The deeper and direct meaning of the three refuges and eight precepts are described and reflected on, in addition to a general reflection on how to relate to practicing the essence of the Buddhadhamma.

The deeper and direct meaning of the three refuges and eight precepts are described and reflected on, in addition to a general reflection on how to relate to practicing the essence of the Buddhadhamma. (The opening and closing chanting has been edited out of this recording.)

We must not underestimate the significance of dedicating ourselves to the five precepts. Such a commitment to virtue provides a moral and ethical basis for life that will ultimately lessen our suffering. We find ourselves embodying qualities of truthfulness, kindness and care for ourselves and others that touch a new level of inner happiness, one of the factors of enlightenment.

How training the mind in following precepts, such as the rules regarding the use of four monastic requisites - food, robes, shelter, and medicines, can win us greater patience, faith, gratitude, calm, courage, and mindfulness. Such ways of renunciation test our commitment to the path and teach us how to forgive and let go even our fears so that we harvest the riches of joy, compassion and inner peace.

The training precepts can be utilized for living the dharma in daily life, but to be most effective they need a foundation of faith and intention. Also, by stating the precepts positively and in an expanded fashion, we can find new opportunities for mindfulness and insight.

Dharma Talk

Introduction to Retreat for Experienced Yogis with brief talk about precepts, refuge, and preliminary instructions

We continue exploring the nature and methods of inquiry, the freshness, openness, interest and energy it can bring to practice. We explore (1) mindfulness – based inquiry, (2) deep listening, (3) working with teachings (here particularly the Four Noble Truths and Precepts), (4) radical questions and (5) deconstructing fixed beliefs, with more time on numbers 3 – 5.

A Background to this practice of Insight Meditation, Precepts, Beginning Instruction

Practice means we keep trying to purify the mind and strengthen our commitment to the precepts. There is no failure – we just begin again and again until we find our Dhamma wings. A short talk given during a Theravada Buddhist Community (TBC) retreat in Toronto.

Pick one of the Five Precepts (refrain from killing, refrain from taking what is not offered, refrain from distorted or harsh speech, refrain from sexual misconduct, and refrain from drugs or drink which cloud the mind) for study this week. This training is intended to heighten your awareness of both the gross and subtle forms of disconnection within that precept. Make a point to examine the subtle areas very carefully. For instance, wise speech might apply to self-beliefs such as your projections, self-doubt, and unworthiness. Refraining from taking life might include any dismissive or negating behavior to another. Refraining from sexual misconduct could imply using flirtation or sexuality in a manipulative or deceitful manner. Refraining from drugs and drink could include caffeine and sugar. Remember the precepts are not meant to foster a sense of failure but to point to a more connected view of life.

awareness of thought and images, taking of eight precepts

Delusion seduces us into thinking we are dependent on people, material objects or pleasant experiences for our happiness. Renunciation and the practice of the precepts bring us to the peace we are.

It is a very limited view to regard ethics (Sila) as five precepts. The authentic ethic is to stay true to vision and the meditative concentration to stay connected with noble wisdom.

Introduction to the three refuges and the five precepts.

with refuges and precepts, and an introduction to meditation by Joseph Goldstein

Precepts as practice; spiritual friendship; inner loveliness; practice outside of retreat. (Estimated date of talk. Exact date unknown)