Equanimity is a balance of mind even in the face of change and turmoil. A spaciousness of the heart that is vast enough to hold the joys and sorrows of life. A stillness that lies beneath the waves of an agitated mind. The talk discusses different ways in which equanimity manifests in our relationships to other beings and life experiences.

Living in the forest, we are always aware of the trees. Patient, deep-rooted, even in fierce storms, they stand. So stand like the trees, committed and enduring. See the world with pure awareness, just the way it is. Living in a state of gratitude, we make peace with the divisiveness of this realm. We offer the blessing of our own inner harmony – the heart's compassionate, pure presence – to live and die in a state of grace, gratitude and love. Some will be blessed by that. But can we spread peace in the world without being peaceful ourselves?

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, and Q&A was offered on June 21, 2025 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!” 00:00 - Intro 02:07 - Guided Meditation 24:48 - DHAMMA TALK 38:18- Q&A

Anger and fear are perilous, flammable states of mind – like barnacles attached to a ship's hull that undermine its power to sail. So we call on wise discernment and forgiveness to rescue us. We take stock: is there any anger within me? Or fear? The Dhamma purifies and frees us from these stains of the heart. So seek refuge. Guard the mind from the fires of anger or unwholesome states by directing full attention to present moment awareness. This is the blessing of our work, and the promise of awakening.

When you experience your fear you become fearless. All other fears merge with that fear. If you fear that fear, then you will become fearful. Be fearless, and all your fears will flee. ~Kabir

Ajahn responds to several questions around the themes: Is it necessary to have an attitude of sanctity or divinity when one is mindful in the sati sampajanna way? Is it possible to get anywhere in the practice without being ordained? How long should I sit and what particular process should I go through? Will I arrive at a certain recognizable state?

00:18 Q1 It said that the awakened ones attained nibbana through mindfulness of the body. What about going through the formless realms? How do you maintain awareness of the body until nibbana? 13:02 Q2 I consider that for nibbana it requires mindfulness to be present every second, not just a while but continuously. This may be uncomfortable, perhaps we should bite the bullet and speak it out. On the other hand it's common when one has a strong practice for extended hours, for a few hours to think maybe I'm close? 25:35 Q3 Can you say more about the cultivation of the measureless states. 34:39 Q4 Ajahn Chah says something like happiness and unhappiness are both suffering and Buddhism seeks peace not happiness. Could you help me hear that as less of a bummer? 37:32 Q5 A person mentions that both teachers on the retreat like each other and are happy not just peaceful. Could you speak about this? And, why do you bother to dress your salad? 40:57 Q6 Regarding the spinal, sense could you please expand on this as a place of security and refuge, neutrality and Buddha. Does it have anything to do with the chakras? 48:35 Q7 Can you talk about practice to forgive oneself and others?

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation including a benediction by Master Eckhart | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene III | Online Wednesday-Mornings