Be Your Own Therapist

[@ethicalphytophage]

The Ven. Courtin is always a pleasure to listen to. The real strength in her talks, in my opinion, is the fact that she doesn't water down the conceptual explanation. She lays it out as she understands it. Some don't like her direct and rapid communication style, but it works very well for others. By the way, I don't think she was rude to the young woman at the end. She was trying to explain as she does, directly. That said, she works with prisoners and has access to a very wide array of human experience, including some that are brutal. It's possible that her teaching style has evolved to be practical no-nonsense because of that.

[@alfredmedina6264]

I like her practical teaching, she seems real, and passionate. I like her vs. the xanax voice that most spiritual teachers feel that they need to project teachings.

[@nickipaull7297]

Ha ha ha! I love 'Xanax voice'. I know what you mean. But one day if you follow the teachings, you might find your Xanax voice too! Buddhist practices can lead to calm that's better than Xanax. Try them!

[@urgulp]

I like how she points out that negative thoughts are not to be denied, but they are also not what sits at the centre of who you are. Not to let ourselves be defined by them. Great.

[@CanadianKevin]

I am impressed in how she counters the many passive aggressives and victim positions in the audience.

[@dianablock1130]

@ 30:40 She blew me away...the reason why I fell apart when my sister died of cancer was due to my attachment to the idea that Sandy was going to go into remission....she simply could not die.

[@MR-tn5kv]

I very much appreciate her frank manner and emphasis on using ones intelligence. She make me listen yet laugh a lot. She is the perfect one to work with inmates - lucky them and her

[@aahhhyess]

Her straightforwardness is challenging & refreshing, the passion for the truth is papable!! thx for upload!!!

[@aahhhyess]

oops palpable =- )

[@lilacfunish]

just because something is palpable it doesn't mean it is correct or right. there are many mental addictions and entertainments that even best therapist can't get you off of it.

[@leelyquan]

Sometimes it takes a strong voice to get the message across.

[@ScotCampbellwindowpainter]

"What can I do about it" very good simple point instead of paying for negative actions with guilt.

[@indigoswan5722]

This was very introspective and enlightening. I sometimes wonder how the world would be as a whole if we were taught the ability to reduce the suffering that we bring onto ourselves at a young age instead of using material things to try to remedy them. It seems to me that this should be the basis of all teachings. This really makes one think about religion and how many congregations teach the opposite which raises the question, why would others want you to believe that you are not the controller of your own mind? To feel guilt or shame for simply existing? I feel fortunate to have reached a time in my life where many wonderful teachers are crossing my path.

[@DrCK-mn2tb]

Q..We are becoming materialistic... Explanation...because of buisness...they want to sell products..so they are CREATING..belief that things are connected to Happiness...by million dollar Adversiment...We are slowly programmed to believe this by showing advertisement every where.... CONTINUOUSly..

[@DagmaraD1]

I am trying to deal with depression and anxiety, and found what she said v useful. It took me a while to get used to how she was speaking, but so much of it made sense.

[@elademusvanoosten6929]

I nic mi nie mówiłaś... To jest źródło, z którego się dowiaduję o Twoich problemach po paru m-cach. Nie twierdzę, że umiałabym Ci pomóc lepiej niż ta jożka, bo przecież sama nie umiałam sobie pomóc throughout my life, ale smutno mi dowiadywać się, że nie umiałaś mi powiedzieć, wiedząc, że przecież mało kto zrozumie Cię lepiej, niż ja - mamy to, niestety, w genach, sweethart. I ten wpis był tuż przed Twoim przyjazdem do Polski. Nie mam żalu, ale czemu tak to jest? Ja nie mogłam nigdy zrozumieć, dlaczego nikt z moich bliskich nie wpadł na to, żeby zapytać mnie, kiedy byłam w koszmarnym dole, co właściwie dzieje się ze mną - chodzono wokół mnie na paluszkach i raczono cup of tea, kiedy trzeba było pagawarit' pa duszam (ruskie idiomatyczne powiedzonko, nie wiem, jak przetłumaczyć; chyba: "żeby dusze porozmawiały"?) By the way, dzwoniłam do Mariny i przyrzekłam, że na 100 % przyjeżdżamy w 2015 na białe noce (czerwiec). Powiedziała, że jest po prostu szczęśliwa, nareszcie!

