Buddhism as Transformation, 1994
Arizona Conference, Public Lecture
Yvonne explains how carefully investigating our own interior lives provides the grist for the Buddha Dharma mill to do its work.
"Even with the most intense, negative emotions, the most difficult and disturbing thoughts, we begin to develop a way of staying present, without hurting ourselves, without shutting down, without reacting."
Hard Rain, 1999
Class Series, Yoga Room, Berkeley
Yvonne talks about meditation practice as an avenue toward facing what we would rather not look at or acknowledge.
"If you bring forth what is within you, what is within you will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what is within you will destroy you." The Gospel of Thomas
Who is My Teacher, 2002
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Yvonne discusses her teachers including, at the age of seven, a horse named Susie, a Guernsey milking cow, a black hen and, in her adult life, many venerable teachers representing various Buddhist traditions.
"I invite you to join me in some inquiry into what teaches us and when do we learn."
Having a Daily Practice, 2001
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Yvonne talks about the importance of a consistent practice.
"In the end, what counts is how we treat the people we live with and the people we walk with, work with, our dogs and cats and the people we see in the grocery store, and in fact, other people on the highway."
Generosity, 2002
Green Gulch Farm, Public Lecture
Yvonne talks about generosity, the first of the Six Perfections.
"I'm convinced that our ability to study the mind and to train the mind requires a kind heart, a generous heart."