In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna goes right to the roots of suffering with a clear and focused discussion about our fundamental misperceptions. He offers the medicine of dependent arising and interdependence as a way to heal from misperception and take more steps on the path to liberation from our suffering. This episode was recorded on September 30th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on the root cause of suffering. He details how misperception of how we exist leads us to identify with “me and mine,” which burrows us deeper into the experience of suffering. John then follows with some strategies on how we can undermine this mechanism and find our way toward a greater capacity for genuine happiness. This episode was recorded on September 23rd, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of B...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna begins commentary on a new text by His Holiness the Dalai Lama titled “How to See Yourself as you Really Are.” John focuses in on how we misperceive ourselves and objects, and how that leads to craving and anger. Specifically, he illustrates how our minds engage in elaboration and exaggeration, thereby drawing us deeper into suffering. This episode was recorded on September 9th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist stud...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna teaches from Grand Junction, Colorado, and offers a glance view of the Buddhist path, covering many foundational aspects of the journey to enlightenment. He then returns to the text, "Following in the Buddha's Footsteps", and comments on the four supreme strivings. This episode was recorded on September 2nd, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on overcoming the 5 hindrances as presented in the text "Following in the Buddha's Footsteps" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. This section describes various methods for overcoming the hindrances to achieving shamatha, or samadhi. This episode was recorded on August 26th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a clear presentation of antidotes to the five hindrances to shamatha meditation and our path of awakening. He speaks specifically to cultivating love and appreciation rather than attachment, as well as some key antidotes to deluded doubt, which is a tricky stumbling block on our path. This episode was recorded on August 19th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna begins his guidance on overcoming the five hindrances, specifically in the phase of achieving shamatha, and more generally, in our day-to-day spiritual practices. This episode was recorded on August 12th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If you would like to m...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to discuss the hindrances to our spiritual practice, and specifically the achievement of shamatha. He focuses on the hindrance of deluded doubt by describing and commenting on three different types of deluded doubt that block progress on the path. This episode was recorded on August 5th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  A...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna engages us in a Dharma talk focused on the hindrance of restlessness. He describes how our distracted minds are limiting the ability for us to engage in a meaningful life, and how the more we can overcome restlessness, the more we can experience the mind's natural state of bliss, luminosity, and non-conceptuality. This episode was recorded on July 29th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna talks about how the hindrance of lethargy and sleepiness impacts our opportunity to live a meaningful life. He describes common examples of lethargy and some antidotes to overcoming these types of obstacles in our spiritual practice. This episode was recorded on July 15th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist c...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers clarifying guidance on how we can relate with malice and other forms of ill will in a healthy way. He describes the destructive nature of anger and shares some practical guidance on how we can allow anger to arise and feel it without impulsively reacting to and creating more suffering for ourselves and others. This episode was recorded on July 8th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to offer commentary on the text “Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps”. He expands the depth of understanding about the hinderances of sensual desire by offering clarity of how our addictions and attachments prevent us from engaging in a meaningful spiritual journey. This episode was recorded on July 1st, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to comment on hinderances to our spiritual growth by focusing in on sensual desire and craving. He offers helpful guidance on how to balance our lives with enjoying sensual pleasures and cultivating contentment. This episode was recorded on June 24th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all o...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives clear and practical guidance on obstacles to our spiritual practice by focusing on the 5 hinderances. He then approaches a variety of antidotes and mind states that will help us overcome these stumbling blocks on the journey to Enlightenment. This episode was recorded on June 17th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna speaks about the importance of ethical conduct when engaging in a spiritual path. He shows the inter-relationship between ethics and cultivating concentration illustrating how what we do off the cushion impacts our time on the cushion. This episode was recorded on June 10th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist c...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues to focus on the deep roots of wisdom within the Buddha’s teachings. He guides us to more clearly see our experiences through the lens of dependent origination, thus clearing away the obscuring ignorance that veils our mind’s potential. This episode was recorded on June 3rd, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serv...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna discusses the Mind’s potential and a variety of obstructions in our minds that prevent us from experiencing our Buddha nature.  He also gives helpful and practical advice on how we can cultivate our minds to more and more reveal the deepest potential of our Buddha nature. This episode was recorded on May 27th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna begins his commentary on the text “Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps,” written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chödron. John covers a section in the text that is focused on taking refuge and gives clarifying guidance on this aspect of the path to Enlightenment. This episode was recorded on May 20th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessi...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives his last dharma talk from the text, “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”. In this final session he continues to offer commentary on the wisdom aspect of Buddhism that aims to eliminate the roots of suffering. This episode was recorded on May 13th, 2026. 

