We continue with our exploration of ethical practice, set in the context of the overall training to awaken. We focus in this first session on Fourth Precept ("Right" or "Wise" Speech) on the four core ethical guidelines for speech (truthfulness, helpfulness, speaking from the heart, and good timing/appropriateness of the speech), in the context of the general importance of speech practice, suggesting a number of ways of practicing.
Reflection–Vertical and Horizontal: On East and West meeting the individual's process in different ways. Instruction- Becoming more intimate with the experience of breathing; using the centering questions.+
The Buddha as a healer: the ariyasacca as formula rather than as doctrine; perspectives on a tentative history of "The Four Noble Truths" and how to take their medicine, rather than just believing in its efficacy.
A spiritual journey ultimately takes us beyond a self-focused life where “I” predominate, into a life of inclusion where we are not the center of our world. Moving beyond what is best for “me” seems so implausible as to be impossible, but it only seems that way because we do not know what we are or how we are formed.
