Our incessant thinking removes us from the full aliveness, vastness and mystery of Being. This guided practice helps us inhabit our energetic forms, and rest in the vast, formless stillness that gives rise to this ever creative living world.

While we habitually try to control our life, our true refuge—the source of peace, safety and freedom—is in the direct realization of reality itself. This talk explores three archetypal portals to true refuge—awareness (buddha), truth (dharma) and love (sangha.) With each we practice short reflections that help bring the particular gateway to refuge alive.

Reflection & Guided Meditation | New Year's Retreat

A look at the five aggregates as precious dharma lenses. Practicing with "dukkha"and "anatta" as precious dharma lenses.

This class includes lightly guided meditation, a short Dharma Talk, and a large group discussion (small groups were not recorded).

Q1 Can you expand on your ideas about effort and energy? Does the same standard of 70-75% apply to normal life? 12:09 Q2 I find it difficult to still well with eyes half open. 15:55 Q3 Can you give advice on sense restraint please? 31:54 Q4 How should one guide the mind from over indulging in socializing? 39:23 Q5 I saw the 5 khandhā / aggregates dissolve when I was sitting at home, not meditating. It was disorienting and seeing I had no identity was scary. What is your advice when I feel anxious during this experience? 49:58 Q6 Cittas arise all over us. What is it that that observes the cittas?

Evening dhamma reflection

Reflections on the power and importance of turning towards the reality of what it means that we are subject to death.

Q1: Can you say more about the air and water elements. I am confused. 04:20 Q2 How can we observe our citta? I read there are 52 states of citta. Can you explain further? 10:43 Q3 I’m used to watching the breath as an object but with too many instructions I get distracted. What is your advice? 15:49 Q4 I’ve had pain for three years, back etc. It seems pain is teaching me about impermanence and uncontrolability. 25:55 Q5 You mentioned the sankhara get less as we cultivate wholesome deeds. What about wholesome sankhara? Can you expand please? 39:39 Q6 You said meditation can cause some people to go crazy. How do we prevent this? 42:06 Q7 Can you explain sati and sampajanna again please? 52:10 Q8 How to support a fortunate rebirth for my pet chicken?

Guided meditation on transforming the inner environment, creating a peaceful place of abiding, inviting mudita

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