Das Gewahrsein ist das Feld von Bewusstsein, in dem alle Erfahrungen erlebt werden. Wir können lernen, darauf achtsam zu sein, statt auf die Inhalte der Erfahrung. Dieses Achtsam-sein auf das Gewahrsein, oder 'Gewahrsein des Gewahrseins' ist ein Weg zu einer inneren Stille, ein Heimkommen. Es bietet eine Zuflucht und die Möglichkeit, uns in einer nicht-identifizierten Weise auf die Erfahrung zu beziehen.

This dhamma talk and Q&A was offered on December 14, 2024 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - DHAMMA TALK 19:38: - Q&A

Gleichmut ist eines von vier Brahmaviharas und einer der sieben Erwachensfaktoren. Er ist die innere Stabilität und Unerschütterlichkeit, die sich von äusseren Bedingungen nicht aus dem Gleichgewicht bringen lässt, und er ist die Fähigkeit, selbst in stürmischen Zeiten inneren Frieden zu finden. Gleichmut hilft uns, soziale Beziehungen harmonischer zu gestalten und Situationen, die wir nicht kontrollieren können, zu akzeptieren.

00:19 Q1 What is the relationship between citta and yoniso manisikara? 05:27 Q2 Faith arises with the ability of the citta to realize the origins of suffering. Nekkhamma is the release anticipation of suffering [?]. Confusion arises here. The process of renunciation for the citta rather than thought. Is this the point where the felt sense doesn’t push forward or stand and enters the path? 08:45 Q3 After the high school shooting 96 km northwest of us that left 4 dead, we can feel the heat. False alarms on social media, another layer of community anxiety and mistrust arises. Our community is predominately black, transient, low income, familiar with violence. … How to step back and recognize the citta is unbalanced? How to avoid being too aggressive and suspicious? 11:12 Q4 How to skillfully investigate myself with a very challenging individual at work?13:01 Q5 When I started mediating 20 years ago I was taught that forgiveness was a preliminary practice to metta. This makes sense to me, especially with the deep groove of self-criticism I see in my mind. 13:56 Q6 I am chronically ill living a restricted and isolated life. It is a great joy but I feel remote from any attainment. Do you have any advice? 14:58 Q7 I recognize a form of vibhava tanha in nihilism that manifests as an inability to move forward in life. As I pondered this i came across a phrase : “Contemplate the dhamma body” and it felt so good.

This meditation invites relaxation and ease. We begin with a long deep breathing that helps calm the body and mind. Then we release tensions that might be held in the body, and settle our attention in a receptive way with the breath. The intention is to discover the relaxed wakefulness that expresses our natural being.

In a divided, reactive, and violent world, how do we embrace love and joy? How do we genuinely include our opponents in our hearts? What gives us the courage to bring our whole being into serving and savoring? And what is our vision for a new world? In this fresh and profoundly relevant conversation, Tara Brach and Valarie Kaur explore the challenges and potential of these turbulent times. Valarie, a Sikh activist, filmmaker, civil rights lawyer, and author, shares insights from her powerful books, including See No Stranger and her recent works, World of Wonder and Sage Warrior. Together, Tara and Valarie reflect on: How Revolutionary Love can be a guide in times of division and despair. Valarie’s ancestral teachings on surviving apocalyptic times with courage. The role of joy, music, and community in building resilience and connection. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and transforming anger into meaningful action. Visioning a new world while staying rooted in hope, presence, and love. Learn more about Valarie and the Revolutionary Love project at www.revolutionarylove.org . Valarie’s latest books can be found on her website at https://valariekaur.com/books/.

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings.

Talk originally given on December 12, 2024 I’m happy to share the evening with my son, Adam Baraz, who will reflect on the recent completion of his fifth Darkness Retreat, a 49-day “Bardo Retreat” in Tuscany, Italy. Adam will discuss the psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of “being alone in the dark” for 7 weeks. He will describe the practical aspects of preparation, meditation practice, challenges, and benefits of extended darkness retreat practice.