The Gay Buddhist Forum by GBF

GBF
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Gay Buddhist Forum by GBF

Buddhism for Liberation and Social Action. We invite teachers from all schools of Buddhism to offer their perspectives on the dharma and its application in modern times, especially for LGBTQIA audiences.Produced by GBF - The Gay Buddhist Fellowship of San Francisco.

  1. The 4 Immeasurables in Song - Jennifer Berezan

    NOV 3

    The 4 Immeasurables in Song - Jennifer Berezan

    How can we make the Four Immeasurables (aka the Brahmavihārās or divine abodes) more present in our daily lives? In this talk, Jennifer Berezan explores these four virtues—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—integral aspects of Buddhist practice. She emphasizes their universal relevance, encouraging us to cultivate these qualities to foster deeper connections and inner peace.Jennifer enriches her discussion with musical interludes, using songs to embody each of the Fou...

    54 min
  2. Somatic Meditation: The Anatomy of Practice - David Moreno

    OCT 27

    Somatic Meditation: The Anatomy of Practice - David Moreno

    In this departure from our usual dharma talks, David Moreno guides us in weaving sitting practice with the Tantric practice of Yoga Nidra and the energetic practice of Qi Gong. These processes augment and integrate meditation into moving mindfulness. Yet, they are complete meditations in themselves. Throughout this session, he encourages us to allow the movements to help us “feel more, think less.”WATCH this interactive talk and find the quotes that David shares on our website: https://g...

    1h 10m
  3. Boundless Loving-Kindness (Metta) - Dave Richo

    OCT 13

    Boundless Loving-Kindness (Metta) - Dave Richo

    How can we continue to stretch our sense of loving-kindness to include all beings?In this talk, Dave Richo explores the practice of loving-kindness (metta) in Buddhism, emphasizing its expansive nature. Using an analogy from Romeo and Juliet, Dave explains that love is boundless, reaching beyond our immediate relationships to encompass all beings. He introduces the concept of concentric circles, where love radiates from ourselves to our close ones, those we are neutral toward, marginalized in...

    49 min
  4. Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm - JD Doyle

    OCT 6

    Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm - JD Doyle

    When the world gets to be a little too much for us, how can we keep from shutting down?JD Doyle shares that the key lies in returning to our interconnectedness. JD ties this beautifully with the practice of the brahmaviharas (the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). JD explains that when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we witness or experience, turning to these qualities helps us stay grounded. By cultivating loving-kindness and compassion, w...

    47 min
  5. Intimacy with Yourself - Daigan Gaither

    OCT 1

    Intimacy with Yourself - Daigan Gaither

    How can we become truly present and engage with each moment we experience?In both interpersonal relationships and self-reflection, Daigan Gaither advocates for an open, curious approach where we allow things to be as they are, rather than forcing them to fit preconceived notions. This approach, he suggests, fosters deeper connection and understanding with ourselves and others, as well as with the world around us.Daigan explains that we often misinterpret our emotions by labeling them (e.g., c...

    51 min
  6. The Role of Pleasure in Our Practice - René Rivera

    SEP 24

    The Role of Pleasure in Our Practice - René Rivera

    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 by quoting Betty Martin:"Pleasure is a powerful change agent. Pleasure helps you make friends with your body and that changes the sense of who ...

    54 min
  7. Gay Sexuality and Buddhist Dharma - Eric Kolvig

    SEP 15

    Gay Sexuality and Buddhist Dharma - Eric Kolvig

    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 repressing sexuality doesn't work, he challenges us to engage with it skillfully whether choosing celibacy, monogamy, or multiple partners.Eric sh...

    53 min
  8. Waking Up to the Nature of Reality - David Lewis

    SEP 8

    Waking Up to the Nature of Reality - David Lewis

    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 underscores that ignorance in Buddhism is not about a lack of information but rather the failure to see things clearly in the present moment. Ignora...

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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Buddhism for Liberation and Social Action. We invite teachers from all schools of Buddhism to offer their perspectives on the dharma and its application in modern times, especially for LGBTQIA audiences.Produced by GBF - The Gay Buddhist Fellowship of San Francisco.

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