The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Dharma Talks given at Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2020-02-11 Four Noble Truths & Mindfulness of Death (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 52:15
John Martin
This talk provides an overview of the Four Noble Truths, with primary focus on the Noble Truth of Dukkha and the Noble Truth of the Cause of Dukkha. Mindfulness of death is reviewed as a support for practice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-11 Day 10 Afternoon Instructions: Practicing Forgiveness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 44:54
Tempel Smith
As we further open our hearts to include even difficult people, it is very helpful to learn how to practice forgiveness. Often when deeply hurt our hearts hold resentments and yearn for accountability before it would be willing to risk opening again. And yet when others feel out resentment, judgment and the need for accountability they too shut down defensively. Starting with a good friend whom you have a history of love and trust, or even your companion animals, you can build a path of forgiveness. Some times we will never get full accountability, yet we can move beyond the pain of resentment to heal ourselves here and now.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-11 Day 10 Morning Instructions: Dhammavicaya (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 45:16
Susie Harrington
Guided meditation exploring investigation/ inquiry/discrimination, through the lenses of wisdom.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-10 Dhammavicaya: Opening the Door to Insight (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 55:52
Susie Harrington
Dhammavicaya, the factor of discrimination, is one of the 7 factors. IT is a lens through which we can meet our experience, and cultivate understanding & insight.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-10 Day 9 Morning Instructions (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 42:41
Kamala Masters
Thinking subject
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-09 Practice as a Path of Happiness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:47
James Baraz
Sometimes we can misunderstand practice as mainly overcoming suffering. The Buddha spoke of cultivating and increasing wholesome states and being mindful of the "gladness of the wholesome."
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-09 Day 8 Morning Instructions: Choiceless Awareness (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 59:26
James Baraz
Guided meditation letting go of the primary object and allowing receiving each moment as it presents itself.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-08 Equanimity : Resting the Mind Before It Falls Into Extremes (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 68:46
Kamala Masters
The importance of developing equanimity in our lives as meditators on the path of purification of mind/heart, and living in the world.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-08 Day Seven Morning Instructions: Resting Wakefully in Breath & Body (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 61:01
Tempel Smith
With the further settling of the mind we can deepen our intimacy with the breath and body. From a wakeful connection to the body and a sense of happiness we can explore areas of pain and mental activity. With the calming of mental activity we open to deeper samadhi.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

2020-02-07 Steps in Developing Mindfulness of Breathing (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 67:06
Tempel Smith
The Buddha described detailed steps we can take when developing and deepening our practice of mindful breathing. This talk covers steps 1-8 out of 16 classical steps given in discourses on this meditation.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center February Monthlong

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