This is an opening night talk for a month long mindfulness retreat which presents the rationale for practicing in the form that we do. It includes readings from the Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta. It also makes the connection between mindfulness and metta practice and the rationale for practicing both simultaneously.

Suffering is often what brings people to the Dharma as well as opening us up to resources inside we didn't know were there. Looking at hindrances and difficulties in this way allows us to relate to them wisely and realize the gifts that they bring and the ways they help us grow.

Meditation is the work of the mind: as in the famous saying of the Buddha: Avoid evil, do good and purify the mind. The attitude with which we approach our practice can be a continuation of our usual habits of getting and doing, or we can shift the view (the paradigm) to that of trust and confidence in natural awareness.

The Buddha said that the perception of impermanence, when developed and cultivated, can lead to liberation. This talk explores some of the ways we can begin and continue to perceive this truth more accurately.

Beginning with the hypothesis that the natural mind, unconfused by fixed views or hindrance energies, is clear and buoyant and conducive to happiness; this talk specifically details the ways in which concentration, mindfulness, effort and good will(Metta) work to lesson attachment to view and afflictive emotions.

The Buddha gave great importance to the quality of generosity, or dana. It can be seen as a supportive condition for the cultivation of the eightfold path. The inner intention of generosity purifies the heart/mind of greed - and it brings great joy!

About manifesting love and courage in the midst of knowing that all experience is impermanent, subject to suffering, and inextricably connected to everything else - as the path of freedom.

One aspect of Wise Effort is maintaining and increasing wholesome states that have arisen. This is supported by being present for the wholesome state without clinging. How to integrate wholesome states such as sincere intention, gratitude, being compassionate with suffering, and others into our practice is explored.