Teachings of liberation can seem to point to a kind of superhuman perfection, one reinforced by classical images and stories of Buddha and other semi-mythical historical saints. This can make our own freedom of being seem unattainable or at least far distant, yet Dharma teachings and practices emphasize immediate experience as the ground of liberation. This day/weekend will look at our human freedom as very near to hand, and will explore how to contemplate and integrate the liberating possibilities of our practice in the midst of our everyday lives.

Recognizing that all aspects of the Buddha's teachings are in service of transforming the suffering habits of heart and mind.

To develop any skill, to fully cultivate any qualities in our lives, particularly on the Buddhist path, we need to engage with three kinds of intention that operate on different time frames. Cetana is the moment to moment intention, the urge to do, that we can bring into the field of our mindfulness practice. The next level, Adhitthana, is usually translated as resolve or determination, and is one of the paramis. The highest level is Samma Sankappa, usually translated as right or wise intention. This is the second path factor, after right view, so it is the kind of intention developed by right view. There are three kinds of Right intention - the intention towards renunciation, non-ill will, and non-harming. These skillful intentions can then inform our choices and actions (Adhitthanas) , which we keep in mind through awareness of moment to moment intentions, or cetana.