How the nothing of feelings becomes the something of objects and further exploration of the third and fourth foundations.
Plus a guided meditation on the third foundation
These two ancient sutras fuse seamlessly together/explore how the body (form) becomes formless when we don't infuse the body with knowledge or remembrance
From Harris Park. Meditation on the qualities of the Buddha (Buddhānussati), taken from Itipiso chant. Dhamma talk on the life of the Buddha and how suttas will have likely been interpreted mythologically, with meaning constructed differently, often metaphorically and symbolically rather than as a purely historical description.
We arrive in presence by deepening attention in the body; relaxing and awakening through a body scan. That presence deepens as we bring our attention to the space of awareness that includes the changing flow of sounds, sensations and feelings. In that wholeness of formlessness and form, we discover our natural being – open, awake and tender.
Part 4: Equanimity – unfolds as we find a wise balance and spaciousness in the midst of this living, dying world.
This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding.
From Harris Park. Meditation on the joyful, soothing breath. Dhamma talk on the three characteristics in historical context and their practical relationship to liberation: anicca (impermanence/not-regularity-ness), dukkha (suffering), anatta (non-self). Why are all conditions suffering but all dhammas non-self? The three characteristics as doors to dhammas of the great teachers.
Using the body's sensitivity we can notice what stabilizes and gladdens the citta, that moment the Buddha touches our heart. How can our practice continue this? Ajahn recommends cultivating sampajañña - fully and directly knowing what’s happening - and describes its four qualities.
This meditation scans through the body, and awakens attention to the open, inclusive awareness that all life arises in. We then explore experiencing that openness in the region of the heart, saying yes to life and including whatever is here with unconditional presence.
Part 3: Joy – blossoms in the moments our hearts open boundlessly to reality, to the 10,000 joys and sorrows.
This series reflects on four primary expressions of an awake, wise heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. In each talk we explore the habitual patterning that blocks our full realization of these innate capacities, and the understandings and practices that nurture their unfolding.
We spend one more week understanding how the paramis show up in groups to support our daily practice. We need never feel alone, with our friends the parami.
This is the first dharma talk of DPP7 focusing on wise view, discussing movement toward the wholesome and away from the unwholesome and the 4 noble truths
date estimated - Forgot to say towards the end of this talk that since Neoliberalism is powered by greed, it is by nature insatiable. The investment in wealth and power will make it very difficult to change to a more socially based capitalism.
Dhammas arising internally and externally merge eventually in a stable point – this is how it is now. We see the craving and becoming and release them in favour of the true assembly.
From Harris Park. Mettā meditation towards one's skeleton using both visualisation and feeling. Discussion of corporeality and the mind, the sentient body, the role of the breath, the senses. Awareness and peace as a continuum.
