Description: We first explore how concentration practice is both helpful and important for insight practice, and how the two practices are related. We then look at the nature of insight practice, and in particular examine three ways of liberating seeing in insight practice, namely practices in which we cultivate seeing anicca (impermanence), dukkha (reactivity or unreliability or suffering), and anatta (not-self).

The cultivation of the seven factors in samadhi and vipassana practice.

Though the teachings on dukkha (suffering) are an important part of the Buddhist path, a skillful relationship to sukha (happiness) actually played a significant part in the Buddha's awakening. This talk explores the wise use of happiness and pleasure and the cultivation of beautiful qualities of mind, especially in concentration practice.

After some general reflections on the nature of concentration (or samadhi), concentration practice, and its place and importance, we explore the nature of skillful effort. We particularly focus on the balance of "pro-active" effort and relaxation/ease, identifying a number of specific practice tips and suggestions that support development in both aspects of practice, as well as how to cultivate the balance between the two. [A clarification about terminology: There are two terms that have at times been translated as "effort”: (1) The 6th factor of the Noble Eightfold Path is “Right Effort” (same vayama); (2) Viriya is one of the Five Spiritual Faculties and one of the Seven Factors of Awakening and is often translated as “energy,” sometimes as “effort.”]

An exploration of not making a terrible thing more terrible with the support of 7 reflection questions for everyday practice.

The supports and obstructions for samadhi: The hindrances and jhanic factors: vitakka, vicara, piti, sukha, ekaggata.

In this day retreat, we will explore and experience the ways in which our inner subjective lives, our interpersonal relationships, and our objective empirical knowledge can be woven together to illuminate the importance for meaning, connection, and equanimity in our lives. The day will be based on his upcoming book, and will include periods of guided and walking meditation, discussion, journaling, and Q&A. Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public. Health care professionals will be able to utilize the tools and practices offered in this program to better support their clients and patients dealing with trauma and other challenges of mental health. Learning Objectives for participating health care professionals- Based on the content of this program, you will be able to: Describe the science that underlies meditation’s effectiveness; Summarize the instruction for teaching and mastering the Wheel of Awareness for enhancing the focus of attention and opening awareness; Discuss how to help clients become more emotionally resilient in the face of stress and the everyday challenges of life; Demonstrate how to utilize a reflective practice to grow a healthier, more integrated brain.

In this day retreat, we will explore and experience the ways in which our inner subjective lives, our interpersonal relationships, and our objective empirical knowledge can be woven together to illuminate the importance for meaning, connection, and equanimity in our lives. The day will be based on his upcoming book, and will include periods of guided and walking meditation, discussion, journaling, and Q&A. Teachings are appropriate for health care professionals as well as the general public. Health care professionals will be able to utilize the tools and practices offered in this program to better support their clients and patients dealing with trauma and other challenges of mental health. Learning Objectives for participating health care professionals- Based on the content of this program, you will be able to: Describe the science that underlies meditation’s effectiveness; Summarize the instruction for teaching and mastering the Wheel of Awareness for enhancing the focus of attention and opening awareness; Discuss how to help clients become more emotionally resilient in the face of stress and the everyday challenges of life; Demonstrate how to utilize a reflective practice to grow a healthier, more integrated brain.