[@knutvonwalter715]

Personally I simply do LOVE Ven. Robina Courtins approach to this topic. Becoming your own therapist! It is down to earth and full of wisdom...

[@benjaminehlers618]

Truly changes my relationship to these practices. I love the energy of this woman and what she does to break past the ideological assumptions we have in the west of what mindfulness is. So, so great.

[@tutinsongchat9362]

Beautifully delivered, very well delivered. I love the part how she speaks about the misconception of spirituality and judgement. Thankyou for putting the ancient teachings into plain english. 11:11

[@jeanlafleur5287]

An absolutely brilliant teaching about looking at ourselves and ending our suffering!!! I love this woman's conviction and essence, she is pure truth!!!

[@RamonaArena]

Love her! Boom - so real, so straight up. Brilliant! Thank you!

[@jimsimon1140]

I listen to a lot of talks on Buddhism and THIS is by far one of the most amazing.

[@be1410all]

Thank you Ven. Robina (and Google) for this presentation / talk video. The active, assertive tone of the speaker matches my tone for the day; and the subject matter was equally matched. Thus, it was beneficial to move quickly, candidly directly to the matter of: what is felt within you/your actions and what is you, the moment of recognition of these and where thinking "what can I do about this?" may bring you. (Now, to work on the underlying assumptions, the pace at which I can come to recognition, and the wisdom with which I decide what comes next!)

[@Blinkiebutt]

Love her. Am going to listen to this one several times. Feels like she has so much knowledge that I really need to grasp all of it. Also, she doesn't seem harsh at all to me. I sense a loving and compassionate heart when she speaks.

[@OMSHANTISHANTISHANTIHI]

I really enjoyed listening to her lecture. she won't make you feel like she's grandma, but she will make you listen.

[@Spider_7_7]

Buddha is a very fascinating historical figure

[@DrCK-mn2tb]

He is only a scientist...great scientist...

[@suzie2230]

i dont think ive gathered more wisdom in 1 hour before this video. she's a smart lady. and i love the way she talks fast and has effortless humour haha.

[@midcitygym]

Clear, concise advice without the essoterical nonsense, love her.

[@Orius25]

This talk really works for me on many levels, and I lived in a Buddhist community for many years. Many of these precepts work and I have taken them with me as part of my life-long quest for truth and peace. A few things however do not add up. She touches on the "how" of Buddhism but not the "why". Buddhism believes that the conditions of our suffering are all tied to karma (cause and effect), which is easy to understand, except they believe in past lives which means we are suffering the effects of past misdeeds. In other words, if you are attacked, raped, disfigured, or victimized in any way in this life, then it's likely because of a past misdeed in a previous live that has "ripened". Their view of why good and bad things happen is very old world and in my opinion the karmic explanation is just another cop out from dealing with the fact that reality is capable of producing loveliness or harshness and often it is for no meaningful reason -- certainly not anything YOU did. The other thing is that pre-modern Buddhists explained thinks like physical deformities, autism, and basically any mental disability that prevents functional human interaction as a "lesser birth". This is because such individuals cannot receive the teachings of Dharma and the Buddha. It's true that a lot of our suffering is because of delusion, but there are some true cases where people are born different, or biochemical imbalances which cause their inability to maintain happiness. Schizophrenics, for example. In these cases, Buddhism's approach to their suffering might be frustrating because it implies that the solution is merely about debunking neuroses, when really there might be in-born problems that can't be debunked with mere analysis. Buddhism is NOT totally equivalent to the modern scientific method because they believe in things which cannot be empirically proven. Tibetan Buddhism in particular is a product of Indian Buddhism merged with local deity worship, so in any Tibetan temple you will see statues to all manner of entities. They are also into 'empowerment' ceremonies where you invoke these deities into you, which IMO is just adding more layers of delusion and not getting to core mind. They also believe in reincarnation, the wheel of life (i.e. when your karma is bad you come back with a lesser birth, like an animal, and if your karma is really good, you might come back as a demi-God), and there is a lot of pomp surrounding lineage rituals and proper ceremonies which again I do not believe really get to core mind. So, I have to disagree that Tibetan Buddhism (which the speaker practices) is free of contradictions. It has many of them, which is why Buddhism is a religion and not a pure science. But as she said, do what works for you. I took a great deal of useful wisdom away from my experiences with the Buddhists, and tossed the rest. IMO Zen Buddhism makes a lot more sense. It's no frills and doesn't have the Tibetan cultural hangups attached to it. If you stick just to the "how" and not the "why", Buddhism will make a lot of sense to you. For me it was not a complete system and I had to continue my search.

