We all entertain romantic notions of getting away from the complications of life meditating blissfuly in a secluded retreat amid beuatiful and peaceful surroundings. Yet even if we are able to do this for a while, the demands and complications of life return as as soon as we leave our retreat. So what role do meditation and dharma study play in our day-to-day world? In this talk Lama Kathy Wesley explains that in his teachings the Buddha "gave us back to ourselves." That is, he explained that we have the power of happiness in our own hands. Our state of mind is limitless clear awareness, and it is accessible to us no matter what our circumstances if we are willing to work with our state of mind using the tools of dharma study and pratice. Stress is only the inability to rest the mind in its own nature. By developing the ability to rest simply and see clearly our inherent our inherent nature of clear awareness, we gain the ability to find equanimity amid life's incessant demands.

Buddhism in the Real World, Lama Kathy Wesley, Vajra Echoes, 1 DVD, 1.5 Hours, $15.00

Lama Kathy Wesley has been a student of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche since 1977. She participated in the first three-year retreat at Karme-Ling Retreat Center, completing the retreat in 1996. She now serves the Columbus KTC as its resident teacher. Lama Kathy has taught regularly at Hartford KTC and other KTCs since ths fall of 1998. She is a delightful and warm person who teaches with clarity, compassion and humor.