How can we have compassion for others without falling apart? The Buddha's path of awakening teaches us how to disarm our internal armour, to be harmless. This will be for us a true basis for following precepts and thereby developing enough inner quiet to investigate ill-will. We begin to clearly see and understand our mind-states. This full presence enables compassion that is tireless and unconditional.
Retreat opening talk, with an overview of the practice and supports for our inner journey, including commitment to non-harming through taking the five ethical precepts
The occasion for retreat gives opportunity to establish a field of integrity and make heart offerings by taking precepts, chanting, making offerings to the shrine, and bowing.
This talk is about sīlabbataparāmāsa—a subtle clinging to rites, rituals, precepts, and practices. We train in order to see and overcome this heady attachment to our practices (dāna, sīla, bhāvanā, mettā bhāvanā).
