For many years Flowering Lotus Meditation and Sama Studio have worked together to help teachers reach more students when visiting the New Orleans area. In this podcast episode Beth Herzig speaks with Laura Johanna, Co-Director of Sama Studio about the partnership, and more about what's happening at Sama and their non-profit model.Topics discussed include:

• The origin and mission of Sama Studio.

• The importance of community in meditation practices.
• Karma Yoga and Generosity in Community Service
• Hybrid Class Offerings and Community Engagement
• Upcoming Classes and Events at Sama Studio
• Discussion on One-Day Retreats and Community Engagement

Find out more here:Sama Studio

Follow Sama Studio on Instagram

Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training

Lojong : Developing a Kind Heart, with Laura's Teacher Earle BirneyConnect with Laura on IGSign Up on Sama's website for the Dharma Talk with FLM Retreat Teacher:Intuition and Awakening: A Contemplative Perspective with David Chernikoff

Thursday April 10, 2025 - In person or Online HYBRID

A brief overview of the Eightfold Path. Often described as the "middle way," it offers a way of life that avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial. The path is a guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, and it’s divided into three categories: wisdom (Right View and Right Intention), ethical conduct (Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood), and mental discipline (Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration). Each of these steps is interconnected, supporting the others like spokes in a wheel.

Right View, the first step, is foundational. Bhikkhu Bodhi describes it as "the forerunner of the path," because how we perceive and understand the world shapes every decision we make. Right View invites us to see life as it truly is, rather than how we wish it to be. It’s about aligning our perspective with reality—a reality that includes impermanence, interconnectedness, and the causes and conditions of suffering. Jack Kornfield puts it beautifully: "The wise heart sees the universal truths of change, suffering, and interdependence. When we see these truths clearly, we respond to life with balance and compassion."

Gil Fronsdal once said, "Right View is not just about having correct beliefs; it’s about seeing clearly in a way that transforms the heart." This transformation happens when we align our understanding with the Four Noble Truths: that suffering exists, it has a cause, it can end, and there’s a path to its cessation. By integrating these truths into our lives, we begin to see challenges not as insurmountable problems but as opportunities for growth and awakening.

Tara Brach: "Awakening self-compassion is often the greatest challenge people face on the spiritual path. It’s also the most transformative. When we practice seeing clearly with kindness, we open the door to healing and freedom."

If you believe in our mission to provide refuge through dharma throughout the Deep South please become a monthly donor or make a one time donation today.

Simplified Summary of the 3 Marks of Existence

The Three Marks of Existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta). These truths help us understand life as it is, and learning to see through their lens is essential for walking the Buddhist path.

Impermanence, or anicca. This is the idea that everything changes.

“We suffer when we cling to or resist what is, instead of opening to the flow of life.” -Tara Brach

“When we recognize the changing nature of life, we loosen our grip on the fantasy of permanence.” -Ruth King

The second mark of existence is dukkha, often translated as suffering. But dukkha is more nuanced than that. It refers to the sense of dissatisfaction we feel when life doesn’t match our expectations.

Bhikkhu Bodhi explains, “Suffering doesn’t mean that life is all misery. It’s the subtle undercurrent of unease that comes from grasping at things that can’t satisfy us in the long run.”

The third mark of existence is non-self, or anatta.

Buddhism teaches that there’s no fixed, permanent “self” inside us. What we think of as “me” is actually a collection of experiences, thoughts, and feelings, all constantly changing.

Kaira Jewel Lingo writes, “When we realize there is no fixed self, we can let go of the constant need to defend or promote our identity. This brings tremendous relief.”

When we bring these three ideas together—impermanence, suffering, and non-self—we start to see life more clearly. We see that change is inevitable, that clinging creates dissatisfaction, and that we’re not as solid and unchanging as we might think. This isn’t a cause for despair. It’s an invitation to live with more presence, flexibility, and compassion.

“The truth is, everything is a dance of change. When we relax into that truth, we find a peace that can hold it all.” Tara Brach

The 3 P’s to remember the 3 Marks of Existence, Life is not Permanent, Perfect or Personal

by Ruth King

Tricycle Teaching

Understanding the Four Noble Truths: A Path to Freedom and Peace

The First Noble Truth: Life Contains Suffering (Dukkha)

The first truth is simple: life contains suffering. The Buddha used the word *dukkha*, which is often translated as suffering, but it also means unease, dissatisfaction, or stress.

