Undefended Dharma with Mary Stancavage

Grief is an emotion that all humans experience although many of us have a difficult time turning towards and being with it. Right now so many folk are grieving a multitude of losses and in this talk Mary reflects on the invitation to meet our grief and take care of ourselves as we open to wholeness - not hiding from any part of our experience.
Recorded March 19, 2026 in the virtual world
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Effort and persistence are an important part of the path to liberation and awakening, but sometimes we get caught in thinking we should be there by now and ask when it's enough. This is when the practice of patience is necessary. Patience is necessary when there is resistance to what is. In this talk Mary reflects on the effort of equanimity and letting go of expectations. There is only right here and right now.
Recorded March 15, 2026 for Insight Community of the Desert in Palm Springs
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In this talk Mary reflects on the Mahayana idea of bodhicitta. At it's heart, it is the idea of an awakened mind and an aspiration to awaken and experience an end of suffering both for ourselves and for all. And why not?
Recorded March 7, 2026 in the virtual world
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So much of what we think, say and do is habitual - we react without thinking. The Buddha taught that our reactivity is also impacted by whether we experience something as pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. In this talk Mary discusses how this colors our experiences in the world and how to create new habits that are not reactive, but instead, are truly in the moment and grounded in wisdom and compassion.
Recorded Feb. 28, 2026 in the virtual world
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The word Samadhi is usually translated as concentration, but it's also thought of as collectedness of mind and steadiness. This important teaching - the 8th factor on the Eightfold Path is necessary for awakening and liberation. Mary discusses what Samadhi is and isn't and how we cultivate this important quality.
Recorded Feb. 21, 2022 in the virtual world
Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a response - it's not included automatically. Thanks.
Visit Mary's website for more info on classes and teachings.