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a t...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna guides us deeper into Buddhist wisdom. He helps us deepen our understanding and practices for cultivating the deeper states of wisdom that alleviate suffering in our lives. This episode was recorded on May 6th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are offered freely. If y...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers guidance regarding the wisdom aspect of Buddhism. He describes how the sense of self that we have is a dependently originated phenomenon that is actually empty of any inherent existence. Importantly, John helps us understand how we need to engage in cultivating a healthy sense of self first before we can be successful in realizing these deeper truths on the Buddhist path. This episode was recorded on April 29th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna hosts a discussion and offers commentary about how we can engage with the perfection of wisdom in our daily lives. He encourages us to explore how dependent origination and emptiness impact our experience and then gives guidance on ultimate and conventional reality which are known as the two truths. This episode was recorded on April 22nd, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna dives deeper into the perfection of wisdom within the Mahayana path of Tibetan Buddhism. He skillfully presents how our misperception of reality is the root of our suffering and then offers a variety of practices as methods for slowly clarifying our view of reality and thus relieving suffering from our experience. This episode was recorded on April 15th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues last week’s discussion on the Perfection of Wisdom in the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”. He introduces and gives guidance on three different types of wisdom that are presented in the text, while also more broadly discussing various wisdoms that we will encounter on the Path to Awakening. This episode was recorded on April 8th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and pr...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna begins his commentary on the topic of the perfection of wisdom. He gives us some practical steps to take that can help us to experience the positive shifts that wisdom can have in our lives while keeping in touch with the depth of wisdom that will eventually free us from all suffering. This episode was recorded on April 1st, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a clarifying talk about the practice of shamatha meditation, also known as calm abiding. He gives useful guidance on how to encourage this meditation practice in our lives, describes its many benefits, and uncovers some obstacles we will face when seeking to cultivate shamatha. This episode was recorded on March 25th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna focuses on the topic of training the mind in attention by giving clear guidance on the practice of shamatha and its benefits. He also describes how concentration and the other 5 perfections weave together and support one another on the path to enlightenment. This episode was recorded on March 18th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna discusses one of the main obstacles to our Dharma Practice called the Laziness of Busyness. He gives us many examples of how this obstacle shows up in our lives and encourages a shift in our motivation which can transform the busyness of daily life into a path to awakening. This episode was recorded on March 11th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a commentary on The Perfection of Joyous Effort. He speaks about the benefits of this practice and some obstacles that prevent us from engaging in meaningful dharma practice. This episode was recorded on March 4th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of our teachings are o...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers an overview of the path through a brief description of the Noble Eightfold Path. He then specifically focuses on the importance of ethics by expanding on the truth that all happiness comes from virtue. This episode was recorded on February 25th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist c...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna teaches on Losar, welcoming in the year of the Fire Horse with a teaching about the 3 higher trainings of ethics, wisdom, and concentration. He follows these foundational and transformative teachings with a Chenrezig purification practice focused on the 4 opponent powers. This episode was recorded on February 18th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna offers a talk on patience and renunciation. He offers a modern interpretation of these two important aspects of living a meaningful life based in wisdom which will lead us to an experience of genuine happiness. This episode was recorded on February 11th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, a...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna teaches on the perfection of generosity within the context of the 6 perfections of Tibetan Buddhism. He describes how generosity counteracts our attachment and self-centeredness, which are the roots of our suffering, and offers practical guidance on how to engage in generosity in our daily lives. This episode was recorded on February 4th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs...

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna clarifies the powerfully transformative practice of tonglen. He speaks about this practice of giving and taking as an antidote to the root of our suffering, self-centeredness, and also guides us in a tonglen meditation practice. This episode was recorded on January 28th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, a...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”. This week he gives practical guidance on how we can engage with practices to slowly transform cherishing ourselves to cherishing others, while still maintaining a healthy sense of self-worth. This episode was recorded on January 21st, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we se...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives in-depth commentary and guidance on the benefits of cherishing others. He speaks about how we can engage with cherishing others in wise and compassionate ways that encourage a recognition of the reality of interdependence while maintaining healthy self-care that will keep us fueled up for the journey to Enlightenment. This episode was recorded on January 14th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives commentary and guidance on how self-centeredness is at the core of our suffering. He offers advice on how we can balance our need for self-care while slowly eliminating self-centeredness from our actions. This episode was recorded on January 7th, 2026.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a traditional Buddhist center, all of o...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna gives his commentary on the disadvantages of self-centeredness. He gives a variety of practical techniques to slowly overcome this habitual pattern through recognizing more accurately how we exist in the world. John also mentions that the more we can come to know our Buddha Nature and be guided by our primordial wisdom, the less we will suffer. This episode was recorded on December 24th, 2025.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna covers one of the meditation methods for cultivating Bodhicitta known as Equalizing oneself with others. He offers approachable steps for engaging in the brief and extensive versions of this meditation that encourage the core motivation of the Mahayana path. This episode was recorded on December 17th, 2025.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.  As a...

In this episode, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on the text “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path” by Kathleen McDonald. The focus of this talk is on how self-centeredness is a basis of our suffering and how recognizing the interdependent nature of our lives leads us closer to liberation This episode was recorded on December 10th, 2025.

Welcome to the Way of Compassion Dharma Center Podcast. Located in Carbondale, Colorado, the Way of Compassion Dharma center's primary objective is to provide programs of Buddhist studies and practices that are practical, accessible, and...