Afternoon Sit with Instructions

Evening Dharma Talk (Retreat at Spirit Rock)

Teachings on the five hindrances and how to hold them with equanimity. Making friends with our beautiful monsters.

Instructions and teaching on the second foundation of mindfulness, which is Vedana (feeling tone, or hedonic valence). A description from the Satipatthana, guided meditation, and ending reflections.

Afternoon sit with Instruction (Retreat at Spirit Rock)

Exploring our relationship to the living moment. Openings, reactions and illuminations with the magic and mystery of Being Here.

Teaching and guided meditation on the practice of Karuna, or Compassion.

Evening Dharma Talk

Evening Dharma Talk (Retreat at Spirit Rock)

A talk about how the path of wisdom practice leads to insights into emptiness, which then lead to natural compassion and love. Starring Rohitassa, Bahiya, Ananda, and of course our beloved Buddha: "Spiritual Friendship is the Whole of the Holy Life."

A review of Satipatthana meditation, and a guided meditation working through the objects of mindfulness (body, breath, sounds, vedana, and citta), culminating in Open Awareness.

Teaching and guided meditation on the practice of equanimity. From Ruth King: ”Equanimity can feel internally like a great mountain, with the mind solid and stable, undisturbed by the changing seasons. Or it can be like the ocean, with the mind vast, deep, and immeasurable, undisturbed by whatever swims, floats, or is housed in its waters. Equanimity can be like a strong fire — roaring, engulfing, and transmuting, undisturbed by whatever is thrown into it. Or like immense space — open, allowing, and receiving, undisturbed by the objects that arise and pass away”

What is to Awake? What is it to Awaken? Different forms and levels of awakening. How awakening begins in each moment. The relationship of love & awareness to awakening in Buddhist teachings and suttas.