Jonathan Prescott shows what it takes to live a contemplative life - a life more concerned with finding the Divine in the present moment than with satisfying our self-centered desires. He describes how the contemplative life brings joy, and contrasts it with the hollow pursuits of a conventional life. This talk was offered to the Guemes Island Community Church and includes a short guided meditation.

Drawing from life stories, Buddhist teachings, and lessons from Plum Village, Karla Johnston explores how to respond skillfully to suffering by first recognizing the unique ingredients of our own lives and then examining the lens—historical or Ultimate—through which we view the world. Karla emphasizes connection, communal support, and mindful self-inquiry as essential practices for both personal growth and engaged, compassionate action.

Michael Melancon encourages us to embrace each moment as an opportunity to awaken and engage intentionally with life, highlighting the importance of mindful awareness of breath, heartbeat, and our relationships. Through personal stories and practical advice, Michael asks the guiding question, “What do I do now?” as a way to cultivate presence, patience, and connection to one’s True Self. By pausing and reflecting rather than impulsively reacting, individuals can cherish their precious lives, foster deep compassion, and navigate challenges with clarity and love.

Jonathan Prescott shows how mindful awareness of mental “seeds”—habits, emotions, and thoughts—can help practitioners move beyond reactive patterns toward insight and wisdom. Using the model of store consciousness and mind consciousness, Jonathan explains how seeds can proliferate and fill our experience, and encourages us to meet arising thoughts and emotions with kindness. The threefold practice of mindfulness, concentration, and insight offers a practical way to respond skillfully to difficulties, ultimately guiding each person toward greater freedom and skillful action.

Jonathan Prescott explores the distinction in Zen between the “small self”—our ego and personality—and the “True Self,” the universal, undivided wisdom and goodness inherent in us all. Through personal stories and Zen metaphors, Jonathan illustrates how spiritual practice is not about eradicating the small self, but about allowing it to become a clear conduit for the True Self to act in the world. He emphasizes how integrating faith, diligence, and letting go enables our small self to mirror the qualities of the True Self, continuously shaping how we answer the essential question, “What do I do now?”.

To live with grace means to flow freely with life. In this talk offered to The Guemes Island Community Church, Jonathan Prescott explores how Christianity tells the story of grace while Zen teaches the path to grace.

Jonathan Prescott explores how you can use contemplative practices to make your life more joyful. He shares his life-long contemplative practice techniques and encourages you to find ways to transform everyday activities into opportunities for deepening.

Many people around the world are suffering due to the actions of America's current President. Join Jonathan Prescott to explore how to find peace even in these difficult times. He helps us connect with the deep listening and skillful responses modeled by Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhistattva of Compassion, so that we can both protect ourselves from overwhelm and learn to respond effectively to this assault on American democracy.

Karla Johnston shares about how Zen practice supports us in using "imperfections" as gateways to increased awareness. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness are expanded upon as tools for embracing an authentic life along with poetry, song and a brief guided "Imperfection" practice.

Jonathan Prescott explores how the Buddha's enlightenment story offers a map for creating a loving relationship between our ego and our awakened nature. This talk was offered to the Morning Light Sangha during a Day of Mindfulness.

The US election knocked many people off balance and caused them to grieve. Jonathan Prescott shows how to practice equanimity and wise grieving to help people find peace within, even during difficult times.

Michael Melancon uncovers the subtleties of our Zen practice forms so that we can be held in their wisdom. This talk was offered to the Morning Light Sangha. Enjoy!

Thich Nhat Hanh wrote: 'It's not this moment that makes you happy. It's you who makes this moment happy.' But how do we do that? Jonathan Prescott points the way in this Dharma talk called Nurturing Delight. He shows us how to practice deeply so that delight is present even when things aren't to our liking. Delight isn't a feeling to grasp after; it's a sign that we're on the path of freedom.

Jonathan Prescott shows the benefits of responding with love rather than reacting with fear. This talk was offered to the Guemes Island Community Church on July 21, 2024

Do the conditions of your life cause you to suffer? Even when those conditions are favorable? If so, welcome to being human! In this talk, Jonathan Prescott shares a 3-step method for finding peace within yourself, even when your life is not ideal. This talk was offered during the Morning Light Sangha's one-day retreat on June 30, 2024.

In this talk delivered the the Guemes Island Community Church, Jonathan Prescott explains what a contemplative practice is and how to open the 3 Contemplative Doors. He finishes with a Metta practice to help us feel the practice in our hearts and bodies.

Buddhism has so many elements that it's hard to know how to use them effectively. Jonathan Prescott shows you how to focus your efforts by opening the 3 Doors of Practice.

Jonathan Prescott offers a 3-step process for spring-cleaning our hearts so that we can restore relationships that have soured over the long pandemic winter. This talk was offered to the Guemes Island Community Church

The Buddha taught that ignorance is the root of suffering. To ignore means to turn away from the truth. While speaking to the Guemes Island Community Church, Jonathan Prescott shows how Buddhism and Christianity both point towards overcoming ignorance through awareness and love.

Jonathan Prescott offered this exploration of hospitality to the Guemes Island Community Church. Jonathan uses poems and stories to reveal deeper aspects of hospitality, including the call to welcome those we don't agree with.