on the last night of the retreat we reflected on the path of practice, the fruits that spontaneously emerge from practice, how are actions of body speech and mind, the Buddha called karma, influences everything. the talk ends with some reflections on equanimity and the skillful work we can do to balance our practice with where we are in terms of the three marks of existence.
The state of the world is getting more intense, more extreme, more divided. It is undeniable that we need to do things differently, including thinking we can do it all on our own.
The mutability of karma. An act of beauty in a war zone. Moments of connection with wildlife. Compassion meditation for ancestors, those in our near relational field, future generations, and all beings.
The danger and opportunity in the dying of an old world. The curriculum of decolonizing internally & externally. The reclamation of an ensouled world. Dharma practice as essential for navigating the shifts of consciousness needed for radical re-orientation within a moment of evolutionary potential.
Contemplating what never changes. The indestructible heart. Mind the Gap. Radical reflection, returning to the root, where all things merge. Kuan Yin's meditation method.
After we set the context of the holiday of Thanksgiving, including Native perspectives, we explore the inter-related qualities of generosity and gratitude. Gratitude is especially in relationship to acknowledging the generosity of others, and of life. We clarify a number of ways to cultivate these two qualities. The talk integrates some discussion and is followed by a longer period of discussion.
