After clarifying further the fundamental practices of our retreat, particularly the three ways of seeing leading to liberating insight, we examine the third way of seeing—seeing anatta (or not-self). We focus less on understanding this way of seeing conceptually, and more on identifying two main ways of practicing—(1) opening to being mindful of the flow of experience, increasingly with a “thinned out” self or lack of self, and (2) noticing and being mindful of when there is a “thick” sense of self.
Equanimity is central to the Buddha's teachings and practices, and so underlies and supports both mindfulness and metta (loving-kindness). For Samma Sati, Right Mindfulness, to develop, equanimity needs to function to keep us connected with experiences even when they are difficult or challenging, to deepen insight into the true nature of reality. In metta practice, equanimity keeps the heart open when conditions are not ideal for kindness - and they are often not ideal!
the Buddha taught that the recognition of arising and passion away (Anicca) is the doorway to freedom. In this talk, we explore impermanence and it’s relationship to dukkha. To let go ov our argument with the reality – with the way things are, to the nature of changing phenomena, opens up to the possibility of ease and freedom: “All things are impermanent/ They arise and they pass away./ To live in harmony with this truth/ Brings great happiness.”
