This is the first talk in a 5-part speaker series titled "Balanced Practice". In this talk, Kim Allen explores faith, trust, confidence, curiosity, inquiry and doubt, and how these factors relate to our practice.
The art of Dhamma practice includes engaging skillfully with complementary aspects of practice. Sometimes we are called to actively cultivate qualities, while at other times, letting go is more appropriate. We use both our head and our heart; we engage both inwardly and in the outer world; we need both restraint and boldness. Sometimes qualities that at first appear to be in opposition, are actually inseparable -- like the front and back of a hand. This speaker series explores potential paradoxes and complimentary forces in meditation, as we learn to develop a balanced practice.
I’ll be continuing the talk series on The Three Pillars of the Dharma. The theme this week is the second pillar, Sila (virtue). I’ll be giving additional focus to wise and harmonious speech/communication, a topic I’ve been hearing people are interested in.
Renunciation can seem like rejection or a penance. But true renunciation is more like relinquishment - letting go of what no longer serves us, allowing the mind and heart more space to open and find freedom.
Given at Sacramento Insight Meditation. There are many challenges as well as opportunities that emerge from illness and learning how to navigate them. Dealing with expectations that practice should be different. Value of devotion, chanting and bowing. Finding different sources of energy other than will and determination. Working with emotional pain as part of the practice. Letting go of stories. Resting in awareness. Enduring overwhelm. Learning how to be OK when things are not OK.
