The Buddha taught that there are five preconditions necessary for the development of meditation practice in seclusion—good friends, virtue and restraint, engaging in talk on the Dhamma, wise effort, wisdom. These preconditions, presented in the Meghiya Sutta, are developed progressively and support one another. This talk explores the importance of engaging in dhamma talk, reflecting on the teachings, and wise speech as ways of nurturing the path of awakening. How do you know when to speak and when to remain silent? What kind of speech is most true and useful? What types of conversation will distract you from your goals, or support the realization of nibbana? Does your engagement in conversation encourage attachments, identification, self-grasping, or does it nurture letting go, release, and peace?

Bringing a stable, steady and compassionate mind into our daily lives as well as continuing to cultivate and develop balance and ease amidst life.

Class

Freedom is described as the absence of greed, aversion and delusion. With wise concentration as a support, we can see into the ways our minds get caught by greed, aversion and delusion and that very seeing allows the mind to let them go.

People of Color Sangha Evening: August 19, 2013

Some of the benefits of Mindfulness practice.