Description and guided practice on working with vedana in the body.

Using the properties of the 4th element to know and experience the breath and lead to insgiht into impermanence

The Buddha described awakening not as a leap to the summit but as a gradual training, one step laid down after another. Drawing on the image of walking (forest monks on tudong, pilgrims, and the cleared trails of these woods), this talk explores the anupubbasikkhā through generosity, ethics, meditation, and wisdom. With the Buddha’s teaching to Gaṇaka Moggallāna, the bird that carries only its wings, and poetry inspired by freedom, we reflect on how one thing lawfully leads to the next. We set up the conditions, and the dhamma does the rest. The arc of the path is long, but it bends toward freedom.

It's always inspiring to support people through an intensive period of silent retreat. James knows many of you have already had that experience so you know how impactful it can be. He shares from his own experience guiding students for many years, how he sees the process of transformation and his understanding of how it works. The talk is followed by a discussion.

By practicing the Noble Eight Fold Path we can experience greater joy, happiness and freedom