Dharma talks from meditation teacher Mary Stancavage. These focus primarily on the pragmatic aspects of Buddhist teachings and philosophy drawing strongly on wisdom and heart practices. All are viewed through the lens of learning to live with an Undefended Heart. (photo by @kimanhuynh)
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Living with an undefended heart is not only a saying, but it is a practice that moves us toward liberation and away from greed, aversion and ignorance. In this talk Mary discusses her years-long practice and what an Undefended Heart is, and what it is not. Recorded Aug. 22, 2026 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a…
The Dalai Lama suggests that we check in with our spiritual practice every ten years or so. Using the 18th anniversary of teaching as a jumping off point, Mary checks in with where spiritual practice can lead and what it may look like. It's not about achieving a particular goal, but about how we show up in the world and recognize our shared humanity. Recorded Aug. 15, 2026 in the virtual world…
Using the teachings of Sayadaw U Tejaniya, Mary reflects on awareness, and how we find it in our lives. Recorded August 6, 2026 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.
Sati, or mindfulness is foundational to our practice and necessary for liberation. In this talk Mary discusses what mindfulness is and the Buddha's teaching on how we cultivate this vital practice and move towards awakening. Recorded August 1, 2026 in the virtual world Books mentioned: The Satipatthana Sutta by Bhikkhu Analayo Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein The Noble Eightfold Path by Bhikkhu…
So many things are coming at us these days, it can feel so overwhelming. In this talk Mary reflects on the grief we may be feeling about so much loss in the world, and how a path of radical kindness is a wise and skillful response for ourselves and others. Recorded July 25, 2026 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a…
The Buddha says the root of suffering begins with what he calls the three defilements, also known as the three poisons. These are greed, aversion or ill-will, and ignorance or delusion. This teaching is as valid today as it was almost 2600 years ago. In this talk Mary discusses how these poisons show up in our lives and how we can learn to let them go. She also touches on the three Buddhist…
In this talk, Mary reflects on the famous story of Milarepa and the demons who take over his cave. It's a wonderful reflection on our spiritual journey of aversion and delusion to being intimate with our deepest experiences. Recorded July 11, 2026 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…
St. Francis of Assisi invited us to wear the world as a loose garment and in this talk, Mary discusses how this is an invitation to equanimity. How do we turn towards the world without rigidity, yet with a willingness to stay present and meet life where it is? Recorded July 4, 2026 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a…
One of the things we release on the journey to awakening is our attachment to fixed views. These are the stories that have become rigid and that we believe about ourselves and the world. This practice invites us to pause and take a look at our views and ask if they're even true. Freedom lies with our letting go of shoulds and opening to this moment as it is. Recorded June 27, 2026 in the virtual…
In order to move on the path of liberation, we need to see what gets in the way. The Buddha's teaching of the Five Hindrances is a helpful way to recognize these sometimes subtle obstacles and learn how to release them so we can continue towards freedom. Recorded June 20, 2026 in the virtual world Send me a text with any questions or comments! Include your name and email if you would like a…
In the book, " Dancing With Life ", Phillip Moffitt writes about the three insights associated with each of the Four Noble Truths: Reflecting, Experiencing and Knowing. This is a wise way to look at his core teaching and Mary offers a summary of Phillip's teaching. She calls these insights a journey of awareness from the head to the heart. Recorded June 13, 2026 in the virtual world Send me a text…