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In Praise of Copying by Marcus Boon
Contemporary debates about intellectual property and the practices of meditation and yoga are both built around a questioning of ideas of property, ownership, self and other. In this talk, Marcus Boon, writer, journalist and Professor of English at York University
Everything Changes
When we return and stay connected to our breath, we let things come and go. None of these things, we start to see, belong to us. They come from the situation of this moment and then they pass away and
Not Being Possessive and the Gift of Fearlessness
Michael gives a talk during the in-person ethics course about the precept of aparigraha and using our imagination. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto, on March 17, 2011.
Lotus Sutra, Part 3 – Skill and Wisdom
It’s not enough that our intentions are clear, our actions need to make a difference. Being a Bodhisattva means serving all beings including one’s self, yet this can only occur when we see all beings as Buddhas.
Lotus Sutra, Part 2
Michael introduces the first section of the Lotus Sutra where the Buddha casts a light from the centre of his eyebrows and wakes up 18,000 worlds. Is this a reminder that the light of the awakening goes everywhere, leaving nothing
Lotus Sutra, Part 1
Michael teaches the basics of Mahayana Buddhism, defines what a Bodhisattva is, and explains the context of the Lotus Sutra. This talk has a good description of the history of Mahayana Buddhism as it applies to waking up ourselves and
What is the Great Meaning?
Roshi Pat Enkyō O’Hara gives a morning dharma talk during a weekend retreat with Centre of Gravity. Recorded at Hart House, Toronto on February 26, 2011.
Roshi Enkyo O’Hara on Zen Poetry
An incredible talk by Roshi Pat Enkyō O’Hara on Zen poetry and practice during her annual visit to Centre of Gravity. Recorded at Hart House, Toronto on February 25, 2011.
Eight Stages of Practice, Part 5 – Appreciation
After surviving “the dry place”, slowly our relationship transforms and appreciation arises. Appreciation leads to love and finally to letting go. Recorded on February 22, 2011.
Brahmacharya (Wise Use of Sexual Energy)
Michael teaches the in-person ethics course on the wise use of energy (brahmacharya) – encountering all with respect and dignity. Recorded February 17, 2011.
Being With Others
Cathleen Hoskins, Psychotherapist/Philosopher, gives a lecture on the work of Martin Heidegger, philosophy, interconnectivity and being. Martin Heidegger is widely acknowledged as an original and important, yet controversial, philosopher in the 20th century.
Eight Stages of Practice, Part 4 – The Dry Place
Michael begins talking about the reasons for bowing. Then he dives into what it’s like to be caught in the dry place during relationship with practice and with others. Fear and its transformation. How to heal the wounds of abandonment.
About the Community Library
Michael was a great archivist and the Community Library was—and continues to be—a labour of love. Everything in the Community Library is available for free. Anyone, anywhere can have instant access to material that will help them deepen their practice and contribute to a culture of compassion and collaboration.
Libraries are places where we gather alone together. They are known to be places of refuge for seekers, as well as those who are marginalized. This library is no different. It helps us nourish our beautiful, international community without walls. Now, it will also help keep Michael’s legacy alive.