The Gay Buddhist Forum by GBF

Michaiel Patrick Bovenes invites us on a spiritual journey to reconnect with our “Capital S” Self — the soul’s eternal essence — instead of staying trapped in ego-driven identities shaped by society. He explains that true spirituality isn’t about rituals or rigid beliefs, but about cultivating an authentic, living relationship with the divine energy that flows through us, around us, and beyond us. By integrating our inner masculine...

How can our Buddhist practice make a difference in the face of all the challenges of the modern world?

Drawing on his decades of experience as a teacher, activist, and meditator, Donald Rothberg issues an urgent call to integrate the deepest aspects of Buddhist practice with the pressing needs of our time. By uniting meditation, ethics, emotional work, joy, and conscious action, he maps out a path that combines inner development wit...

How do the works of Shakespeare echo the teachings of the Buddha?

In this heartfelt talk, Matthew Perifano reflects on the transformative power of language as he intertwines his lifelong love of Shakespeare with his journey through Buddhism and the AIDS epidemic. He begins by framing the dharma as more than just teachings—truth, practice, and a deep refuge—and connects it to the power of Shakespearean language. Matthew highlights ho...

What role does grief play in our understanding of impermanence? 

Dave Richo opens with the foundational Buddhist concept of impermanence, reminding us that everything—relationships, beliefs, identities—changes and ends. Drawing on teachings from Zen master Dogen, Dave shares how impermanence is not a flaw but actually embodies our Buddha nature. In this light, change becomes not just acceptable but sacred. Dogen's view that “th...

How might we meet the realities of cruelty and injustice with a grounded and compassionate Buddhist perspective?

Ian Challis suggests that we first acknowledge that witnessing or experiencing cruelty can generate intense emotional responses—anger, grief, fear—and that these reactions are natural.

However, Ian encourages us to avoid being overwhelmed or reactive. Instead, he suggests grounding ourselves in awareness and intention, rec...

How does a Buddhist make use of the aphorism "Let go and let God?"

Liên Shutt shares a deeply personal and reflective talk centered around the phrase "Let Go and Let God," inspired by a cross-stitch left by her adoptive mother. Drawing from both her Buddhist and Christian influences, Liên explores how this phrase bridges her upbringing with her Zen practice. She reflects on the pain and insight of not resonating ...

How can we use our body to reconnect with the present moment?

John Martin gently guides us into the practice of returning to the body as a doorway to presence. He shares how disconnection from the body often means disconnection from our hearts, leading to mind-wandering or emotional reactivity. He reminds us of the Buddha’s wisdom—that the body is a precious opportunity for awakening—and emphasizes the importance of repeatedly comin...

Even when we see uncertainty and injustice all around us, can we navigate our life with grace and resilience?

Daigan Gaither emphasizes that our suffering and confusion are not barriers to practice but the very ground of it.

He reflects on how to stay grounded and compassionate during turbulent and overwhelming times, drawing from his personal experiences and Buddhist teachings. He reminds us that practice doesn't mean escaping ...

Rather than constantly trying to escape discomfort, can we engage with suffering as a gateway to insight and connection?

In this talk, JD Doyle helps us turn directly toward the ever-present reality of suffering in our lives. Drawing from Joy Harjo’s poetry and personal anecdotes, JD invites us to reflect on how we orient ourselves in a world that often feels destabilizing. They compare the cycle of samsara to bumper cars at an amus...

How large of a force is shame in shaping the behaviors we see in society and ourselves? 

In this talk, René Rivera gently but powerfully guides us through the terrain of shame, drawing from personal experience, restorative justice work, and Buddhist teachings. He names shame as one of the five primary human emotions and explores how it subtly drives fear, anger, and avoidance.

René relates how shame shows up intensely in work with pe...

How can we bring mindful awareness to our patterns of subtle dissatisfaction that are also a form of Dukkha? 

Here, Vimalasara delves into the Buddhist concept of dukkha (suffering), exploring how our habitual reactions to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences can entangle us in cycles of suffering. She emphasizes that dukkha isn't just about overt pain but also includes our resistance to life's impermanence and unpredi...

In his talk on dukkha (suffering), Sean Feit Oakes delves into the heart of Buddhist teachings, exploring how our habitual reactions to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences can entangle us in cycles of suffering. 

He emphasizes that dukkha isn't just about overt pain but also includes the subtle dissatisfaction that arises from our resistance to life's impermanence and unpredictability. By bringing mindful awareness to...

David Lewis offers gentle guidance on navigating life's inevitable challenges. He emphasizes that suffering, or dukkha, is a fundamental aspect of human existence, but our response to it can transform our experience. David encourages embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth, suggesting that by meeting adversity with mindfulness and compassion, we can cultivate resilience and inner peace.​

David outlines practical step...

How can we approach our spiritual journey with wholehearted attention day after day?

Steven Tierney emphasizes that every aspect of our lives—no matter how mundane—holds the potential for awakening when met with sincerity and care. Drawing from his experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community and his work in recovery, Steven illustrates how integrating mindfulness into daily activities can transform them into profound opportunities for...

Can we use Buddhist practice to help us navigate emotional experiences?

Prasadachitta shares that emotions are not obstacles to be suppressed but gateways to deeper understanding and freedom. By bringing mindful awareness to our feelings, we can uncover the underlying patterns that shape our reactions and begin to respond with greater clarity and compassion.​

He offers practical approaches to engage with our emotions skillfully:​

1. ...

In this talk, Melvin Escobar reflects on the Buddhist practice of taking refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—as a source of strength and solace in challenging times. 

He emphasizes that seeking refuge is not about escaping difficulties but about turning towards trustworthy sources of guidance and support. Melvin shares personal experiences and insights, illustrating how remembering refuge can ground us ...

Do our interpretations of reality contribute to our suffering? 

In this talk, Kevin Griffin emphasizes that our minds often construct narratives based on past experiences, leading to distorted views of the present. By recognizing these patterns, we can begin to see things more clearly and respond with greater wisdom and compassion.​

Kevin offers practical guidance to cultivate clearer perception:​

1. Mindful Awareness: Pay attention ...

If we cannot find stability in external circumstances, where do we turn? 

Laura Burges shares that we can find solace within the immediacy of our own experience. She reflects on the traditional Buddhist practice of "taking refuge"—in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and reimagines it as a deeply personal and embodied act. By anchoring ourselves in the present moment, Laura suggests, we can access a wellspring of clar...

How can Buddhist practice help us navigate the inevitable missteps of life? 

Drawing from her own journey through addiction and recovery, Laura Burges emphasizes that making mistakes is an intrinsic part of being human. She encourages us to meet our errors with compassion and curiosity, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of shame. By embracing our imperfections, we can cultivate a more forgiving and underst...