Florida Community of Mindfulness

The Meaning of Reciting the Names of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (2018)

December 8, 2018 

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner discusses the meaning behind reciting the names of and bowing to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the Touching the Earth Chant from the Plum Village tradition. He explained how each of the qualities of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are qualities that we can cultivate within our own minds and lives, and that when we bow to them, we are also bowing to that aspect within ourselves.

The Three Doors of Liberation (2018)

November 18, 2018

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares the teaching on The Three Doors of Liberation: Emptiness, Signlessness and Aimlessness. Fred explains that although everything we encounter in life appears solid and permanent, if we look deeply, we find that all phenomena are inherently empty of any solidity or permanence. He explains that nothing has any inherent selfness to it, and that everything is made up of parts. When we come to this understanding in our practice, it will liberate us from so much of the suffering that comes from attaching to people and things as solid separate selves. Once we realize the emptiness of phenomena, Fred explained that we can then begin to experience the world without all of our labels and signs. Rather, we simply experience life directly, as it truly is, unfolding in its signless nature. When we are able to touch life deeply in this way, we can then truly be at ease, being happy with things just as they are in aimlessness.

Stablizing the Restless Mind (2018) (4 of 4)

October 2018

 

In this third part of a 4 part series, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains the Buddhist teachings on stabilizing the restless mind and the practices of mindfulness and calm abiding. This talk was given during the Fall Retreat of the Florida Community of Mindfulness in October, 2018.

Stablizing the Restless Mind (2018) (3 of 4)

October 2018

 

In this third part of a 4 part series, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains the Buddhist teachings on stabilizing the restless mind and the practices of mindfulness and calm abiding. This talk was given during the Fall Retreat of the Florida Community of Mindfulness in October, 2018.

Stablizing the Restless Mind (2018) (2 of 4)

October 2018

 

In this second part of a 4 part series, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains the Buddhist teachings on stabilizing the restless mind and the practices of mindfulness and calm abiding. This talk was given during the Fall Retreat of the Florida Community of Mindfulness in October, 2018.

 

Stablizing the Restless Mind (2018) (1 of 4)

October 2018

 

In this 1st part of a 4 part series, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains the Buddhist teachings on stabilizing the restless mind and the practices of mindfulness and calm abiding. This talk was given during the Fall Retreat of the Florida Community of Mindfulness in October, 2018.

 

 

Transforming Seeds of Consciousness - Negative Formations (2018)

December 2018

In this talk Angie talks about how to work with negative formations by transforming seeds of consciousness.

Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Issues - The Hua Ho Ching (2018)

October 7, 2018 

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares how ancient Taoist teachings given by Lao Tzu, can help us make sense of the current world situation, and how we can, as both individuals and a community, work to transform it. Todays teaching emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the simplicity of being alive, and the innate wisdom that is present when we make that connection deeply. Fred explained that although we are living in a society where intelligence is valued, still, our world leaders continue to make unwise choices which cause much suffering for many. Although we have many intelligent people in this world, it appears we are lacking in people who have wisdom and can see the big picture. If we want to transform this world, it is essential that we develop the ability to see the big picture and cultivate wisdom within ourselves and others.

No Time Off - All Sensory Consumption Leaves Mind Impressions (2018)

September 9, 2018

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains the importance of paying attention to what we are consuming with our bodies and our minds. He highlighted the importance of paying attention to the experiences we are having with our 5 senses, since it is with these senses that we enter and connect with the world. He explained that when one of our senses makes contact with the world, whether the experience in pleasurable, neutral, or un-pleasurable, it always leaves an impression in our mind.

Because of this, we need to pay extra attention to what we are consuming throughout the day, and especially with our digital media. Although each sensory experience may last a short time, the effects of what we consume with our senses are long-term and condition the very quality of our minds. Knowing this, we should take extra care to bring mindfulness and discernment to what we choose to consume with our senses in every moment.

Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment (2018)

August 4, 2017 

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner comments on the 7th Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing entitled "Dwelling Happily in the Present Moment."  Fred explains that although we get caught up in all sorts of thoughts about the past, and the future, the unfolding of our lives only ever happens in the present moment.  Because of this, it is essential that we cultivate mindfulness to learn to be present to life in reality.  Fred goes on to explain that bare mindfulness is not enough.  If we want to develop a healthy mind and facilitate the healing and transformation of our consciousness, then it is essential that we also learn to identify and place our mindfulness on the elements around us and within us that facilitate joy, peace, and wellbeing.