Beth and David discuss David's upcoming in-person retreat with Flowering Lotus on the topics of grief, joy, and awakening.

David explains the retreat theme, saying spiritual awakening involves embracing life's 10,000 joys and sorrows with wisdom and compassion. The retreat aims to deepen practice and reflection on skillfully relating to these experiences.

David details how experiencing loss from a young age and working in hospice care led him to meditation. In his 20s, he was inspired by teachers working with the dying and converted from hedonism to Buddhism after borrowing a meditation book on his 21st birthday.

David outlines Buddhism's teachings on different types of happiness, suffering, and their causes. He explains how wisdom and compassion aid embracing both the bright and dark parts of reality, seeing them clearly as impermanent and without self.

Join us with David in Bay St. Louis for his weekend retreat: Learn More Here

Talking with Rev. Christie Bates about her upcoming dharma talk on February 11th online with Flowering Lotus Meditation. We will begin a series of exploring the 10 parami.

The concept of Adhiṭṭhāna and its significance in bringing resolution and determination to one's life. Christie discussed the importance of cultivating these qualities to their full strength and how Adhiṭṭhāna brings peace and resolve, allowing individuals to maintain their vows and determination without internal conflict. We also delved into the struggles with chronic dieting, the resistance to change, and the pursuit of core values, ultimately highlighting the importance of finding peace with oneself and circumstances. We concluded with a discussion on the transformative effects of setting and achieving goals and the potential for joy and fulfillment in pursuing and realizing one's aspirations. Check out these resources we referenced. Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu's Dhamma Talk, also available on Insight Timer Increasing Determination

Ajahn Sucitto's book can be downloaded to your device or emailed to your Kindle

Pāramī: Ways to Cross Life's Floods

Thanissaro Bhikkhu's Book The Ten Perfections: A Study Guide

Christie's Book, Audiobook, and Sample Meditations for cultivating the Pāramīcan be found on her App

The Beautiful Human

Rebecca Kronlage is a 70 year old cancer survivor who has found miraculous healing through her practice. Rebecca is our January 2024 retreat teacher. In this episode, Rebecca shares about her path into Buddhism and what she's learned along the way. Why is a retreat an important part of contemplative practice? What's her super power? Listen to find out.

Rebecca will be teaching an In-Person Retreat in Biloxi, Mississippi "The Wisdom of The Buddha: A Weekend Wake Up Retreat" January 26-28, 2024 To find out more please visit: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/