Public Talks

THE COMPASSIONATE HEART: Overcoming Obstacles to Practicing Compassion

Most everyone has the desire to be compassionate, but sometimes finds it difficult to practice. We may feel overwhelmed by our own problems, or frustrated by the people in our lives. This session is an opportunity to go beyond our inner obstacles toward developing a sincerely compassionate heart.

Join Ani Palmo for a discussion on The Compassionate Heart. She will also  be giving instruction for a meditation designed specifically to develop compassion.

Guided Meditation: The Practice of Exchange

UNDERSTANDING IMPERMANENCE: The Key to Wisdom and Well-Being

Everything is impermanent–our possessions, relationships, life itself.  Coming to terms with impermanence, even celebrating impermanence,  is one of the major keys to wisdom and well-being. This is why the Buddha  called the contemplation of impermanence the King of All Practices.

Learn how to use your understanding of impermanence to bring more peace and wisdom into your life.

Guided Meditation: Contemplation on Impermanence

TRANSITIONING: Coping with Change in Life and at the End of Life

Death is the one thing we can be certain of, and the one thing for which we are least prepared. If we learn how to face the challenges of stress, change, and the unexpected with calm, wisdom and compassion now, we will be prepared for anything we may face in the future.

Join Ani Palmo for this profound, yet practical discussion.

Guided Meditation: Death Awareness

OVERCOMING ANGER: How to Heal Anger into Compassion

The biggest obstacles to developing love and compassion are hatred and anger. Yet, these are mere habits we have developed over time. By developing our innate power of wisdom, patience, and compassion we can overcome the destructive force of anger which is harmful both to ourselves and others.

Learn the tools for generating a peaceful heart and becoming a calmer person.

Guided Meditation: Compassion

THE FOUR IMMEASURABLES: Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity

Immeasurable love is to have love for all beings without exception. Boundless compassion is to have no limits on who receives our compassion. Sympathetic joy, an antidote to jealousy, is to generate happiness for others when they are successful and happy. Equanimity, the ability to cultivate non-distinction between those we are close to and those who are distant, is what makes it all possible.

In this session we will discuss how to practice the Four Immeasurables in our lives.

Guided Meditation: Developing Equanimity

WOMEN IN BUDDHISM: Deities, Masters, Nuns and Lay Practitioners

There have been women practitioners of all kinds in the Buddhist tradition since its inception. Beginning with the first nuns at the time of the historical Buddha, women have demonstrated their skill and deep interest in following the path to enlightenment. Unfortunately, as Buddhism developed in misogynistic cultures, some of the cultural limitations for women carried over into how they were treated regarding spiritual practice.

Fortunately, the situation for women in Buddhism both east and west has changed dramatically over the past few decades. In this discussion, Ani Palmo will discuss the position and evolution of women from the time of the Buddha to the present day and beyond.

Guided Meditation: Developing Equanimity