This talk explores ways of practicing speech that are true, useful and timely. By learning to speak and listen with mindfulness, kindness, restraint and honesty, we deepen our understanding of how to bring more happiness and less suffering into the world.
The first two links of dependent origination say that ignorance gives rise to volitional formations or impulses. The talk describes succesive layers of obscurations that form from ignorance, to a belief in self, to afflictive emotions, to unskillful actions. The path undoes these layers by focusing, in order, on virtue, mediation, and wisdom, finally penetrating to nibbana.
Faith is one of the Five Spiritual faculties. This talk explores the elements of faith, sources of our faith and the ingredients we bring to deepen our trust and faith in the Dharma.
Includes: What is concentration? The three types of concentration (momentary, access and absorption) and the differences between them; the progression of practice from your first sitting all the way through entering first jhana; meditation instructions; and Q&A.
