mandala creation and spiritual practice, with Geshe explaining the importance of self-awareness and consciousness in awakening through meditation and personal experience. Details about an upcoming hybrid retreat scheduled for April where shared, which was be offered as a 5-day event with both in-person and virtual participation options.

In this session, the group shared personal updates and reflections on meditation practices, exploring various techniques and experiences while discussing the importance of adapting practices to individual needs and conditions. The conversation concluded with discussions about natural phenomena, spiritual practices, and mindfulness teachings, including guided meditations and a dedication prayer.

In this session, the group engaged in a comprehensive discussion about Buddhist practices and concepts, including suffering, meditation, and the nature of Dharma, with participants sharing personal experiences and perspectives. They explored various aspects of emotional processing and mindfulness, discussing how different approaches like therapy and meditation can address emotional pain and develop awareness.

In this session, the group explores paradox, ethics, embodiment, and action without attachment. Discussions include burnout, prosocial motivation, kundalini experiences, and how embodied insight emerges beyond theory.

This session’s main focus is on meditation and mindfulness practices, with Geshe providing teachings on the nature of mind, Guru Yoga, and the importance of understanding one's true nature.

The meeting opened with an opening prayer and discussion about presence and connection in spiritual practice, followed by teachings on consciousness growth and the three pillars of life. The group explored various meditation practices and techniques, including discussions about body tension, telepathy, and intuitive connections. The conversation ended with a guided meditation and dedication prayer, emphasising the importance of consistent and quality practice in spiritual development.

Participants shared spiritual challenges while discussing mindfulness for balance. Geshe taught on mindfulness, reality, and heart-mind, focusing on practical applications. The group explored meditation practices, dark retreats, and the mental body concept. The session concluded with guidance on managing uncertainty and future planning.

Participants shared their personal meditation experiences, including techniques for managing physical pain through movement and breath-work. The group discussed the challenges of embodying Buddhist teachings like loving-kindness and patience, noting the difference between intellectual understanding and direct experience. Meditation approaches were mentioned, including the Nine Realm Breath, preliminary exercises, and establishing a consistent practice routine to maintain focus and awareness.

Retreat logistics are discussed, including prerequisites and scheduling. Geshe-la answers questions on trauma, awakening, and Dzogchen view, emphasising ethics, concentration, wisdom, and trust. The session concludes with reflections on community, non-dual awareness, and a closing meditation led by a group member.

Geshe-la discusses “uniting the three spheres,” the eight auspicious symbols, and the importance of compassion in practice. He addresses karmic tendencies, the role of sangha, and variability in meditation experiences. The session closes with a guided meditation visualising maternal lineage and teachers offering support and compassion.

Geshe-la responds to questions on choice and surrender, sharing personal stories of becoming a monk. He explains the difference between healthy surrender and forced choice. The session explores symbolic meaning of the eight auspicious symbols, guidance on phowa visualisation and life force, and concludes with dedication and a guided meditation.

Group discussion begins with questions on the opening prayer and body tension before meditation. Members share grounding methods and experiences integrating practice into daily life and workplaces. Session includes reflections on prayer melodies, translation of verses, playback of chants, and concludes with meditation and dedication prayers.

Geshé-la explores how fear and insecurity arise from not understanding the nature of our mind, emphasising personal dharma as the most vital tool for transformation. The session covers meditative experience, subtle perception, and the limits of language before concluding with a guided meditation on warmth, awareness, and spaciousness.

Geshé-la shares how guru yoga transforms conceptual mind, cultivates devotion, and matures trust in the natural state. He explores fear, striving, and integrating the view into daily life, emphasising simplicity, openness, and the heart’s role in sustaining recognition.

Geshe speaks of the funeral proceeding for His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche who recently passed which becomes the occasion for a wide-ranging reflection on the dying process, Phowa, Thukdam, signs of yogic realisation, and the power of post-death connection. Geshé-la responds to questions on lineage, ancestors, and interfaith, and a meditation on the stages of dissolution closes the session.

Geshé-la responds to questions on the Three Buddha Bodies, rebirth, and how to support the dying and the dead. He gives clear instructions on mental offerings, avoiding craving, and dedicating merit. The group also discusses hallucination near death, ethical use of power, and how to let go with awareness during transitions of life and death.

This session explores traditional Bön perspectives on death, dying, and post-death ritual. The group discusses organ donation, signs of death, and the treatment of the body post-death in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. The latter part of the session shifts to cosmology and how Bön teachings compare with other traditional and scientific views of progression, followed by brief questions on concentration practice and inner fire (tummo).