A discussion of the refuges and precepts (including chanting them at the start of the IMS 3 month retreat) and some reflections regarding useful attitudes when beginning a retreat.
Developing a wise relationship to our body is an important part of our meditation practice. We often have a distorted, even aversive attitude to the body.
Attending unwisely to the moment keeps us trapped in the delusion that experience is personal, me and mine. Wise attention keeps us on our toes - for example: we are not pulled into those little thoughts, believing them to be real. Check to see in any moment are you attending wisely or unwisely?
This talk examines the way that states of mind form and shape the world we experience in each moment, and how we can transform that world by knowing the state of our mind from moment to moment, and changing our relationship to it.
How do we accept ourselves or others when our actions are causing harm? Does acceptance mean passivity? Does it undermine our efforts towards change? This talk responds to these questions with a simple, illuminating and challenging principle about genuine transformation: Acceptance is the prerequisite of true healing and awakening. Only when we've paused to recognize and allow this moment's experience to be fully as it is, can we respond from our intelligence and compassion to prevent future suffering.
