This talk looks at the difference between egoic hopes and fears, and the quality of hopefulness ("holy hope") that is an essential dimension in spiritual experience. We reflect on the three components of hope that serve awakening: Aspiration, Trust and Dedication of energy.
We look at (1) the importance of speech practice; (2) the practice of cultivating inner and outer awareness at the same time; (3) the roles of awareness, intention, and action in speech practice; and (4) the speech guidelines of the Buddha. We end with a guided practice period.
We tend to lean into extremes. How do we find the middle way, again and again? What is it like to tolerate living as the unvarnished living present where the two worlds meet? How to discriminate the greed in the mind from the hearts desire for liberation and truth.
