Dharma Seed - Dharma Talks from Retreats

The Art of Embodied Presence

Embodied Presence is a way of being that embraces the path of wisdom and compassion. It is centered in dynamic present aliveness and is grounded awareness in our bodies and minds. This is not a state of transcendence, but an authentic engagement and acceptance in this life. The practice of embodied presence connects us directly with a living field of awakening through our mind and our five senses. This allows for a spontaneous, skillful and open-hearted relationship with the moment to moment changing flow of life’s experience.

2010-11-01 (7 days) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

2010-11-02 Inner and Outer Refuge: Opening the Rose 49:29
Sharda Rogell	Download Listen
First we find our outer refuge in sacred spaces in the triple gem, and through establishing a ground of trust we can let go, taking refuge in awareness itself where everything we need for awakening is available.

2010-11-03 Training the Mind; Aiming Towards Love 59:21
Sharda Rogell	Download Listen
When we identify with our cruel inner critic, this undermines our capacity for kindness towards ourselves and others. Inclining the mind towards metta points us towards our own innate goodness.

2010-11-05 Our Strategies Aren't Working: the Arising of Compassionate Heart 59:16
Sharda Rogell	Download Listen
A simple and clear exposition on the Buddha's insights into releasing, grasping and suffering. This is the release that opens our heart to great compassion.

2010-11-06 Relaxing the Fixated 'I' 52:52
Sharda Rogell	Download Listen
Unless we understand how we cling to the conditions of our mind and body as "me", we will live within a narrow and confined view and miss the revelation of our true beingness.

2010-11-07 The Path Ahead: Integrating Our Life into our Practice 41:49
Sharda Rogell	Download Listen
A talk given on the closing morning of retreat that lays out the way to live with wise intentions for liberating our habitual tendencies and living an awakening life.