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Make this Country Safe for Poetry!
A recording of the annual poetry evening at Centre of Gravity. Erin Robinsong, Sarah Selecky, Michael read from their favourite poems – a wonderful evening of words to support practice. Recorded November 30, 2010.
Spiritual Practice that Supports Community
Michael talks about the G20, the power of shared attention, and how letting go of fixed views opens us up to community. When we are attentive to suffering we are more tender and connected. A self connected with others is
Your Inner Child Never Grows Up!
A talk by Michael on how even the best meditators have old wounds that need attention. He talks about how we need support for working with old patterns of our psychology that spiritual practices may not reach. Recorded November 9,
When Thorns Grow in Our Practice
A talk and group exercise for working with thorns when they begin to grow on the branches of our practice and in our lives. Recorded November 2, 2010.
Who Am I If Not This Mask?
Michael continues his month-long discussion about masks and how they shouldn’t stick to your face. He gives the sangha some homework. Recorded October 11, 2010.
Asking the Master
Michael introduces Case 12 of the Mumonkon, “The Master”. He ties waking up with social action and the teachings of the Burmese Monks who visited the evening prior. A funny and lively talk with practices you can use in your
I’ve Stopped: Can You?
Michael tells the story of Angulimala, a murderer who met the Buddha and changed his ways though was still stoned to death. This teaching illustrates how we are never free of karma and that our conduct always shapes our lives.
Deeply Secret Mind
Jen Whitney investigates a favourite koan of hers and relates it to the passing of Michael and how the community can move forward from here. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
How Do You Use All Your Hands & Eyes?
Part two of Michael describing how to enter the path of practice and become a committed student at Centre of Gravity. Recorded September 15, 2010.
Mountains Are Not Mountains
Jen Whitney explores the famous saying by Seigen Ishin, integrating the wisdom of poet David Budbill. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind
A talk Michael gave at his book launch for Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind. Recorded at the Shambhala Centre on September 9, 2009.
Without Ideals of Violence
Jen Whitney discusses working with ideals, expectations, and perfection, and turning towards it with love. Recorded at the Eight-Day Silent Meditation Retreat in France, August 2017.
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.