Fr. Gregory Mayers, C.Ss.R. explores the intersection and tension between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions in this series of talks given on Wednesday evenings at Mercy Center.
Click on the links to listen; it will take a few moments for the talk to begin playing. You may download these talks to your computer or iPod for personal use only.
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Envy
In the moment of Envy, we are blind to our own sense of insufficiency. How can we overcome the sin of envying God?
Listen to Envy
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Mumonkan Case 23: Your Primal Face
Discussing the famous Zen koan in light of René Girard's mimetic theory, Fr. Greg proposes that when we allow false identies to drop away through Zen practice, we encounter our primal "face"; the Self-less self.
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René Girard's Mimetic Theory: Talk One
In the first of three talks exploring the ideas of Stanford Prof. Emeritus René Girard, Fr. Greg explains how scientific theories contribute to our understanding of the origin of the universe, the evolution of species, and the emergence of self-conscious human beings.
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René Girard's Mimetic Theory: Talk Two
In the second of three talks, Fr. Greg considers the implications of René Girard's controversial theory in the development of Christianity.
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René Girard's Mimetic Theory: Talk Three
In the third of three talks, Fr. Greg presents an interpretation of the crucifixion and resurrection as a path towards forgiveness of the other and foregiveness of oneself.
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God is a Hole
Staring into the depths of abandonment, at the limits of our discursive mind, we confront the incomprehensibility of God.
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Arcanum
The Trinity can be compared to an arcanum, a densely coded symbol. How are we called to decode this symbol?
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The Space Between
What is the space between thoughts? Fr. Greg shares reflections on Self, the search for happiness, and mortality.
Listen to The Space Between
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Living in Our Imagination
When reality collides with the fantasies in our imagination, we have a chance to glimpse ourselves—and others—as we actually are.
Listen to Living in Our Imagination
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After the Honeymoon
The experience of a spiritual high can feel like a honeymoon. What do we do when the honeymoon is over?
Listen to After the Honeymoon
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Unprofitable Servants
Drawing on the parable of the Unprofitable Servant in Luke 17, Fr. Greg offers insights on the Self, isolation, and restoring connection to God.
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Bottoming Out on the Self
Before we can fill the hole at the center of our being, we must experience "bottoming out"—and end our addiction to the Self.
Listen to Bottoming Out on the Self
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Non-Dualist Reality and the Body of Christ
When we feel that something important is "not there" in our lives, can that intimation lead us to a deeper experience of reality?
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The Resurrection
How can we understand the Resurrection, a story told in the first century, with our 21st century minds?
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A Lump of Sin
The author of The Cloud of Unknowing (alluding to St. Augustine) asks God: "Make of me a lump of sin." Understanding the true meaning of sin allows us to experience the boundlessness of unconditional love.
Listen to A Lump of Sin
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The Fall
In Christianity, we label ourselves as Fallen. Through meditation, we pursue a path of restoration from our broken, fragmented state.
Listen to The Fall
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The Face of Another
What do we see when we look into the face of another? Is it the same as our own reflection in the mirror?
Listen to the Face of Another
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From NonDual to TriUne
A multipart series of talks examining the TriUne (Trinity) from a variety of historical, theological and experiential perspectives.
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What is Kensho?
Drawing on sources ranging from classical Zen to depth psychology, physics and cognitive science, Fr. Greg demystifies kensho in light of the emerging Now.
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Listen to Part 2 Listen to Part 3 Listen to Part 4
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The Six Rules
How do we address our personal failings once we have gained a clear perspective on them?
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Praying for the Other
How do we escape self-centeredness and enter in a deeper awareness of ultimate reality? The practice of praying for the Other.
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The Greatest Treason
T.S. Elliot wrote: "The greatest treason is to do the right deed for the wrong reason." Recognize and overcome moral self-righteousness through the wisdom of Christian and Buddhist insights.
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Angels and Aquinas
In Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica, a startling glimpse into ultimate reality that can be compared to the Buddhist concept of No-Self.
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Enlightenment and Self-Less Love
Fr. Greg reflects on his own encounter with Zen enlightenment and the struggle to express unconditional, Self-less love.
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Buddhist Emptiness, Christian Love
Exploring the difference between the Buddhist model of suffering and emptiness, and the Christian paradox of love and otherness.
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