It is helpful to identify four broad phases of transformation, whether in the context of intensive meditation practice, everyday life, or engaged practice in the world: (1) building resources (perspectives, tools, methods, the ethical “container”); (2) opening to and honoring our suffering; (3) coming to see in a new way; and (4) the integrative work of stabilizing, grounding, and expressing our insights and learning as we go forth into the world.
What is the nature of the self? What did the Buddha teach about the self - the suffering that arises from our misperceptions about who we are and the freedom that comes from understanding our true nature.
This talk elucidates the Buddha's teaching as the 4 Noble Truths and how the teachings of the Enneagram also impact self understanding when seen in the context of mindfulness practice.
In the second session on practicing with thoughts and emotions, we complement the first session's focus on the more receptive practice of mindfulness. After a review of mindfulness, we explore three more active approaches: (1) deepening mindfulness through inquiry, (2) invoking wisdom through clear comprehension, (3) providing antidotes through invoking lovingkindness, compassion, and other beautiful states.