[@DrCK-mn2tb]

Your giving very valid points...but all you are giving for Buddhism..a religion..may it tibetian,Indian, Japanese..... Buddha never set a religion. He never claim to be god. He never asked to be workshiped.. So Buddha's Teaching are pure Scientific based... And Buddhism is a DISTORTION of his teaching..as religion... See Buddha's as Buddha ...a scientist.. He topic of research was to end of human Suffering... Buddha's only teaches four Truth.. 1)ABOUT the suffering 2)Cause of suffering 3)yes Suffering can be removed 4)The method...eight Fold path Rest is distortion... Buddha stated... Don't believe Anybody not Me...walk ,experiment on the Eightfold path...if it met with your wisdom accept it...if not reject it...

[@humbleamericangenius]

This is one of the best explanations of Buddhism and psychology I've ever heard. Brilliant.

[@smittyzx]

I actually like the way she talks. It's interesting and it seems real and personable.

[@shanalu3022]

I'm smiling at your comment because I was almost clenching my fists when she would call people "sweetheart", "darling", "honey", etc. I find these terms directed at strangers to be very offensive, as if one is talking down to someone. Now, I have to check myself. I think she´s brilliant.

[@bakedbeings]

Those were common words of warmth and terms of endearment coming from parents, Aunties and uncles etc in the part of Australia where I grew up in the 90s. I had to learn to shed them (for a male, they can now be problematic at work, with strangers etc), but yeah to me it makes her sound a like family/a mates mum.

[@bitesizefirst]

This woman is incredible I've stumbled upon her seeking for truth and she clearly knows what she is talking about. I have watched this video already numerous times because she knows how to convey the message for those that are open minded enough to see past her manors. Wich I in particular have no problem with, infact it’s what makes her different and interesting. I on the other half listen to what she has to say and there are few out there that can say something that simple that direct without sugarcoating anything I love it. The only one time when she possibly said something wrong was when she called Sarah Palin authentic lol, but pff who cares about that. I am by no means new to Buddhism or it's concepts but she was somebody I was glad to stumble upon. There are more people out there worthy of listening to or checking out. For anybody serious about these topics go check out Sadhguru , this guy I come to have known only for a few weeks but is blowing my mind. Please fellow Buddhists , spiritual seekers or anybody willing to enhance their own life's and those of others check this Indian yogi named Sadhguru he is very very special and def not a fake guru! Peace❤

[@Monkofmagnesia]

Amazing! She is so right about many things. Her comment about depression and people thinking their situation will never end really hits the mark.

[@mellowyellow2673]

I know Robina, and she's pure gold. Very open hearted and kind. I love her dearly and love her style.

[@ErisTyler]

Bring the pure mind to everything you do - including your job.

[@busybee1952]

I have been listening to Robina's talks for several years now. I always get something new from the talks each time. She is wonderful! I love her style of teaching, her straight forward, no nonsense approach! Plus, her sense of humor is fantastic!

[@DistortedV12]

Really enjoyed this. I didn't expect to finish it, but the direct delivery and relevant and truthful statements she made just drew me in. Absolutely loved it.

[@ams3894]

This is such a brilliant talk teeming with lots and lots of wisdom.

[@HanemanHunters]

It's always very enjoyable to listen to that woman :)

[@navajovik]

She's awesome.

[@KegPatcha]

This woman is outstanding. It's a very different approach than many of other teachers that say "be present, be happy". To my opinion, that's a very nihilistic point of view. What this woman here says is that the road is bumpy, is not nice to look at your self, but take responsibility. This point of view comes from the will of discipline and inner work. This is the balance to the other approach that says "sit, watch, observe and do nothing". The equilibrium is the wisdom of knowing them both.

[@PrimeMatt]

What a fantastic talk, that is the real essence of Buddhism!

