This is the second discourse given by the Buddha to his five original ascetic companions after setting the wheel of the Dharma in motion. The Buddha gives his teaching on Anatta (or not-self), and the five become enlightened.
Our mind /body is held in the grip of kamma, framed by anxiety, grief and other forms of dukkha. Mindfulness replaces this frame with clear, emphatic awareness.
Liberation is signless not a sensation, emotion or thought. The gates are signless, desirelessness and emptiness. "uncertainty" is the approach to these gates.
The acronym RAIN is a powerful tool for interrupting habitual patterns of emotional reactivity and discovering the freedom of an awake, compassionate presence. This talk explores the components of RAIN, how it works, what makes it transformational and typical challenges people encounter. The teachings include a guided RAIN meditation.
This is a dharma talk that Donald gave for our volunteer sangha on the theme of "The Path of Service," which is also the theme that Spirit Rock staff are working with this year.
