We begin with a review of the nature of samadhi and of samatha practice, in which we develop greater samadhi. Samadhi is understood as a natural quality (including with other species) that we may know through times in which we are deeply immersed and absorbed in an activity, such as being with another, art, music, or sports. Samatha is one of the two main forms of meditation taught by the Buddha, along with insight practice. We also give an overview of how samatha practice deepens, going into some depth on the model of the five jhanic factors, and pointing to the experiences of the first two jhanas (as taught by the Buddha). The talk is followed by discussion.

We review at the beginning the basic instructions for cultivating concentration (samadhi), including attention to posture, a variety of possible areas of focus (with most attention given to the breath, including the technique of practicing with the "three-part breath"), and balancing "not too tight" and "not too loose." We also review the main challenges that can arise in such practice, and how to work with these challenges. Then we practice mostly in silence, with a discussion period at the end of the sitting.

Questions are précised: Q1 Sometimes it's difficult to know what the right thing to do is. Or perhaps doubt arises when the moment has passed and you think maybe I misunderstood or I misinterpreted. Q2 05:49 How do we resolve things that in the heart remain unresolved, unfulfilled for a long time, even over generations and continue to unsettle us? Q3 13:00 You said earlier that thoughts don't have an endpoint. The image that came to my mind was scrolling on a phone. Could you talk a little more about that? Q4 21:31 Could you explore the process of resolution. Is there something that I can do to integrate the energies? Q5 25:57 I want to ask about clinging and letting go. How is the clinging happening? What is the difference between repressing/ pushing away and letting go?

Drawing on the legend of the Buddha touching the earth and the Barre town motto that named her retreat center, Sharon Salzberg explores viriya — the pāramī of energy, effort, and courageous application. This talk examines how right effort lives in the middle way between strain and indolence, how the integration of inner and outer work makes the dharma real, and how we claim our own right to aspire to freedom.

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, comments, questions and responses was offered on the 9th of May , 2026 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!”

Dhammapada Verses 129-145 Violence The text can be found here: https://suttacentral.now/dhp129-145 Look for Ācāriya Buddharakkhita version.