Florida Community of Mindfulness

Teachings from the Life of Milarepa: Part 2 of 2

Milarepa is one of the most renowned practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and most beloved by lay people. The story line of his life encompasses his difficult childhood, his vengeance seeking adolescence and young adulthood, his turning away from the “black arts” with repentance for his past deeds, his embrace of the Dharma Path, his conflicted and difficult relationship with his Dharma teacher, and his sincere and committed meditation practice that ultimately flowers with enlightenment. Overall a life that demonstrates that no matter what the “baggage,” healing and transformation is available to everyone.

Most of Milarepa's teachings were preserved in the form of poems that he spontaneously sang to those who came to him for teachings. These Dharma song poems are true jewels of the Buddhist tradition. Fred shares and comments on some of his favorites in these two Pop-up Teachings at the Florida Community of Mindfulness.

Teachings from the Life of Milarepa: Part 1 of 2

Milarepa is one of the most renowned practitioners in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and most beloved by lay people. The story line of his life encompasses his difficult childhood, his vengeance seeking adolescence and young adulthood, his turning away from the “black arts” with repentance for his past deeds, his embrace of the Dharma Path, his conflicted and difficult relationship with his Dharma teacher, and his sincere and committed meditation practice that ultimately flowers with enlightenment. Overall a life that demonstrates that no matter what the “baggage,” healing and transformation is available to everyone.

Most of Milarepa's teachings were preserved in the form of poems that he spontaneously sang to those who came to him for teachings. These Dharma song poems are true jewels of the Buddhist tradition. Fred shares and comments on some of his favorites in these two Pop-up Teachings at the Florida Community of Mindfulness.

Host and Guest (July 27, 2025)

In this teaching to students at the Florida Community of Mindfulness, Fred presents a profound Buddhist teaching, focusing on two central ideas: the metaphor of the "host and guest" and the concept of "gladdening the mind." The teaching of host and guest, drawn from Chan Buddhism and illuminated by the insights of the Chinese master Shu Yun (Empty Cloud), explains that our true self is like a host—stable, present, and unchanging—while our thoughts, emotions, and experiences are like guests—transient, illusory, and constantly coming and going. The host remains unaffected by the guests, embodying the true nature of awareness or consciousness, while the guests represent illusory thoughts and feelings that arise and pass away. Recognizing this distinction is foundational for spiritual practice and mental well-being because it helps reduce suffering caused by over-identification with fleeting mental phenomena.

Q&A With Fred (7-14-25)

In this lively Q&A session with students at the Florida Community of Mindfulness, Fred addresses questions relating to common challenges in meditation, understanding attachment, working skillfully with thoughts, how to relate to identity in one's profession, dealing with trauma and its lingering effects, and the difference between reflection and meditation.

Dharma Q&A with Fred (June 15th, 2025)

Fred offered a rich array of Dharma teachings through his answers to students’ questions at Sunday Sangha, including:  What does taking refuge really mean? What does “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” mean? What is the number one way one can honor or be true to oneself in terms of the Buddha? How does one “let go,” whether in relationships or other situations? Can you touch on the political shootings in the Twin Cities? What role does “proactivity” play in our practice?

The Four Nutriments - Nourishing the Mind (6-1-25)

In this second of two talks on the Buddha's teachings on the Four Nutriments, Angie gives an introduction to the nutriments for the mind: Sensory impressions, volition and consciousness. Our aspiration for the type of mind we wish to cultivate is paramount in making choices for a diet that will support our true happiness and wellbeing.

The Four Nutriments - Edible Food (5-25-25)

In this first of two talks introducing the Buddha's teachings on the Four Nutriments, Angie introduces the first nutriment, edible foods. She reflects on her personal journey toward a healthier relationship with her body and food, emphasizing how unconscious eating habits often stem from emotional needs or past trauma. Through mindfulness practices, she shares how shifting perspectives can lead to healthier choices that nourish both body and mind. 

Highlights
• Mindful Consumption: It is important to be conscious of WHAT and WHY we consume—not just food, but also thoughts, emotions, and media—since they all impact our well-being.
• Emotional Eating: Many people use food to numb emotional pain or fill a void left by loneliness, stress, or past trauma.
• Body Relationship Shift: It can be very helpful to reflect deeply on how we view our body if we are to make a shift to seeing it as a sacred vessel deserving of love and care.
• Guided Reflection: A meditation invites participants to reflect on their relationship with their bodies—whether seen as an object of pleasure, tied to ego, neglected, or honored as a vehicle for purpose.
• Community Sharing: Attendees shared insights about viewing the body-mind connection as inseparable, embracing balance over restriction, and navigating wellness in a world full of conflicting health advice.
• Mindful Eating Practices: Mindful eating practices were shared, such as those offered by Roshi Jan Chozen Bays in her book "Mindful Eating" (e.g. “What kind of hunger am I feeding?” (e.g., eye hunger, stomach hunger, heart hunger), gratitude eating practices, and more).

Vesak Ceremony 2025

Fred's Talk on 5-11-2025

Change Begins With Us - Inspiration from the Life of Thich Nhat Hanh (April 27th, 2025)

Fred introduces the 2022 biological documentary of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, "A Cloud Never Dies," then leads the sangha in discussing this beautiful and profound video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRObW9noiVk). Fred reminded us of Thich Nhat Hanh's (Thay's) teaching that we have the opportunity of making this the century of spirituality but there has to be a great awakening, and the great awakening is within each of us. While we may wish to see change in the world, Thay always taught that change begins within us, and it is our responsibility to individually wake up, to put these wonderful teachings into practice, and to manifest them in our own relationships and lives.