Finding Refuge in Community

Finding Refuge in Community

Author: Kate Spina April 29, 2020 Duration: 20:14

Sangha, community, is a place of refuge that can help us cultivate the Buddhist path. How do we do that when we can no longer meet in person? And how do we benefit from wise community and good friendship? I share part of the Upaddha Sutta and a quote from Bhikkhu Bodhi as I explore these questions and more. I also offer some suggestions of online sanghas. Here is a broad list from Tricycle Magazine and online meditation offerings from Spirit Rock, The Insight Meditation Society, and the Insight Meditation Center


Each week, Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World gently bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary living. Guided by Kate Spina, who is trained in the Theravada lineage, these conversations and reflections focus on early Buddhist teachings, translating their core principles into tangible practices for today's unique challenges. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about finding a grounded sense of clarity, resilience, and compassion amid the noise of daily life. You'll hear practical guidance that intersects naturally with themes of mental fitness, personal growth, and holistic well-being, all framed within a accessible spiritual context. Kate's approach demystifies these timeless ideas, making them relevant whether you're navigating stress, seeking deeper purpose, or simply curious about a more mindful existence. The Toward Light podcast serves as a thoughtful companion for anyone looking to integrate sustainable, peaceful habits into their modern routine. By focusing on direct applications, the show honors the tradition of making these teachings genuinely useful, supporting listeners in cultivating a steadier, more intentional life one step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 121

Toward Light: Practical Buddhism for the Modern World
Podcast Episodes
Verified Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:52
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Duration: 11:20
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Combating Greed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:03
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A Buddhist Persepctive on 12 Step Recovery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
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Dharma Tools for Working with Grief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:31
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Duration: 4:48
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Duration: 12:52
I conclude my series on the Buddha's first teaching by discussing the fourth noble truth, the noble eightfold path. I emphasize the interconnectiedness of the path factors. This is a dense topic and this is purely an int…
The Third Noble Truth: The Cessation of Dukkha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
This episode continues with the Buddha's first teaching and a look at what nibanna, or the cessation of craving and difficulty actually look like in our lives. I guide 3 practices to help us connect with that feeling of…
The Second Noble Truth: The Source of Dukkha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:53
In this episode I explore the second noble truth, the truth of craving and how it is this tanha, that creates dukkha. I read sections from Setting the Wheel of Truth in Motion and share quotes from Sylvia Boorstein, Norm…
The First Noble Truth: Dukkha is Inescapable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:05
Continuing from last episode I begin the process of exploring the four noble truths beginning with the first truth, the truth of dukkha. I share aspects of the sutta and a complementary sutta as well as quotes from Vinny…