[@pablofierrog]

Great great great teacher RobinaCourtin

[@stefaniamajor2577]

I just love this woman !

[@LivinginBlissSince83]

Yes, it's amazing that we can make such a difference by choosing peace for a few minutes. Just imagine what would happen if feeling peace became our top priority.

[@nicorobin3691]

Been watching this video when I need it (and her other talks) for nearly a decade now!

[@1966starfish]

this was refreshing up front talk i would love to study buddhism with a teacher like Robina Courtin

[@linusverclyte4988]

Wise words. For me it worked in any case. It's good to hear talks on this subject (in a way the most important one of all) from time to time and I find the variety in style and expression among teachers refreshing.

[@carolschultz1058]

Love this nun's talk & they way she explains things! Love how she answered the 'why have a teacher' question! More please! :)

[@maharajmolly]

we are here to learn and teach each other no matter who and what we are tag as.

[@ritigalya]

Ever best Buddhist talk from a westerner. Truly remarkable.

[@justingayle7299]

Also, I feel she answered the last question, not with contempt but with compassion, selflessness and truth. She is very articulate and speaks with conviction which should not be mistaken as anger or the sort.

[@_noahrh]

@Seikisho I completely agree with you. She's not trying to give off that "mystical" aura that others give off. She's relatable and approachable. I really appreciate the way she teaches and her sense of humor. She's an excellent teacher.

[@arisherap]

No, we do not necessarily suffer when we receive things, you are correct. But, the main point is that all negative emotions (anger, jealousy, depression) have an overwhelming sense of "I" or "mine" involved in them. Therefore it is this sense of "I", the ego, that is the source of all these emotional problems. So if you give and receive things with out ego and w/o expectations, you will be genuinely happy. The ego is the enemy, not any external phenomena. This is true realization.

[@hidearCellofGod]

I was 20 & also a spiritual teacher from India, called me sweetheart after his secretary gave me a hard time cause I was sent bringing his breakfast in what she thought it was the most unapropriate moment! then he appeared again while I was so surprised! and he said: do not worry sweetheart, just leave everything there, he made my day, I remember that moment (30 yrs ago) he was my spiritual teacher, not many people had the chance to bring him breakfast! but me! she apologized 3 yrs ago! Luv her

[@novastariha8043]

"Wish for Truth" ....as she said ... Resonates deeply with me.

[@billhicks1374]

i like her. some buddhist monks keep talking sooo slowly and keep telling me to empty my mind that i fall asleep. she gives more practical advice and has high energy.

[@Artauraiamnyc]

Ven Robina is like Coffee, sweet, warm and addictive.

[@desertpig7934]

Hello from a parallel universe. I find her cold, bitter and certainly not habit forming.

[@jethrobarr18a]

I found this speaker to speak so much common sense and it is very obvious she is a very well read person, I want to listen to some more!

[@ChristophDollis]

Best talk ever! (So far.)

[@thrivenisaidam2072]

Great Video! I was a very harsh speaker and people used to hate me because of my speech. I am Hindu, one of my Buddhist friend introduced me to eight noble path and especially Right Speech. I loved the concept so much that, I started practicing it regularly and i used the "BuDhamma" mobile app to help me on this. Now, I speak gentle and my people are very happy with me. Lot of things I get easily done now!

[@StregaSaggia]

She is such a brilliant speaker; her details quenched the questions that raised in my mind while she spoke.

[@kathri100]

It is true the sense of I is at the core of our suffering. It is the grasping (Upadana)of the I and I related phenomena that creates dis ease.The total freedom comes from letting go, but this isn't suppression or annihilation.Until things cease, if we can develop a space around things through mindfulness and abide there, instead of grasping and becoming we are at peace.The desire to get more and more can be enslaving and doing things free of self, bring peace. Keep letting go if it feels good.

[@TheWezzo124]

This woman is amazing! So down to earth and really makes good sense of the questions raised...take it or leave it :)

[@boybuddha]

I have found in my own life that when we change the way we look at the things , the things we look at change.

[@TimothyTMLim]

Different teachers have different styles of teaching. And that applies to different tradition too. If you look at Zen Buddhism, even though the teaching is the same, their approach can be quite different. So, it's a task for everyone to seek out their teacher. Ven. Robina teaching method is fairly direct and is challenging one's ego directly.

