(i) between sensory indulgence and self-mortification; (ii) between being and non-being (iii) the monks' and nuns' lifestyle between brahminical family ideals and that of ascetic religious seekers (iv) between shame (hīri - based on self-respect) and fear of social consequences (ottappa - based on understanding good morals)
“Pain is inevitable and suffering is optional.” In this talk Tara explores the difference between pain and suffering and examines the most common, yet often unconscious, ways we resist pain. She then shares practices that help us find balance, equanimity and awakening in the midst.
4 Dimensions in the teaching on universal Empathy. The Brahmavihara are neither just emotions nor exclusively meditation objects, rather they are intrinsic to any notion of health, growth, maturity, wellbeing, realization and liberation.
(Brief intro:) Mindfulness without Pali - psychological aspects of sati. What can go wrong even if we get what we want; Forms of desire east of the western map for this term (kāma-taṇhā, bhava-t, vibhava-t.)
Relational analogies with differing human senses – seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling – Questions to connect more deeply with the breathing experience.
The Nature of Aversion; Why we have it, when it’s helpful, and when it’s not. I’ll focus on the nourishing and healing aspects of turning towards the stuff that agitate, irritate, and even repulse us. We’ll explore how important this is to the awakening of our happiness and greater understanding.
We bring our imaginary trunks full of stuff to a retreat. Through the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness clarity and wisdom arise, leading to freedom in our hearts and minds.
The sacred feminine expresses the realization of our belonging, our innate interdependence with all of life. These two classes explores inner practices that help us open to our longing to belong, and awaken the power of prayer.
After a brief review of the general nature of ethical practice, we look at outer, inner, and social dimensions of practicing the Second Precept - not taking that which not given - including a song and discussion of some of the challenges of such practices.
Sati as attuned attentional relationship. Two dimensions of training mindfulness: (i) temporal continuity (ii) spatial stability. Preferences and inclinations of meditators for one above the other are natural but need challenging. Instructions for a day's practice of kāyānupassanā.
There is an acceptable tension we each carry and are reluctant to address spiritually. That tension holds our thoughts, attitudes, self-beliefs, and projections together in a systematic self-serving way. It is the collection of aggregates laced together with our narrative that we will protect at all costs, and it is all tied to our current worldview.
The sacred feminine expresses the qualities of heart that emerge as we open beyond identifying with the egoic, separate self. In this talk, Tara tracks a series of challenging experiences in her own life that catalized an awakening of heart, and explores how for each of us, the places of difficulty can help us realize our belonging to life and the loving awareness that is our true essence.
A special recording from the first morning of the 2015 IMCW Women's Retreat that offers further guidance and addresses some frequently asked questions about meditation.
A talk about the Buddha's invitation for all colors and genders to liberate themselves, not based on birth right but on personal character and integrity
This talk weaves together the theme of self-compassion with how to work with hindrances that arise when we practice. We explore working with our minds, cultivating kindness for ourselves, and the recognition of our shared humanity.
