What I teach is a reflection of the constantly changing nature of my own practice. When I give a talk it is not a set agenda, but something that I've been reflecting about. The talks tend to be in rhythm with my own practice.
At the moment, I'm reflecting on the interplay of the personal and the non-personal, on aloneness and intimacy, on emptiness and embodiment. This process of reflection is a slow one. I hold a question in the background of my consciousness and then prepare to be surprised, to see what actually arises.
I enjoy the dharma a great deal. I try to convey that meditation practice is not a pathway of endlessly overcoming obstacles, but also a path of tremendous joy. It brings a great deal of profound truth to people's ability to find happiness. I have great faith in the Dharma, and a bottomless faith in people's capacity to be wise.
The ancient traditions of Buddhism are as relevant today as they were 2,500 years ago because people's capacity for getting themselves into trouble, for confusion, alienation and separation is not so different from Buddha's time. Vipassana, then and now, offers people an opportunity to transform themselves, and in so doing, transform the world around them.
The themes of boundless loving kindness and the connectedness with nature are themes that run trhough womens' sacred literature, crossing cultures and time.
2008-05-08 Spirit Rock Meditation Center (added 2008-05-09)
The contemplation of what makes our life precious brings commitment and a sense of urgency to our practice. It is learning to remember what is of enduring value in this fleeting, fragile life.
2008-05-04 Spirit Rock Meditation Center (added 2008-05-05)
In the path of liberating our hearts we learn to be intimate with all things. This talk focuses upon the power of aversion to create alienation and division and the power of mindfulness to uproot ill will.
2007-07-18 Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center (added 2007-07-24)
Liberating our hearts from ill will is to liberate ourselves from the sorrow of separation. The first precept and the path of loving kindness are in the service of healing ill will.
2006-05-03 Spirit Rock Meditation Center (added 2007-04-17)
The Buddha described emptiness as the abode of the great person. It is an understanding, seen so clearly in nature, that is possible for us to see in our own nature.
2002-04-11 Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center (added 2008-03-22)
Mindfulness teaches us the way to develop a non judgmental presence in all the moments of our lives. Equally mindfulness challenges us, inviting renunciation, investigation and simplicity.
2002-03-10 Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center (added 2008-03-22)
