Florida Community of Mindfulness

October 17, 2021

In this talk, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares with us early teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. Thich Nhat Hanh tells us "The aim of Zen Buddhism is a clear vision of reality, seeing things as they are, and that is acquired by the power of concentration. This clear vision is enlightenment." 

Thay goes on to teach, "Mindfulness is the energy that sheds light on all things and all activities, producing the power of concentration, bringing forth deep insight and awakening."

 

9-26-21

In this Dharma talk, Fred Eppsteiner shares stories from the Chan/Zen traditions to help us realize how to put into practice in our daily life compassion and understanding.

9-19-21

During this talk, our teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, shares with us Zen & Chan teachings on the importance of the present moment and how not all "present moments" are the same. Fred also shares with us about the Dharma Transmission Group, and several members of the group share their experiences from the past three years in the group.

9-12-21

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares with us the meaning and significance of a Wisdom Retreat. We also hear sharing from four FCM members who were on this week's retreat.

Since the time of the Buddha, countless teachers have pointed out the innate simplicity and spontaneous wisdom of our true mind. Unfettered by conditioning and emotional reactivity, this mind has the capacity to guide and support us spontaneously in living an awakened life. Directly experiencing the mind and all the things that appear in it (especially the self!) as empty of any substance or solidity allows one to break through into the totally open and spacious mind nature. This is the basis of true transformation.

In this Dharma talk, Fred Eppsteiner shares the Three Fierce Mantas, powerful words that can cut through our confusion and anxiety in this life. Our resistance to the unfolding of life, especially those situations unwanted or unexpected, is a primary cause of our emotional ups and downs.  Our difficulty in accepting the experiences of life and the people in it for what they are and imposing our own needs and wants fuels an unending circus of negative emotions and conflictual mind states. Our desire to live peacefully in the present moment and practice mindful living becomes continually up-ended by our habitual dysfunctional responses.

The Three Fierce Mantras ~ Tsangpo Gyare, 12th century Tibetan Buddhist Ascetic    

“Whatever has to happen, let it happen!"    

“Whatever the situation is, it’s fine!"    

“I don’t need anything whatsoever!”

8-8-21

During this talk, our teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, shares with us teachings and practices to nurture community and harmony in our relationships. Fred introduces us the the FCM Sangha Harmony Guide.

The FCM Sangha Harmony Guide has been developed to support our Sangha’s aspiration to be true community dwelling in harmony and awareness. It presents guidelines and expectations around how we aspire to be with each other, and how we can practice to resolve conflict and disharmony. It is intended for all participants in our Sangha: members and non-members, teachers and students, staff and selfless-service volunteers, brothers and sisters both local and geographically distant. It is grounded in the Five Mindfulness Trainings of the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.

8-1-21

 

Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner teaches from the Dhammapada.

7-4-21

During this talk, our teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, shares with us the importance of community and how Dharma transmission manifests through relationship between teachers and students. Fred also shares with us the meaning of the phrase "All people are created equal and entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in relationship to the Buddhist teachings.

7-11-21

During this talk, our teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, shares with us and comments on the Fourteen Verses on Meditation from the Plum Village chanting book "Chanting from the Heart", Thay's summary of his meditative path.