Dharma Seed - Dharma Talks from Retreats

Insight Meditation Solstice Retreat

In this retreat, we will emphasize centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year, quieting our minds, grounding in our bodies, opening up our hearts and using inquiry to help give energy to our practice. There will be a special emphasis on opening to the darkness, including our difficulties and challenges, as well as to the coming light — such as beauty, joy and love. We will have a winter solstice ceremony.

2013-12-17 (6 days) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2013-12-18 The Winter Solstice, the Dark and the Light and our Practice 62:13
Donald Rothberg	Download Listen
At the Winter Solstice, we can learn better to embrace the dark-in multiple ways, and to invite the light. Using poetry, stories and teachings, we explore how practicing with darkness and light can deepen and illuminate what Mary Oliver calls our one "wild, precious life."

2013-12-19 The 7 Enlightenment Factors (retreat version) 63:53
Heather Sundberg	Download Listen
Using stories from the time of the Buddha to modern day, the talk takes us on a tour of the 7 factors: mindfulness, investigation, energy, joy, calm, concentration and equanimity; in their ordinary and extraordinary aspects. The tour includes "side trips" to explore the 4 Noble Truths, the 4 Wise Efforts and many practical techniques.

2013-12-20 Sitting in the Center 46:33
John Travis	Download Listen
The talk begins with the stories and teachings of the Thai Forest meditation masters, and continues with personal stories and the teaching of 'taking the one seat'. How to work with hindrances, pleasant and unpleasant, and allow the knowing quality to shine forth; 'sitting in the center' of all things.