[@joseph4756]

This is a wonderful gift! This sister may not be your stereotype of a spiritually motivated person, but she strikes me as incredibly down-to-earth and real. This is an approach to wisdom and compassion that I can admire and desire to emulate. Namastẻ! Peace and Light!

[@worthmoremusic]

I had the pleasure of attending one of her dhama talks the other night in Northern Calif...what a wonderful, funny, and down to earth teacher/practitioner Robina is..... _/\_

[@morganthem]

Regardless of conceptual exchanges in the stead of intellectual deciphering of a pragmatic process to bring the mind's power to itself, to indeed therapize one's own thoughts is a constant practice of calm logic. The mind loves riddles. The mind itself is a decoding machine for reality, how it decodes is in choices. Choices you make in what you think, say, do, believe, and base your lifestyle around. Remember what is practicable, gives you results, heals your mind. Love compassion. It loves you.

[@angelscuisine]

she is exceptionally beneficial and kind I am so glad to have found her ! infinite gratitude!

[@bodhipopo]

ruthlessly authentic, witty and humorous!! thank you Ven. Robina!

[@johnfretz1938]

Thank you for your clarity and directness.

[@GiaS777]

First time im hearing her. She's very aggressive but she drives the point home. And she's right - face your own shit people. Everybody is so used to judging everyone else, that's how they've trained their minds to react, instead of even beginning to understand themselves they just project their b.s on everyone else & the second something isn't the way you want it, you go into blaming mode, that's all due to your own lack of self-awareness.

[@LunaLu-00]

well said :)

[@blueotter5990]

She is not aggressive! Strong is not aggressive.

[@lemostjoyousrenegade]

Blue Otter I agree. She's simply very passionate. And many people need to hear the passionate voice in order to hear/wake up. Love & Blessings to you, Blue Otter! ❤️✨🕊✨🙏🏽

[@arreit4]

I love the information she has. She holds many jewels of wisdom, but she needs to learn how to not cut people off and let them state their question fully lol

[@noddy1267]

she lacks some respect for others it seems

[@nielsenaaa]

She warned : I'm direct active-agressive ^^

[@mikeb5963]

this lady is the real deal... she is "there" I am so glad to have watched this.

[@Spens675]

I really recommend watching the whole video up to 27:00 because it'll make so much sense. What she says is wonderful.

[@yourkingdomcomeyourwillbedone]

She meant that the liberation you can achieve through Buddhist philosophy can be attained in many ways. I learnt how to look at things objectively with the scientific method and a lot of other "Buddhist" principles through mathematics and philosophy. They all have parallels because they all describe logic. She just means that Buddhism isn't the only path to enlightenment. There's no "one-size-fits-all" when it comes to spirituality because everyone's heart beats a little different :)

[@lobsangdhondup6314]

Thank you so much for delivering wonderful, informative and deep knowledge of Budhsim..

[@strangestdudehsp]

I wasn't saying that they shouldn't make that choice, it's their life. I was saying that they can't give 'practical' advice if they don't live the non-monastic life. I agree with Joseph Waligore, trying to bring spirituality developed by monasticism into an a non-monastic life brings problems - it has to be heavily modified which can only be done by those living the life. Kristen Neff is a great example of someone who makes buddhist principles practical for those living a non-monastic life.

[@rabiamarshall]

I come to this video every time I feel lost. Thank you for sharing this ❤️

[@GasparSilva]

I'm very happy I watched this talk a second time. When one does it one can see beyond her "hard talk" and really get the beautiful message delivered. Which is, to quote Ven. Robina, is hidden under a layer. Thx Robina and everybody who made it possible :-)

[@m.rochecouste1095]

Thank goodness that she's here as anti-dote to all the wussy-feel-good Buddhists. No BS, kinda like Bodhidharma. Excellent talk.

[@soiledprincess]

Brillant!

[@kh100able]

The great Robina! Love her - she has changed my life.

[@Coachhustle]

Great message to high learning

[@1maisecret]

i like this nun she speaks good aussie language peace compassion wisdom im happy

[@msjessicarabbit78]

This is an amazing talk. The woman has a personality do not mistake that for anger. This talk has helped me immensly. As someone who has done bucket loads of therapy this is the appropriate wake up call - it is time to be your own therapist, you have to do it in the end no one else but you can make you happy, still your mind....think I'll watch it again!!

