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Dharma Talks given at Spirit Rock Meditation Center
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2022-08-22 Concentration and Insight (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 2:10:17
Tempel Smith
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In the detailed description of the 16 steps of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) the first 12 steps develop samadhi (concentration) as a basis for the last four steps (13-16) of insight practice. These are using in and out breathing to become sensitive to impermanence (anicca), and from impermanence to releasing the agitation (viraga) from trying to find security in a fluid and fluctuating world. The second to last step in relaxing into the completeness and thoroughness of endings (nirodha), as a support to the last step of fully letting go.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-21 Wise View and the Cultivation of Wisdom 1:14:51
Gulwinder Singh
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BIPOC Voices - Series

2022-08-18 Balancing Practice with the Five Spiritual Faculties (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 59:37
Amana Brembry Johnson
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The five spiritual powers are essential accompaniments that guide us into deepened realizations of liberation. Each faculty is an active power that is soverign in its own domain, but also pairs with another to effect balance. As a whole unit, the 5 faculties work together to strengthen our resolve, by establishing inner balance and harmony. In this way, they cultivate our capacity to see each moment clearly without the residue of external conditioning.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-18 Guided Loving-Kindness and Compassion Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 59:59
Kristina Bare
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Loving-kindness and compassion as support for deepening samadhi.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-18 Mindfulness of Fear 57:19
Grace Fisher
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Begins with a 30m meditation followed by a Dharma Talk
Thursday Morning Women’s Group

2022-08-18 Orienting Towards Breath Concentration (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 57:37
Tempel Smith
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After our initial work to begin meditation on in and out breathing we can further relax with total faith into immersion with breathing awareness. Some gentle supporting techniques of counting can be helpful, as well as welcoming an attitude of devotion and patience to support breathing as a sanctuary.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-17 12 Steps of Breathing Concentration (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 63:50
Tempel Smith
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When the Buddha taught detailed instructions for breath meditation he often used 16 steps from initial meditation to complete freedom. The first 12 steps on the common meditation guidelines to develop stable concentration and experience a mind temporarily free from inner turmoil.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-17 Guided Meditation: Connect & Continue (Vitakka & Vicara) As Our Two Best Friends in Concentration Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 58:55
Nikki Mirghafori
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In this guided meditation, we explore connecting with our intention, relaxing the body, and then devote ourselves to the first two jhanic factors: vitakka and vicara, initial application and sustained application, or connect and continue. The guidance ends with planting the seeds for gladness and joy by noticing the absence of the hindrances, as taught in the satipatthana sutta.
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-16 Dharma Talk: Samadhi, the Five Jhanic Factors, and the Five Hindrances (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 65:03
Nikki Mirghafori
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What is samatha Practice (concentration)? Why practice samatha? What is the different between samatha (a practice), samadhi (the state), and vipassana (insight practice)? What are the five jhanic factors? And how do we work with the five hindrances, or rather, "coverings," in samatha practice as opposed to insight practice?
Cultivating Concentration

2022-08-16 Metta As Support For Concentration Practice (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 60:19
Amana Brembry Johnson
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To follow the thread of kindness and friendliness along the middle path, you will see that Metta is the road map that leads to internal freedom. It is a guiding light that weaves itself through every aspect, every step, along this path of liberation.
Cultivating Concentration

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