"The First Noble Truth is not meant to depress us but to awaken us to the reality of our lives so that we can start to live more fully." -Jack Kornfield The Second Noble Truth: The Cause of Suffering (Tanha)

The second truth goes deeper. It says suffering arises from *tanha*, often translated as craving or clinging. It’s that feeling of “I need this” or “I need things to be different.”

"Craving is the force that drives our discontent. It’s not the external world that binds us but the way we cling to it."

-Joseph Goldstein

"The Four Noble Truths point us to the possibility of being fully present with our suffering in a way that transforms it, rather than letting it control us." -Sharon Salzberg The Third Noble Truth: The End of Suffering

Now, here’s the good news. The third truth tells us that suffering can end. There is a way to step off the treadmill of craving and dissatisfaction.

The Buddha called this "nirvana", but don’t think of it as some mystical state far away. It’s simply freedom—a mind at ease, not caught up in endless wanting.

The Fourth Noble Truth: The Path to the End of Suffering

The final truth is the *how.* It’s called the Eightfold Path—a practical guide for living with more wisdom, kindness, and mindfulness. Think of it as eight steps, like right speech (speaking truthfully and kindly) or right mindfulness (being present in the moment).

These steps aren’t rules—they’re tools. They help us live in a way that reduces suffering for ourselves and others.

In a world that often feels chaotic, the Four Noble Truths give us clarity. They remind us that it’s not about fixing the world but understanding our relationship with it. By seeing where we cling or resist, we can begin to let go.

The Four Noble Truths aren’t abstract ideas—they’re invitations to look at your own life.

"These teachings are not about becoming someone different. They’re about being fully human, with all the beauty and pain that entails." -Jack Kornfield

"The Four Noble Truths are universal. They speak to everyone who has ever felt joy or sorrow, love or loss." -Joseph Goldstein

"These teachings show us that we can meet our struggles with mindfulness and compassion, and in doing so, we can transform our lives." -Sharon Salzberg

Want to Read all About this? Here's Great Dharma Book:

Noble Truths, Noble Path - The Wisdom Experience

Want to Dive Deep into Dharma Talks by Experienced Teachers go here: https://dharmaseed.org/talks/

If you found this helpful and you would like to support Flowering Lotus Meditation : https://givebutter.com/2PLTJK

Disclaimer: The purpose of this episode is to serve as an introduction or reminder of this Buddhist concept. We researched the topic and presented it in a super simplistic way. There is much more depth to these teachings and we encourage you to dive in.

Today, we’ll explore the concept of Dharma—its meaning, its role in Buddhism, and how it connects to wise action in our daily lives. Let’s start by defining Dharma in a straightforward way.

In Buddhism, Dharma (or Dhamma in Pali) has several interconnected meanings:

• ​The Teachings of the Buddha

◦Dharma represents the guidance and wisdom shared by the Buddha. This includes key teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

◦It’s not just the words of the Buddha—it’s the path of practice and the realization of enlightenment.

• ​The Nature of Reality

◦Dharma also refers to the true nature of things, including the natural laws of the universe.

◦For example, we often hear, "All dharmas are without self-essence," which highlights the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena.

• ​A Universal Truth

◦Dharma is universal, applicable to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. It’s a path we follow to live in harmony with the way things truly are.

In essence, Dharma is both the path and the goal—a guide for reducing suffering and achieving liberation.

How Do We Practice Dharma Today?

Here are some common ways people engage with Dharma in their daily lives:

Meditation

Practicing meditation helps us calm our minds and see reality more clearly.

Ethical Conduct

Living by principles such as right speech, right action, and right livelihood fosters a harmonious life.

Study of Texts

Reading and reflecting on Buddhist teachings deepens our understanding.

Community Practices

Chanting, Dharma talks, and retreats provide support and encouragement on the path.

Phillip Moffitt writes in Dancing with Life:

"Wise action is any action that liberates the mind, moves you toward freedom from suffering, and supports a feeling of well-being that is independent of external conditions."

Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism Without Beliefs, explains, "Dharma practice requires the courage to confront what it means to be human.”

David Chernikoff, Life Part Two

“The Dharma in Six Words”

Pay Attention

Don’t Cling

Be Kind

Visit our website to join us live every Sunday at 6 pm CST on Zoom for Meditation, a Talk & Group Discussion

https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org

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/