Finding inner resources to strengthen the mind/heart when it is challenging. The uses of reflection for self-support.

Originally recorded on 10.23.97 and replayed for this retreat.

How much we should be spontaneous, and how much more disciplined, feels to be a central question in the development of any skill, meditation included. What do we need more of? How should we go about it? What do we really want? This Online Dharma Hall session includes a Guided Meditation, a Dharma Talk, and responses to unrecorded questions.

This dhamma talk, guided meditation, and Q&A was offered on July 6 , 2024 for “How do I apply the Dhamma to THIS!?!”

Yahel and Ven Canda respond to written questions (anonymous) from retreatants.

This recording also includes Ven Canda offering instructions for walking meditation.

Opening Talk for the Retreat

Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings

This meditation includes a full body scan, and then opens the senses to all experience, allowing life to be just as it is. Awakening to the life of our body reveals the mysterious formless presence that is our source. We close with a poem from Danna Faulds.

In describing our human predicament and dis-ease, D.H. Lawrence says we are like a great tree with our roots in the air. We need to replant ourselves—in our bodies, hearts and spirit. These two talks are guides to replanting ourselves. In Part 1, we explore how we are so often dissociated from the life of our body, and the pathways home. Part 2 looks at the challenges of pain, fear and trauma, and how we can gradually and skillfully reconnect with a wholeness of being.

Shaila Catherine describes how the wholesome state of mettā serves not only as an antidote to anger, fear, and ill will, but is also a force that can overcome all the hindrances. A mind imbued with mettā is both strong and yielding; it is balanced and upright. Mettā contributes to both the development of samādhi and also insight. A mind strengthened by mettā will be able to face the unsatisfactory conditions of dukkha with clarity and balance, without blaming society, and without getting angry at other people. Mettā training gives us a way to take responsibility for cultivating happiness. When our minds are well developed, we will dwell at ease, in comfort, free from the hindrances, primed for abandoning lust, hate, and delusion.

A day before the Fourth of July and two days after Canada Day, commemorating establishing Canada, we explore the possibility of connecting the vision of individual awakening and freedom and the vision of social freedom and justice. We look at the "shadows" of these visions, of how greed, hatred, and delusion, whether individual or collective, as well as other factors, stand in the way of realizing these visions. We point to the importance of staying connected to these two visions in difficult and challenging times, and of how they can be brought together. After the talk, we have a group discussion.