The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Dharma Talks given at Spirit Rock Meditation Center
2018-08-29 What is the Meaning of Happiness 0:00
Sylvia Boorstein
(Recording not available) 
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Monday and Wednesday Talks

2018-08-27 The Development and Function of Concentration (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 58:59
Sally Armstrong
The development of samadhi, a collected and unified mind, is central in the Buddha’s meditation training. This talk looks at how we can skillfully deepen concentration, as well as the place of concentration in various suttas and lists that guide us in the development of concentration, and then the function of concentration to lead to transformative insight.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-27 Cultivating the Heart of Kindness - Monday night dharma talk 61:59
Mark Coleman
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2018-08-26 Deepening Insight Practice with the Support of Concentration Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 66:01
Donald Rothberg
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).
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-25 Seven Factors and the Practice of Concentration (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 61:01
Susie Harrington
The cultivation of the seven factors in samadhi and vipassana practice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-23 Developing a Skillful Relationship to Happiness in Practice and in Life (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 59:57
Sally Armstrong
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.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-22 Skillful Effort in Concentration Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 61:03
Donald Rothberg
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.”]
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-22 Is Suffering Optional? (Drop in program at Spirit Rock) 1:52:25
Heidi Bourne
An exploration of not making a terrible thing more terrible with the support of 7 reflection questions for everyday practice.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2018-08-21 Jhanic Factors in Samadhi Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 59:41
Susie Harrington
The supports and obstructions for samadhi: The hindrances and jhanic factors: vitakka, vicara, piti, sukha, ekaggata.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Concentration Retreat

2018-08-20 Nachiketo and the Lord of Death - How to move through difficulties as a transformative initiation. Monday night dharma talk. 61:02
Jack Kornfield
Spirit Rock Meditation Center

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