Undefended Dharma with Mary Stancavage

So much of our time is spent in the future or past, or trying to change the moment at hand. This is an impossible task and only increases our discomfort. In this talk Mary discusses the various ways and means we use to chase pleasure and how, instead, to develop the capacity to just be.

Recorded October 31, 2026 in the virtual world.

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A short update from Mary. No podcast this week - we'll be back next week.

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Mary offers a brief reflection on one of the most important teachings she has received: how to stay present for each moment. How do we stop running or chasing things that pull us away from reality? How do we learn to simply be?

Recorded October 8, 2026 in the virtual world

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According to the Buddha anicca, or impermanence, is one of the Three Characteristics of Existence. In this brief reflection Mary discusses how pervasive impermanence is and that we can recognize it as part of life. Trying to hold on to things that do not last causes so much suffering.

Recorded Oct. 1, 2026 in the virtual world

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In this brief reflection Mary shares some thoughts on contemplative practice and how it can ground us and offer us a foundation from which to move through the world with steadiness and peace.

Recorded Sept. 28, 2026 in the virtual world

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The term Upaya, or Skillful Means can be a very helpful concept to consider as we move through our lives and is a practice of equanimity. How do we respond to our experiences rather than just reacting out of habit. Mary discusses this and how we can develop a skillful way of being in the world, guided by a wise heart.

Recorded Sept. 19, 2026 in the virtual world

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We don't meditate to get good at meditation. Instead, our practice lays the ground for awareness which we, hopefully, carry throughout our days. Continuity of mindfulness is a phrase which conveys this idea. In this talk Mary talks about Thich Nhat Hanh's book, Peace is Every Breath, which brings practice down to the most mundane parts of our lives like brushing teeth and making breakfast. The sacred is right here all the time when we're aware.

Recorded Sept. 12, 2026 in the virtual world

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A core teaching of Buddhism is Dependent Origination although it can seem difficult to understand at times. In this talk, Mary offers a simple overview of this important teaching on conditionality and how we can free ourselves from the grip of Samsara.

Recorded Sept. 5, 2026 in the virtual world

Book: Tear the City Down by Andre Hardy

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In this dharma reflection Mary discusses the idea we so often carry about the now, the future and the past and how easy it is to be caught up in a world that is somewhere else. Discussing various mental states, meditation invites us to identify these states in order to liberate our minds from attachment.

Recorded August 27, 2026 in the virtual world

Let Go by Martine Batchelor

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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

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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

Bhikkhu Bodhi article: A Challenge to Buddhists

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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

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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 Bodhi

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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

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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 personality types.

Recorded July 16, 2026 in the virtual world

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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

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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

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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 world

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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

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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

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