This third in a series of talks explores the formation of self through the chain of dependent origination, a detailed description of how we suffer. It then outlines approaches in meditation that let us step out of the chain of suffering and into a state of "unentangled knowing" in which we discover the possibility of freedom here and now.
Compassion is an essential quality on the path of life - how do we cultivate this, what gets in the way and how does the caring heart move in the world in openness to pain.
The talk, given immediately following two weeks of silent practice, explores themes of remembering what is important, mystery, doing and being, and awareness "open like the sky," connecting how we practice both in retreat and daily life.