A discussion of the factor of Faith and its importance in meditation, followed by a look at ways we can draw inspiration from those who have walked the path and show us the way - stories and poems from the Therigatha.
This is the opening talk for a retreat that welcomes young people (aged 16 - 25) to explore meditation and the Buddha's teaching on the four noble truths, and how this teaching sheds light on our own difficulties and opens up the possibility of deep freedom. This talk also includes Caroline Jones.
The Triple Gem: Recollection of the Sangha—Community As Refuge. This is the third installment in the three part series on the triple refuge or three jewels. This talk introduces the contemplation of the virtues of the Sangha (sanghanusati) as a support for inspiration, trust, and gratitude for community. The liberating sangha is considered worthy of gifts and offerings; a field of merit; a community people who have made the effort to practice diligently, energetically; and who are cultivating a direct and liberating path.
With wisdom and sensitivity, we can learn to use both the view of emptiness and the view of self to bring a completeness to our unfolding liberation and to know the joy and openness of ongoing discovery.
Through the development of various skillful means, we can unlock the innately liberating dynamism at the heart of our emotional life, allowing deep healing, freedom, and the natural unfolding of our full potential.
Cultivating the capacity for listening is essential to loving well and to realizing the truth of who we are. This talk focuses on three key facets of deep listening--non-distractedness, not-controlling and seeking to understand-- that can awaken an intimacy with our inner life and others. Guided meditations on listening precede and are included within the body of the talk.
We can be aware of many objects in meditation. It's also possible to turn our attention to awareness itself. The talk explores what happens when we do this. Is awareness findable? Does it come and go? Is it conditioned? And what is the value of meditating like this?
Through the development of various skillful means, we can unlock the innately liberating dynamism at the heart of our emotional life, allowing deep healing, freedom, and the natural unfolding of our full potential.
