Development of the five jhanic factors to support concentration practice and explanation of their use as antidotes to the hindrances.

Though the teachings on dukkha (suffering) are an important part of the Buddhist path, a skillful relationship to sukha (pleasure) actually played a significant part in the Buddha's awakening. This talk explores the wise use of pleasure and the cultivation of beautiful qualities of mind, especially in concentration practice.

Once you learn to find a calm abiding of the mind there are many kinds of joy and bliss that may arise. Yet, you are asked to turn your calm mind to the practice of insight in order to experience the dukkha the Buddha describes in the First Noble Truth. Why give bliss (sukkha) for dukkha.

Insight knowledge unfolds with increasing maturity of the jhanic factors of mind. Stability of mind enables increasing depth of liberating knowledge.

An end of retreat talk: Practice and principles to bring our insights and practice into our lives. Includes wise intention, renunciation, loving kindness and balanced effort and mindfulness.