What is Equanimity? Why is it so difficult to be at ease in difficult circumstances. What supports this beautiful quality of the heart and how does it relate to metta (love), compassion and appreciative joy.
This has the Metta Sutta as the basic text; but includes a discussion of the Paramitas and the resolve I made with Sharon Salzberg years ago to spend our time "when we are old" in "sitting around praying for people".
Beginning with the hypothesis that the natural mind, unconfused by fixed views or hindrance energies, is clear and buoyant and conducive to happiness; this talk specifically details the ways in which concentration, mindfulness, effort and good will(Metta) work to lesson attachment to view and afflictive emotions.
This is an opening night talk for a month long mindfulness retreat which presents the rationale for practicing in the form that we do. It includes readings from the Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta. It also makes the connection between mindfulness and metta practice and the rationale for practicing both simultaneously.
