Human life requires much tenderness and vulnerability to work with inevitable pain and suffering - the practice of compassion is a wonderful vehicle for this orientation.
After an analysis of the roots of suffering based on the teachings of Dependent Arising, we explore two aspects of the path of awakening. The first aspect is about gradual awakening; the second is about immediate awakening in awareness, first momentary, then gradually stabilized.
Cultivation of morality (in the ten permutations called Perfections (Paramitas) is presented as the path to rather than simply a preparation for meditation. Stories illustrate how the practice of each paramita leads to insight.
"The spiritual path moves through cycles. The key is balance."
The talk journeys from the ground of ethical conduct through developing concentration, working with doubt, developing insight, working with dukkha of many types, to stabilizing in equanimity and opening to and integrating awakening.
The talk outlines the Three Characteristics (change - suffering - not self) and the Three Subtle Characteristics (emptiness - suchness - not with the object). Teachings on the 4 Seals and the 5 Aggregates are also offered.
