When we can wisely relate to grasping, aversion, sleepiness/dullness, restlessness/worry and doubt as visitors rather than enemies, they can transform into their wisdom nature.
Note: Description of the gem of sleepiness is at the end of the next morning's instructional sit.
Breath by breath, step by step, we deepen our intimacy with life. This opens us up to what is beautiful and also gives us a capacity to be conscious during difficult times as well. The more aware we are, the better the choices we make.
Learning to take care of this psycho-physical little system. Hopefully we learn to take care of the bigger systems we are part of-Systems of oppression included.
Vipallasa Sutta: Understanding perception and the ways in which we have errors in understanding of the three characteristics (anicca, anatta, dukkha) and asubha that keep us spinning in delusion. Doggies and empty boats.
In the context of our ethical practice we took a look at a second aspect of speech practice - practicing empathy through an overview and a practice with guidance in the last part of the session.
Roughly 68 minutes in duration.
Talk on the art of practice starting from being lost in thoughts, to noticing the specific characteristics of phenomena to finally opening to the 3 universal marks of existence.
The flavor of Metta is kindness, which is such a beautiful and powerful attitude, but the other Brahma Viharas of compassion, joy and equanimity allow us to meet all of life with openess and connection.
Clarity can only develop our Freedom so far unless we also cultivate a warmth and kindness within. Our Final Freedom will taste as kind as it is clear.
We continue with our exploration of ethical practice, set in the context of the overall training to awaken. We focus in this first session on Fourth Precept ("Right" or "Wise" Speech) on the four core ethical guidelines for speech (truthfulness, helpfulness, speaking from the heart, and good timing/appropriateness of the speech), in the context of the general importance of speech practice, suggesting a number of ways of practicing.
In developing Loving-Kindness we need to draw upon other beautiful qualities of heart such as Patience, Courage, Faith and Renunciation. With these and other supports, Loving-Kindness deepens to become powerful and boundless.
We bring our imaginary trunks full of stuff to a retreat. Through the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness clarity and wisdom arise, leading to freedom in our hearts and minds.
After a brief review of the general nature of ethical practice, we look at outer, inner, and social dimensions of practicing the Second Precept - not taking that which not given - including a song and discussion of some of the challenges of such practices.
This talk weaves together the theme of self-compassion with how to work with hindrances that arise when we practice. We explore working with our minds, cultivating kindness for ourselves, and the recognition of our shared humanity.
Set in the larger contexts of the importance of ethical practice, we focus on the meaning and practical of non-harming, with some reflections on responding to the killings of nine African Americans at a bible study class in Charleston, South Carolina.
Mindfulness has so many dimensions and can be hard to define, yet it is a central pillar of the Dhamma path. This talk explores some of it's dimensions and qualities.
We examine practicing with the Three Characteristics, particularly with Dukkha (suffering) and anatta (not-self). Then we explore "spacious awareness," a type of non-conceptual awareness beyond the splits of knower and known, particularly in the teachings of the Buddha and the Thai Forest tradition, with some reference to Tibetan and Zen traditions. Thirdly, we outline a number of ways to access this kind of awareness.
Concentration is a skillful means that provides a foundation for understanding things as they really are (Yatha Bhuta). Through the direct experience of impermanence, freedom unfolds.
A practically-based exploration of the nature of concentration and its place in practice, how to practice concentration (complementing the morning instructions), five challenges of concentration practice and how to work with them, and the relationship of concentration and insight practice.
