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 b…

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 rep…

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 …

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 Fra…

08.18.2024 - Sunday PM - Rev. Bryce Cosme - " Things That the Devil Won't Tell You " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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 teach…

Sunday PM - 08.11.2024 - Missionary Peyton Bradford - "Eager and Unwashed" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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 - "consciousl…

Tuesday PM - 08.06.2024 - Pastor Kevin Bradford - "SARX" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

08.04.2024 - Sunday AM - Bro Jeremy Brock - " But if Not " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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…

07.21.2024 - Sunday PM - Pastor Chad Bradley - " Keep the Sacred Trees Everything Else Must Die " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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, …

Sunday AM - 07.21.24 - Pastor Kevin Bradford - "The Ancient Key" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

07.14.2024 - Sunday PM by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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 c…

07.09.2024 - Tuesday PM by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Sunday PM - 07.07.2024 - Bro. Jordan Johnson - "When the Forgiven Forgive" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Sunday PM - 06.30.2024 - Pastor. Kevin Bradford - "A Story Within a Story " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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 …

Sunday PM - 06.23.2024 - Bro. Garrett Purtell - " The Soldier, The Athlete, & The Farmer " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

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 …

Tuesday PM - 06.18.2024 -Bro. CJ Casey - "Deserving the Undeserved" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

How can we cultivate an undefended heart that is open and caring? John Martin shares that the true nature of our heart is inherently pure and loving. However, we need to practice to cultivate this purity. Some of the practices he shares include: Being aware of our intentions. Using metta phrases. Radiating metta. ______________ John Martin teaches …

05.19.2024 - Sunday PM by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Tuesday PM - 06.11.2024 - Rev. Cornelius Williams - "When The "East Wind" Blows" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

In this talk, Melvin Escobar looks at the loneliness and separation prevalent in our world. Especially for LGBTQI individuals, this has roots in both the individual level as well as the structural level, such as the way families may ask us to hide parts of ourselves in order to find acceptance. The societal hierarchies we encounter also contribute …

Sunday PM - 06.02.2024 - "If My People..." - Bro. Josiah Winkler by GBFPCAv GBFPC

How can Buddhist philosophy help us address the everyday suffering we encounter in a human body - the accidents, falls, missteps, mistakes, broken bones and broken hearts? In this talk, Laura Burges recounts her own experience following a recent fall and injury. She shares practices and reminders that can be helpful when we experience "The thousand…

05.28.2024 - Tuesday PM - "Repentance from Dead Works" - Bro. Jeremy Brock by GBFPCAv GBFPC

How can our relationship with fear deepen our practice? In this rich talk, Dale Borglum explains that in fear, we are separated from our feeling of unity. Yet, all true contemplative traditions teach that the end of the spiritual path brings us to the realization that all is one. He speaks of the two main spiritual paths: Devotion and Self-Inquiry.…

Tuesday PM - 05.07.24 - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - "Down" is not an Option" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Sunday PM - 05.05.24 - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - "Better Than Before" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Why is wholesome speech one of the hardest precepts to navigate? In this talk, Tom Baker explores the many nuances of wise conversation, including: The ways our words cause suffering The intoxicating aspect of slander and gossip The mindfulness component of watching our speech Listening with our whole presence Our responsibility to speak out agains…

Tuesday PM - 04.30.2024 - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - "Slaying Baby Giants" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Sunday PM - 04.28.24 - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - "The Shaking of Prayers, Praise & Prophecy" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

What is humanity's relationship to change? In this talk, Syra Smith shares her thoughts on impermanence, leading with this quote: "Change is the thread woven through the fabric of Human existence, a constant force shaping our journey. In transition, we navigate the spectrum of emotions, from the excitement of new beginnings to the discomfort of unc…

04.14.24-Sunday PM - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - " The Lifting Of The Lifted" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

What does it mean to "be Buddhist?" In his signature honest and humorous style, Kevin Griffin enriches this powerful and practical talk with numerous examples and approaches to making the dharma real in our everyday lives. He shares that living the dharma is not about doing activities that are Buddhist, but instead making every activity we engage w…

Tuesday PM - 04.09.24 - Evangelist Cornelius Williams - " The War Of Wells " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

What does it mean to go beyond separation as described in the Heart Sutra? Prasadachitta prefaces this rich talk by asking us to consider all the ways we are steeped in separation. This is evidenced by our language's practice of adding -ism to a tradition or condition to define ourselves or others -- a practice that can serve as a judgment that fos…

04.02.24 - Tuesday PM - Pastor Kevin Bradford - " Hair, Sex, and The Holy Ghost " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

03.31.24 - Sunday AM - Rev. Rodger Carruth - " The Ultimate Sacrifice " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

03.26.24 -Tuesday PM - Bro. Raymond Andreas - "Can I Get A Witness" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

03.24.24 - Sunday PM - Bro. Nate Ruiz- "My Response To The King " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Do we trust our thoughts more than the wisdom of our own experience? In this talk, David Lewis helps us see that our reliance on thinking and studying can be an obstacle to gaining a true understanding of reality. He outlines that Sangha can help us gain wisdom in three ways, through: Direct experience - meditating in silence Listening to Dharma ta…

03.24.24 - Sunday AM - Pastor Kevin Bradford - " I Shall Not Be Moved " by GBFPCAv GBFPC

03.19.24 - Tuesday PM - Pastor Kevin Bradford - " Wonders and Signs" by GBFPCAv GBFPC

Can generosity lead to joy in a wounded world? Ian Challis believes so, and helps us explore both our generous impulses and the actions they give rise to if we allow it. Generosity is the first of the 10 Paramis or beautiful qualities that lead to Buddhahood: Generosity Virtue Renunciation Wisdom Energy Patience Truthfulness Resolve Loving Kindness…

3.17.24 - Sunday AM - Bro. Jordan Johnson - " From Struggle to Testimony" by GBFPCAv GBFPC