Continuing from the previous talk, Martin looks at the ways we imagine, maintain and reinforce our psychological sense of self. The talk explores how we live in images and descriptions of who we think we are, layered by our constant critical self evaluation, and points us beyond our psychology to a fuller and freer embodying of our life.
Our practice offers the opportunity to move beyond a self-centred relationship to life, yet much of our practice is centered on the self! This talk explores dharma practices and skilful means by which to counter our self-centredness and points us towards the ultimate transparency of our sense of self.
Martin points out the 3 different kinds of stimulation (vedana) and explores skilful ways of exploring and responding to pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral experience. Emphasis is given to somatic practice, recognizing the physical contractions that form around the 3 types.
In this follow-up, Martin continues to look at the purificatory nature of dharma practice, opening up a space to meet and transform the impact of past habit energy. The teaching deconstructs the notion of karma, and maps the purification of mind-states.
This teaching examines our problematic associations with ideas of Purity, and explores ways that the practice of sitting meditation can be purificatory - both in terms of developing wholesome qualities, and in healing and releasing stored tension patterns.
Grounding meditation in bodily experience. Activating qualities of awareness through the posture: Grounded - steady, upright - bright, open - receptive, relaxed - gentle.
Martin looks at qualities of mind that open up our Freedom of Being.He explores how Clarity dissolves our wrong views, how Skilfulness transforms our habits of mind, and how Love can hold all types of experience gently and wisely. The talk keeps references our common experiences, offering practical ways to integrate the teachings.
