In this time of darkness between Solstice and the New Year, it is a wonderful time for reflection, quiet and renewal - in our practice and in our lives generally. We explore a number of factors and practices that support renewal and post three questions at the end to help open us up to what renewal means for each of us
Are you looking in the right place and in the right way for the happiness that
you are seeking?
Mindfulness of feelings: pleasant, unpleasant or neutral feeling tone
Mindfulness of the mind: mental factors/the colorations of consciousness
Mindfulness of Dhammas: seeing & knowing experience through the doors of
the truth/the way of things
With the advent of the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year - comes the promise that the light will return. We can honour this principle in our practice by turning towards the light that is revealed in our own minds. The goodness and purity of this light can connect us to unconditional peace and love. A talk given at the Ottawa Buddhist Society in 2008.
Our dedication to not pushing anyone--or any part of ourselves--out of our hearts, serves the healing of our world. This talk includes a short guided meditation on opening to our human vulnerability and forgiving another person.
The Buddha gives 6 places for the mind to dwell, 6 protections for our practice: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, our virtue, our generosity and the devas. This talk explores how we can use them in our everyday lives.
