To love ourselves, love others unconditionally to let in the love that comes our way, to realize more and more that love is our true nature -- these are tehe gifts of metta practice. With sincere intention and commitment, we can realize these fruits. We have everything we need to do this.
We explore how the topic of self and not-self can be very confusing, for a number of reasons. We then present five perspectives for exploring this theme, a general way of making some sense of self and not-self and two initial practices to study 1. the sense of self, and 2. experience beyond limited senses of self.
The metta practice is powerful because it works on all aspects of our being. But when it is suffused with equanimity and deepened by concentration, it can really transform our hearts and minds.
When we are present with experience and can sustain our connection, this allows for a deep intimacy with all things. This brings love, delight, wisdom and responsiveness, as we engage with our life.
Lama Palden discusses compassion and the Tonglen practice of sending and receiving. Please note that the actual practice portion of the talk has been removed since it is important for students to receive direct transmission of the teachings from the teacher.
