The Gay Buddhist Forum by GBF

Do our interpretations of reality contribute to our suffering?  In this talk, Kevin Griffin emphasizes that our minds often construct narratives based on past experiences, leading to distorted views of the present. By recognizing these patterns, we can begin to see things more clearly and respond with greater wisdom and compassion.​ Kevin offers practical guidance to cultivate clearer perception:​...

If we cannot find stability in external circumstances, where do we turn?  Laura Burges shares that we can find solace within the immediacy of our own experience. She reflects on the traditional Buddhist practice of "taking refuge"—in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and reimagines it as a deeply personal and embodied act. By anchoring ourselves in the present moment, Laura suggests...

How can Buddhist practice help us navigate the inevitable missteps of life?  Drawing from her own journey through addiction and recovery, Laura Burges emphasizes that making mistakes is an intrinsic part of being human. She encourages us to meet our errors with compassion and curiosity, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of shame. By embracing our imperfections, we can cu...

How can we use the wisdom of the Paramis to guide our everyday life?  In this talk, Jokai makes practical the six essential qualities that form the foundation of Mahayana Buddhist practice: The Paramis. Through humor and personal anecdotes, Jokai makes the teachings relatable, reinforcing that the essence of the Paramis is not in striving for perfection but in embodying compassion, resilience, and...

The term warrior typically implies aggression. So what does it mean to be a "Warrior of Compassion?” In this insightful talk, Dale Borglum introduces the concept of the bodhisattva, or "warrior of compassion," emphasizing the transformative potential of emotions like grief and anger when approached with mindfulness and an open heart. He explores how Buddhist teachings provide tools...

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three Great Turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. In this final talk, he explores the Vajrayana tradition's emphasis on holistic self-acceptance and using all aspects of experience—including anger—as part of the spiritual path. He discusses the contrast between early Buddhis...

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three Great Turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Here in Part 2, he explores how Mahayana Buddhism builds on early Buddhist teachings to emphasize interconnectedness and engagement with the world. He contrasts embodied imagination—a tool for liberation—with fantasy, which is mer...

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three great turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Here in Part 1, Danadasa touches on Theravada perspectives, emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha from the Pali canon, such as the concept of the "two darts": physical pain as inevitable (the first dart) and th...

How can we make the Four Immeasurables (aka the Brahmavihārās or divine abodes) more present in our daily lives? In this talk, Jennifer Berezan explores these four virtues—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—integral aspects of Buddhist practice. She emphasizes their universal relevance, encouraging us to cultivate these qualities to foster deeper connections and inner peac...

In this departure from our usual dharma talks, David Moreno guides us in weaving sitting practice with the Tantric practice of Yoga Nidra and the energetic practice of Qi Gong. These processes augment and integrate meditation into moving mindfulness. Yet, they are complete meditations in themselves. Throughout this session, he encourages us to allow the movements to help us “feel more, think less....

How can we continue to stretch our sense of loving-kindness to include all beings? In this talk, Dave Richo explores the practice of loving-kindness (metta) in Buddhism, emphasizing its expansive nature. Using an analogy from Romeo and Juliet , Dave explains that love is boundless, reaching beyond our immediate relationships to encompass all beings. He introduces the concept of concentric circles,...

When the world gets to be a little too much for us, how can we keep from shutting down? JD Doyle shares that the key lies in returning to our interconnectedness. JD ties this beautifully with the practice of the brahmaviharas (the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). JD explains that when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we witness or experience, t...

How can we become truly present and engage with each moment we experience? In both interpersonal relationships and self-reflection, Daigan Gaither advocates for an open, curious approach where we allow things to be as they are, rather than forcing them to fit preconceived notions. This approach, he suggests, fosters deeper connection and understanding with ourselves and others, as well as with the...

A look under the hood of GBF, how things work, and those who keep it all together. COVID put huge strains on our group, and this is a time to recognize and thank the individuals who held up the roof beams and made GBF stronger in the process. You'll be surprised at how much goes on behind the scenes and gain appreciation for GBF as an organization and sangha including: Lining up speakers Anno...

Can turning away from pleasurable experiences actually limit our practice? In this talk René Rivera shares that there are wholesome states that signal we are on the path to awakening. However the pleasurable states often get a "bad rap" in Buddhism as something to be avoided so as not to trigger craving.   René summarizes the importance of pleasure by quoting Betty Martin: "Pleasure...

How can we reconcile our sexuality with Buddhist practice?  (Recorded June 11, 1995) Following on the heels of the AIDS crisis, in 1995 societal shame about LGBTQ sexuality was quite prevalent. Eric Kolvig emphasized that Buddhism is an ethical system focused on reducing suffering, not a moral system with judgments of good and evil. Arguing that repressing sexuality doesn't work, he challenge...

What did the Buddha mean when he spoke of ignorance? In this talk, David Lewis discusses the essence of mindfulness and the core principles of Buddhism, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. He explains that the Buddha avoided metaphysics and focused on how things work, promoting meditation as a means of gaining wisdom. He underscores that ignorance in Buddhism is not abou...

When we feel stuck or overwhelmed by society, how can we find joy and courage? Steven Tierney asks us to challenge the notion that we are stuck with no way out. He emphasizes that rather than avoid the difficult, we can find a way through by embracing Buddhist teachings and practices. This can include: Living with Intention: Drawing from Victor Frankl and Thich Nhat Hanh, he underscores the import...

What core Buddhist teachings are reflected in all other wisdom traditions? As stated in the Kālāma Sutta, known as the Buddha's "charter of free inquiry," Donald Rothberg encourages us not to believe anything simply because we are told to, but rather apply our own experience and discernment.  He encourages us to embrace the very practical core teachings of Buddhism and consider how...

As spiritual beings grounded in oneness, how do we overcome the tendency to feel separated while in human form? In this practical talk, Michaiel Patrick Bovenes shares reminders for finding connection. Connecting with others depends on how we are being: Be open and present Be curious rather than critical Be understanding Be vulnerable - "consciously uncomfortable" Own your value, realizi...

If we are an expression of the whole, why does life feel so personal?   In a talk that examines duality, Dorothy Hunt asks us who and what we really are. Is our awareness something that belongs to us as a separate 'me', or is it instead something that arises from our experience of reality? She likens reality to an enormous unending tapestry on a loom, consisting of interwoven strands tha...

How can we use our practice to see us through troubled times and remain a light against the darkness? Laura Burges encourages us to see Buddhist practice as a laboratory, a place to experiment with our own experience. Drawing from the book, "Buddhism Without Beliefs" by Stephen Batchelor, she likens the Four Noble Truths to a diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for the challenges facing...

The divine abodes, also known as the Brahma Vihāras in Sanskrit, are four supreme emotions or mental states that are emphasized because of the Buddha's teaching that "whatever one frequently ponders on, that will become the inclination of their mind." In this talk, Walt Opie examines these four and offers the "near and far enemy" of each one. The commentaries on the Brahma...

How have the Four Heavenly Messengers led you to the path of the dharma? In this talk, Bob Stahl shares his own experience with these messengers and how they changed the course of his life in the midst of being a very confused young man without direction. He encourages us to consider the conditions and events that have appeared in our own lives to shepherd us toward awakening. ______________ Bob S...

Can we find meaning and pride in our ordinary lives? In this talk, Liên Shutt contrasts the extravagant events in our lives with the everyday moments and asks us to consider if we can drop our expectations of how things should be and instead allow them to exist just as they are. This is the definition of Buddhist wisdom or Prajña, which translates as "knowledge of things as they are." Sh...