It's very helpful to reflect on the way we experience change in the course of our human life, including our own aging and death. But even more freeing is discovering the direct insight into the momentary arising and passing of all phenomena through our practice of mindful observation.

"Ehi Passika-come and see" investigation is the active aspect of mindfulness. It brings a clear discernment of our body-mind experience. Investigation is what lights up the truth for us.

How the Five Faculties of conviction, right effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom, when developed and nourished, can lead to awakening. An invitation to directly experience each faculty and bring them into balance in our lives.

The seven factors are already in the mindstream being developed by our simple practice of mindfulness.

This teaching begins with an overview of the Five Hindrances: Desire, Aversion, Sloth and Torpor, Restlessness, and Doubt and continues with a thorough discussion of the Five Jhanic Factors: Aiming one’s mind, Investigation, Raptness, Comfort in Being, and One-pointedness which the meditator uses to effectively deal with and utilize the Five Hindrances in deepening her/his practice. The meditator gains perspective, alertness, connection, caring, and energy.

The teachers at Insight Meditation South Bay frequently guide meditation for the community. These recordings vary in length and style. They may include instructions for specific meditation techniques, introduce a dhamma theme, offer general mindfulness reminders, or present meditation instructions at the beginning of an otherwise silent session. Please listen to these recordings in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Turn off your phone, and settle into a comfortable meditative posture. Plan to meditate for 30-45 minutes even if the recording is brief and verbal instructions last for only a few minutes. You may enjoy brief recordings at the beginning of meditation session, and then continue to meditate in silence for as long as you wish. Silent periods during longer recordings are intentional; moments of silence allow time for you to practice the instructions that were previously explained.