All the metta chants recited by all the meditators

We come on retreat to clear the negative, the compulsive, the cluttered. Acknowledging the causal potential to adopt behaviours and attitudes and transmit them to others, there is a need to clear and reset. The warm, safe, cooperative retreat environment allows for new growth after the clearing.

Part 1: talk and standing practice

Fear of letting go and trust in the dharma

CRUCIAL NOTE: It is highly unlikely that this talk will be properly or adequately understood without a prior very good working familiarity and competence – both in actual practice and conceptually – with Soulmaking Dharma teachings and practices, as well as with Insight Meditation. Without this background it may be that the talk will in fact be misunderstood, and it is unlikely that the talk will be helpful. Please note too that much of the material in this series of talks (In Psyche’s Orchard) is based on or continues explorations of material laid out in a particular previous series (Four Circles, Four Parables of Stone and Light). In Psyche’s Orchard was recorded by Rob at his home.

With metta, one becomes anchored in oneself and independent; a kind, friendly, and benevolent attitude results in virtuous behavior

We begin with a body scan, open to sounds and to listening to and feeling the moment. From spacious awareness the practice is simply to recognize and allow the changing flow of life. The meditation ends with the poem, “Hokusai Says” by Roger Keyes.