Often we experience ourselves as a complex interweaving of layers of habits, beliefs and emotions. Investigating the obvious aspects of the outer layer, and being aware of our attitude about that layer, the layers gradually dissolve. The pairing of the wisdom of acceptance with the clarity of mindfulness guides us through our moment to moment experience towards freedome.
Right Livelihood, as the culmination of the virtue, or sila, steps of the Eightfold Path, concerns all aspects of how we sustain our life. It is far more than just our job. This talk examines how we can practice toward a fuller alignment of all aspects of our life.
The correct understanding of the law of kamma is a powerful ally in practice. Fulfilling our spiritual aspiration relies on the purity, energy and frequency of wholesome kamma that results in liberating understanding.
Being a self is a very difficult and lonely process. In this talk the nature of the self is examined through reflections on the Buddhist doctrine of 'not-self' (anatta)
Use samatha – that which dispels passion – and vipassana – that which dispels ignorance – as practices that help overcome the hindrances. These themes of calming and inquiry are more than just techniques, they are a way to live all of life.
When the cascade of thoughts and feelings come rushing in, rather than, ‘What am I going to do about it?’ ask, ‘Where am I right now?’ It doesn’t seem relevant, but it brings us out of the scenario and into the body. Steadied in the flow of feeling, we can then learn the particular skill of being with rather than being in them.
