What is equanimity? How is it cultivated through meditation practice? What are the two understandings that are the root of equanimity? All of this and more is explored in this Dharma Talk.

This sitting group provides instruction in insight meditation and fosters mutual support and understanding among the growing community of people of color who find nourishment and inspiration in the practice of meditation.

Stepping Out of Our Mental Prison - Meditation

Last Day of Morning Instructions

Exploring the wholesome and beautiful factors of mind that are associated with the development and fruits of concentration, metta practice and with the deepening and fruits of Vipassana practice with an emphasis on the Abhidhamma basket’s clear and refined disclosure of what happens in the mind through meditation practice.

A guided practice for letting go of specific objects or sense doors to practice open or choiceless awareness. For some people this is a more natural way of practicing. The intent is to become mindful of one’s mental activity as it is drawn to different experiences arising at any of the six sense doors. From this practice you can gain insight into how the mind works and find freedom no matter what the experience.

This talk offers guidance into some of the fundamentals of meditation practice.

When we are lost in thoughts our mind contracts, our body tightens and we disconnect from true openheartedness. The pathway home is through “relaxing back” and reopening our attention to our senses, relaxing through our body, and gently contacting the felt sense in our heart. By repeatedly relaxing back, we become increasingly familiar with the vibrancy, tenderness and openness of true presence. “It’s from a relaxed presence that we can most feel the tenderness of our hearts."

When we are not sufficiently nurtured in childhood, we are inclined toward anxiety, depression, addiction and other forms of suffering. In a deep way, we do not feel at home with others. We are disconnected from our own body, heart and spirit. This talk explores how meditation offers “spiritual reparenting” as we learn to bring interest, understanding and love to our own inner vulnerability. This process of healing extends to our relationships with others and our larger society – by reaching out to widening circles with interest and care, we bring increasing harmony and peace to our world (a favorite from the archives). “That question: Where does it hurt? We need to address it to everyone, if we really want to understand each other.” Ruby Sales