Florida Community of Mindfulness

Rejecting Reactivity - Clarity and Insight as the Path Forward (2017)

Tampa | February 5th, 2017

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares that in order to gain clarity and insight in these times of reactivity, we need to begin with cultivating understanding of those with different views, looking deeply into the causes and conditions that created the current situation. With this understanding we can experience open heartedness and compassion, while also gaining clarity and insight surrounding wise action that may be available. For example, in times such as these we may see that a movement for uplifting the values of love and compassion in people's hearts, of helping people to see everyone as their brother or sister, would in the long-term be more beneficial than continual conflict over policies. When such values are held dear by many, wise policy that supports the health, well-being and dignity of all beings will flow more naturally.

A Mind of Goodness or a Mind of Negativity - It's Up to You! (2017)

Tampa | January 22, 2017

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner explains that although we all want to be happy, most of us spend a lot of time using our minds in ways that cause us to suffer. He encourages us to look deeply inward in order to see what kinds of "seeds" we are cultivating, and to ask ourselves whether they will bear positive or negative fruit. To simply try and "fix" our issues and then expect to be happy is not realistic. We must realize what causes afflictive mind-states to arise in the first place. Then we need to stop cultivating them and start cultivating positive mind-states. Fred also makes a connection between the cultivation of negative mind-states in the individual and the greed, anger, and violence that plague our society. If we want our world to be one of peace, where people treat each other as fellow human beings, then this can only come about by cultivating peace and compassion in the minds of individuals.

Mindfulness of the Mind: Wholesome and Unwholesome Mind-States (2016)

Tampa | December 17 , 2016

In this Dharma talk, Dharma Teacher Fred Eppsteiner begins by answering questions about physical discomfort, feelings, and the importance of being present to them. He also stresses that the spiritual life is not dependent on what is going on in the world.Then Fred moves onto the Four Establishments of Mindfulness: body, feelings, mind, and dharmas. He explains that the mind should abide in clear knowing, free from desire and discontent in the world. Fred stressed the importance of being aware of one’s mind states, i.e., attached vs. non-attached, as well as the importance of recognizing wholesome and unwholesome mind states.

The Dharma of Scrooge (2016)

Tampa | December 18, 2016

In this Dharma talk Fred Eppsteiner relates the story of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from Dickens', "A Christmas Carol." Through this story, Fred explains how we can all transform the suffering we experience from living a life devoted to self into a happy, meaningful life filled with love and compassion for others.

A Vision to Share - Our Community's Mission and Core Values (2016)

Tampa | December 11 , 2016

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner shares and comments on the Florida Community of Mindfulness' Vision, Mission, and Core Values. He uses these to illustrate the importance of having a vision of how one wants to be in this world and a clear mission of how one will develop that way of being.

Loving Speech and Deep Listening - A Panel Discussion on the 4th Mindfulness Training (2016)

Tampa | November 13 , 2016

Senior students of Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner share their understanding and practice of the 4th Mindfulness Training on Loving Speech and Deep Listening.

Dharma Teachings for Post-Election Practice (2016)

Tampa | November 26 , 2016

In this talk, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner provides a way to relate to the situation unfolding in the world around us with wisdom and compassion. Fred challenges us to use what is happening in the world to develop patience, understanding, and compassion for the people and situations we may have a problem with. He challenges us further to be grateful for these opportunities to develop these qualities within our minds.

Zen and Great Perfection Masters - Key Points of the Path of Awakening (2016) (4 of 4)

Four-day Retreat | October 2016

Members of the Florida Community of Mindfulness retreated together in October 2016 with Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner to study and practice "The Key Points of the Path Awakening." Fred used various teachings from Masters of both the Zen and Great Perfection lineages as a source for study and practice during the retreat.

Zen and Great Perfection Masters - Key Points of the Path of Awakening (2016) (3 of 4)

Four-day Retreat | October 2016

Members of the Florida Community of Mindfulness retreated together in October 2016 with Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner to study and practice "The Key Points of the Path Awakening." Fred used various teachings from Masters of both the Zen and Great Perfection lineages as a source for study and practice during the retreat.

Zen and Great Perfection Masters - Key Points of the Path of Awakening (2016) (2 of 4)

Four-day Retreat | October 2016

Members of the Florida Community of Mindfulness retreated together in October 2016 with Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner to study and practice "The Key Points of the Path Awakening." Fred used various teachings from Masters of both the Zen and Great Perfection lineages as a source for study and practice during the retreat.