We review and expand the themes from last time- the importance of body practices for our times and lives, exploring our attitudes toward the body and developing basic body practices. Then we focus on mindfulness of the body, outlining several further practices and emphasizing especially how body practices help us practice more fully and critically in the flow of the daily life.
As we deepen our practice of mindfulness, we are able to see our experience more directly and clearly. Metta practice helps to bring a kind, accepting attitude to this process, allowing us to open to some of the difficult emotional experiences that can arise in intensive retreat practice.
Reflecting on our deepest aspirations. Bringing mindfulness into our life is where the rubber meets the road. The moment you realize you are not present, you are! There may come a time when you come to know that all that comes up in your life is the practice.
Let the application of the teaching be informed by the root principle of selflessness and each mindful exercise manifest that selflessness through bare attention and total acceptance.
Description: This talk begins with an explanation of the goal of Buddhist practice, liberation through non-clinging. Then it discusses that insight is what leads to liberation and the four foundations of mindfulness is the practice leading to insight. We discuss how the first foundation of mindfulness, mindfulness of the body, is a doorway opening to and integrating with the entire four foundations of mindfulness.
