In the first session of a multi-part Precepts Discussion Group series, Julie Nelson gives a brief lecture on the history of the precepts, ways of interpreting them, the Three Refuges, Three Pure Precepts, and challenges we currently face. Questions and answers follow. (Later classes will be discussion-based).

Introduction to the Precepts

Julie Nelson gives an encouragement talk based on the essay “The Glass is Already Broken” by Stephen and Ondrea Levine.  (July 1, 2021)

(Short) Already Broken

Julie Nelson gives an encouragement talk about the Sixth Precept: “I take up the way of speaking of others with openness and possibility.”  The reading is from Diane Rizzetto’s Waking Up to What You Do. (June 3, 2021)

(Short) The Sixth Precept

Julie Nelson gives a short encouragement talk about practice in the midst of noisy, busy household life.

Householder Practice

Julie Nelson gives a short encouragement talk based on “The misunderstanding of many lifetimes” by Hongzhi Zhengjue.

Encouraging Words

Julie Nelson gives a short encouragement talk on the topic of equanimity, reflecting on passages in David Brazier’s book The Dark Side of the Mirror.

Equanimity