[@WingZero75]

When there is no point or meaning, that allows me to create my own purpose and meaning. Everything that has happened in my life wasnt planned, it was nothing more than chance. There is no anger at a creator anymore, nor is there a hatred and wish to see everything and everyone die.

[@LunaLu-00]

"(its about) giving up the neurotic attitude towards the things, not the things themselves" marvelous Robina, as always ♥

[@Angelickumi]

I could see how her tone could seem pretty condescending.. but it came across to me like it was information, urgent information, that she wanted everyone to understand and think about. I almost found it funny. She stated it pretty simply, in a curt manner... but sometimes people just are that way. They're short, some don't smile, some don't come across the same as others because we are different. I didn't see her as looking down on anyone. Beautiful talk. Loved it!!!!

[@kengsootang2883]

I had search for the truth for a long time at last i come to understand that all religions that teaches compassion are heavenly religions but my choice is Buddhism. Though married to a Catholic, i will forever embrace Buddhism, reasons are ...... its practical teachings and also i had several spiritual encounters with Buddha. I alway feel a sense of calm joy during meditation. Ven. Robina mentioned "erotic cravings" meaning 'attachement". Buddha said that ' attachment to anything" isto a simple the cause of sufferings. To be rid of sufferings, we must learn to be detached. Live a simple and campassionate life is the teaching of Buddha. Life on earth is temporary so strive for a higher realm heavenly life, and Buddha had already thrown a rope down from heaven to save us humans, all that we need is to grab it and work hard to climb this "rope". Buddha saw the sufferings in this world and so he gave up his princely life to search for a remedy to rid all sufferings. After 7 years of meditation, he was enlightened, so he began preaching, to save all human. So you can see Buddha love us , his aim is to see us, also can become Buddhas so we will not have to suffer anymore.

[@tseringjinpa3212]

I am amazed to listen to your courageous speech of truth. I feel that you don’t have any fear or restriction in your expressions. I am amazed 🙂👍.

[@acajudi1004]

Namaste. Judi Grace StoryCorps.

[@kathri100]

Most amazing thing is: when you have the patience and the willingness to look at any terrible emotion, once you get the mind on to here and now and breathe into the emotion and observe it as an emotion rather than 'my emotion' this will weaken it. Gradually the emotion looses it's power and viola you are free. Of course this will take decades or more depending on how good(proficient) one is.

[@daslolo]

What a pertinent talk ! One of the few times I hear a good explanation of spirituality. Spirituality takes balls !

[@ididjaustralia]

I like smiling eyes :) We're all our own bosses. Very useful, thank you Google!

[@craigmain5664]

What an excellent talk..what buddhism is truly about!

[@klydon12345]

Brillant in her clarity and humor on this complex concept

[@guruladakhi7960]

...she shoots straight from the hips, but she is the new sheriff in town and her badge says courage and her dispensation is loving kindness.

[@thepablogenius]

She is really effective at what she does , yeah ,maybe She was rude to that woman, but She interprets Buddhism for our modern western ears and i can appreciate that the message is harsh , that it is up to you and that meditation / mindfulness practice is not some blissed out thing , but facing up to our own shit and dealing with the world & ourselves responsibly (and positively) I think we could all use a kick in the ass sometimes.....

[@blueraysorcerer]

It doesnt really matter what they disagree about. It's what they have in common that's important to focus on. i.e., the understanding of mind and subjectivity and various subjective practices (e.g., mindfulness) that facilitate positive, objectively measurable alterations in consciousness, the brain, neurophysiology, health, well being, relationships, performance, etc.

[@alvarezgamers]

So agree with you! It was refreshing to see her approach to buddhism. Reinforces why I love Buddhism so much, because of how flexible the practice is.:)

[@Kimoto504]

As for the anger analogy. If the thoughts are the same, both the person who speaks and the person who doesn't does harm to others. The first just does more. Ultimately both will manifest their anger by harming themselves directly within. Both will eventually manifest it some other way in their treatment of others through attitude and through jerking in pain.

[@BawsMode]

This girl is smart, huge respect.