Oren Jay Sofer's most recent Dharma talks (Dharma Seed)

(Springboard Meditation Sangha (St. Francis Renewal Center)) What inspires us to take up spiritual practice? This talk explores the process of hearing the call to something deeper in life.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) As a Zen teacher of mine used to say,"Life... very serious joke." Things can get real heavy sometimes - in life, and in contemplative practice. This talk explores the importance of finding some levity and enjoyment in our formal spiritual practice through the lens of play. Enjoy!

(White Heron Sangha) (15 of 15) Closing Question and Answer Session

(White Heron Sangha) (14 of 15) Closing talk: Equanimity with our choices and actions in life, and suggestions for developing equanimity in the day to day flow of our lives.

(White Heron Sangha) (13 of 15) Q&A Session on Equanimity and Dhamma practice

(White Heron Sangha) (12 of 15) Guided Meditation on the development of equanimity in relationships - as a Brahma Vihara.

(White Heron Sangha) (11 of 15) Reflections on Equanimity as a Brahma Vihara and its development in relationships.

(White Heron Sangha) (10 of 15) Opening session of day 2 with full Q&A on Dhamma practice and equanimity.

(Insight Meditation Community of Berkeley) Oren Jay Sofer offered the talk this week at our IMCB Monastery. Oren is a a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, a Nonviolent Communication Trainer, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for healing trauma. He is the founder of Next Step Dharma, and the author of the book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication.

(White Heron Sangha) (9 of 15) Guided meditation exploring various methods to establish and develop equanimity with unpleasant sensations. Includes summary of day at end.

(White Heron Sangha) (8 of 15) Open Q&A on equanimity and Dhamma practice

(White Heron Sangha) (7 of 15) Reflections on the development of equanimity at the 6 sense doors that feel pleasure, pain, and neutral contacts.

(White Heron Sangha) (6 of 15) Brief reflections on equanimity with pleasure and pain followed by guided meditation.

(White Heron Sangha) (5 of 15). Q&A Session from morning - questions on equanimity and Dhamma practice.

(White Heron Sangha) (4 of 15) A brief guided meditation reflecting on the changes of our lives, the ups and downs, and how after all is said and done we come back to being present, here in a simple way.

(White Heron Sangha) (3 of 15) An exploration of equanimity arising from wisdom that recognizes the changing, impermanent nature of the eight worldly winds, the conditions of our lives.

(White Heron Sangha) (2 of 15) A short guided meditation focused on developing inner resources. Includes brief instructions at end for walking meditation focused on developing ease.

(White Heron Sangha) (1 of 15) Opening talk and overview of equanimity as an essential mental factor on the Buddhist path to awakening.

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Reflections from Oren on taking the practice home (excerpt of closing session).

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) The development of the path depends on the relationships and friendships in our life. This talk explores "spiritual friendship" - its many meanings and benefits

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Instructions, guided meditation, plus Q&A

(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A short guided practice, plus Q&A

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies) Closing Session (part 4): Short reflections on taking the practice home and deepening insights (with comments from Bart van Melik).

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies) Closing Session - part 1. In this short teaching and guided meditation, we explore how to use the meditation instructions in the Simile of the Saw (Kakchupama Sutta, MN. 21) as preparation and cultivation for difficult conversations.

(Barre Center for Buddhist Studies) Brief reflections on right speech and the ethical guidelines offered by the Buddha.