In an online 4th Sunday Dhamma talk, Ayya Anandabodhi guides an exploration of how to expand the heart-mind to its fullest extent of wisdom and compassion.

Anatta, or non-self, is a core teaching of the Buddha, and yet can be confusing and bewildering. Sometimes the sense of self loves trying to get rid of itself, all the while maintaining itself on subtle levels. Yet, anatta is our true nature, and we release and relax into non-separation and unity. Qualities of compassion and the heart often support this understanding more than our intellect. This talk will explore anatta from a practical and experiential perspective.

This talk brings in Thanissaro Bikkhu's guidance for offering "Goodwill for the Real World" and self compassion as an inner nourishment and sustainer. A dharmette followed by a 15 minute guided self compassion practice.

Reflections on compassion, 20 minute guided meditation exploring various methods of compassion, followed by Q&A

Pain is unavoidable; suffering is what we add by resisting it. This talk traces that distinction through a rage-filled retreat, an ongoing war with invasive shrubs, and the near enemies — pity, overwhelm, "fierce compassion" — that masquerade as care while keeping suffering at arm's length.

This guided session teaches the basics of self-compassion: mindfulness for judgmental thoughts, kindness towards self, and recognition of shared humanity. The guided meditation focuses on sending kindness to self.

Connected with the later talk giving a contemporary map of our practices, we review four foundational practices: (1) developing concentration (samadhi); (2) cultivating general mindfulness, (3) cultivating mindfulness of impermanence; and (4) a heart practice developing kindness, compassion, or other heart qualities. This is followed by two brief reflections on one's practice.

Connected with the talk giving a contemporary map of our practices, we review four foundational practices: (1) developing concentration (samadhi); (2) cultivating general mindfulness, (3) cultivating mindfulness of pleasant or unpleasant feeling-tones, and being mindful of any ensuing reactivity (grasping after the pleasant and pushing away the unpleasant in relatively unconscious, automatic, and habitual ways); and (4) a heart practice developing kindness, compassion, or other heart qualities. The guided meditation is followed by a brief period of discussion.