So often, our practice involves the invitation to remain in the present moment, to draw attention toward what is happening, and to let go of the past. But is it really possible to let go of the past? Can the present moment be devoid of everything that came before? How might our mindfulness practice be framed as a way of understanding the past? Let’s consider it and practice with it.
This talk was offered for Big Heart City Meditation SF on July 24th, 2025.
Venerable Pannavati wanted us, all of us, to taste the joy of an unburdened heart and experience the selflessness that arises through good works.
Matthew draws on experiences firefighting and in incarcerated Buddhist communities to explore what it means to feel safe in a sangha, despite external circumstances.
Usually, craving is mentioned in terms of sensual pleasure, but here the topic is craving for becoming and craving for annihilation.
In this guided meditation, Matthew leads the practitioner through mindfulness of mind as part of Bhikkhu Analayo’s method of Satipatthana practice.
In this guided meditation, Matthew leads the practitioner through mindfulness of feeling tones as part of Bhikkhu Analayo’s method of Satipatthana practice.
In this talk, Matthew offers his perspective on setting intentions, whether big or small, aspirational or momentary. Weaving storytelling from his days in prison with perspectives from the Buddhist tradition, Matthew presents ways to enquire deeply about what we really want from our time here on Earth.