This talk describes how the journey of our life and practice is to mingle our hearts and minds fully with the Dharma. The eight-fold path is the descriptive template we can use; this talk focuses particularly on wise view and wise intention, the first two steps.
Many of the Buddha's teachings are counter intuitive - we sit still to find freedom, we let go to receive. Opening to suffering and working skillfully with the kilesas - greed, aversion and delusion - actually bring us greater freedom and happiness. This talk is on the beautiful qualities called the Paramis that directly counter the force of the kilesas.
It is the direct realization of the unconditioned, or nibbana, that is considered enlightenment in the Buddha's teachings. This talk explores how consciousness and awareness can be understood as links in practice to the flavor of the unconditioned.
Two of the five Spiritual Faculties.
Exploring:
-What we actually believe in, rely on, value.
-The difference and sometimes distance between knowledge, ideas, beliefs and wisdom - the integrated absorbed and deeply understood truths.
A version of Joseph Goldstein's Big Mind meditation using bells and reminders to allow your mind to be like a clear empty sky and allow the different experiences to arise and pass without interference.
We have the opportunity to make something of this precious life, that has such fortunate conditions that can also quickly change. The seeds we plant have results. Orienting ourselves toward the Dharma can free us from the samsaric loop.
Looking at the similarities between creativity and dharma practice with a focus on being comfortable with the unknown and the willingness to surprise yourself.
