Four Thoughts Which Turn The Mind Toward Dharma
The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dhamma is a teaching which comes from a living tradition that has offered a clear path for those interested in living life in a better way for centuries. It is an important teaching which requires us to constantly go back and reflect upon, even if we are seasoned practitioners. It gives us a genuine sense of renunciation and makes our 'spiritual' practice meaningful and authentic.
The Importance of Receiving Teachings from a Living Lineage
Since time without beginning, daily life has contained overwhelming pressures, deadlines, and responsibilities. It can be a challenge to navigate relationships, careers, families, and expectations in an intentional and balanced way. Often, we seek answers and support from a variety of sources but come up wanting. In authentic Buddhist tradition, the Dhamma (Pali) or Dharma (Sanskrit) teachings are given directly from teacher to student. It is of utmost importance to learn Buddhadhamma from an authentic source. Hearing the teachings in this way offers clear guidance, uncompromised by modern ideals or societal trends, which offers a time-tested model for easing the suffering we encounter on a daily basis.
The Four Thoughts Which Turn The Mind To the Dharma: A Triple Wisdom Global Talk Series
Over the next few months, we will examine these four timeless contemplations and learn how the practical application of each of them brings benefit in this current life and future lives.
Join us for the entire series of international talks rooted in a living tradition of Buddhism. Each event explores a key pillar of Dharma practice, translating the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings for our modern life.
“After I meet the daily difficulties of life and spend time considering the four thoughts, those same difficulties hold less weight in my mind, and I’m led to a new possibility of choice. To seek refuge in the hope of enlightenment, truth of the Dharma, and support of all those [who] have practiced before and [are] practicing now.”
2026 Autumn Series Schedule
Session 1: The Faults of Mental Afflictions
When: September 27, 2026 — 10:30 AM PDT/Oregon (1:30 PM New York)
Where: Eugene, OR (In-person & Live Stream)
Mental afflictions—such as greed, hatred, jealousy, anger, pride and delusion—cloud our natural clarity and trap the mind in destructive, reactive cycles. In this talk, we will examine how emotional patterns arise and the potential harm they cause. By recognizing the faults of these afflictions, we learn how to step out of reactivity. Mindfully, we can cultivate emotional resilience and nurture a life more grounded in wisdom and peace.
Session 2: Truth of Karma (The Dynamics of Cause and Effect)
When: October 7, 2026 — 6:00 PM CDT/Chicago (7:00 PM New York)
Where: Waukesha, WI (In-person & Live Stream)
Karma is a complex and daunting concept that is layered through lifetimes of choices. Personal to each being, the circumstances of our birth, personality and capacity all arise because of Kamma (Pali) or Karma (Sanskrit). In this talk we will explore how our intentional choices—in thought, speech, and action—directly shape our inner equilibrium and the quality of our relationships.
Session 3: The Wisdom of Impermanence
When: October 15, 2026 — 6:00 PM EDT/New York (In-Person), 6:30 PM NY (Live Stream)
Where: Fort Wayne, IN (In-person & Live Stream)
NOTE: The space will be available starting at 6pm for those that are joining in-person to enjoy chocolates, coffee, and mingle until the talk which will be begin promptly at 6:30pm
We know change is unavoidable, yet we cling and grasp, holding tightly to all that makes us comfortable. Wanting our life, circumstances and relations to remain the same causes us much suffering. In this talk we seek to gain the wisdom of impermanence and to understand the transient nature of all phenomena. When we embrace the true nature of reality we learn to navigate change with grace, release perfectionism, and meet the present moment fully.
Session 4: Precious Human Birth
When: November 6, 2025 — 6:00 PM GMT-3/Santiago, Chile (4:00 PM New York)
Where: Maitencillo Beach, Chile (In-person & Live Stream)
Our life as a human is actually a precious and rare occurrence. In this talk we will recognize and examine the extraordinary opportunity of conscious human life. When we are mindful of our remarkable existence, we are less likely to waste time and opportunities that create merit and happiness, inspiring us to move beyond passive routine toward intentional living.
This session will be translated into Spanish in-person.
Session 5: Turning Toward the Dharma — What to do with the four thoughts?
When: November 17, 2026 — 6:00 PM GMT-3/Argentina (4:00 PM New York)
Where: Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina (In-person & Live Stream)
Hearing alone is not enough – application of the Dharma’s wisdom is the most important step in changing our lives. We will take the aspects discussed in previous talks and introduce practical changes and practices in order to thoughtfully move forward. This is the next step for those interested in a supportive daily practice which creates conducive conditions in this and future lives
This session will be translated into Spanish in-person.
Reserve your seat today to discover how to cultivate deep poise, clarity, and purpose in your everyday life using The Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma. To see the events in your local time, check here.
Global Online Access & Live Spanish Translation
Every session in this series is broadcast live online worldwide. Simultaneous Spanish translation (traducción en vivo al español) will be provided for all talks
How to Join Online & Access Spanish Translation
Register Online: Select the virtual attendance option on the event page.
Access the Audio Controls: When joining the live stream, click on the Interpretation / Globe icon at the bottom of the screen.
Select Your Language: Choose Spanish (Español) to listen to the live translated audio feed or remain on the main channel for English.
“The four thoughts have served as a guidepost for my daily actions. They help me focus on acting and interacting with intention. When situations arise that may cause frustration, they offer me a moment of pause to contemplate the entirety of the situation, rather than move from a place of reactivity and emotion. At the end of my day, they guide me in reflection of where I may be able to do better tomorrow without holding onto mistakes or harmful actions too tightly. Rather, I can adjust to move forward more purposefully in those moments.”
