A guided meditation sending mettā and compassion to phenomena (rather than beings). Then a reflection and discussion about what insights, wisdom, and well-being, we feel from this kind of practice. Plus, where further can this practice take us.
For more, see my upcoming course at Gaia House: https://gaiahouse.co.uk/programme-2022/wisdom-of-compassion/
Identity is actually a process of making a self through clinging to what mind creates through contact with our environment and other people. This process comes down to the interplay of form, consciousness, perceptions, feelings and mental formations – the aggregates (khandha) But am I really any part of this? Investigation allows us to unclog the heart and release the inherent suffering. Ajahn recommends walking as a way of experiencing flow and fluidity. No identity is needed!
Investigation reveals this to be a mix of causes and conditions (inherited karma) along with actions and attitudes established through compulsive reactions. Using the Buddha's core teaching of the dukkha/ suffering that comes with clinging, we learn to use the feelings in the body as a guide to allow us to move out of this programmed self.
In understanding and relaxing the boundaries of self we step back and listen internally with goodwill, discovering what has to be set aside or investigated. Thus we begin to release the self from the habitual trap of cause and effect.
