True refuge is a call to stop, even for a moment, to see and know the breath that brings the world into and out of consciousness. We witness the liberating silence of that present moment awareness. In the still space between thoughts from which all that appears in the mind arises and disappears without end, we let go. Trust this. See the instability and insecurity of all else. Be an island, be a refuge unto yourself in the pure awareness of truth beyond concepts – the truth in this moment of freedom. Disentangled from the world, we can let go. Our refuge is the awakened heart.

To begin the three months' monastic retreat the community is encouraged to cultivate restraint so that energy can be drawn away from sense- contact and into the heart.

The Image that is referred to in this talk is included below.

Messages arise from the citta/heart: world-weariness and a sense of resolve. One begins to withdraw from the input of sense-consciousness and attune to what the citta values: ethics, goodwill and skilful states. So there is a recognition of citta/heart, an intelligence that can reflect upon and moderate consciousness, and moves towards devotion and self-abandonment (refers to A.10:58).

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation on the Four Brahmavihara & Earth Awarenes | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings.