To believe that clinging is a requisite for engagement is like believing that the food needs to stick to the pan in order to cook. Yet sticking only leads to burning. Likewise with clinging: it only detracts from true intimacy with life.
Metta (lovingkindness) is a mind-turning practice, directing our heart and mind towards love and equanimity. How can we support ourselves to make this transformative turn?
Ultimately, in our search behind appearances, we need to let go of "name and form" and become like a mirror which is contacting no image. In this emptiness, the mind's capacity to see -- to be aware -- shines unimpeded.
This is the seventh of a series of seven talks from the Study Retreat that interweaves reflections on Siddhattha Gotama's life, with critical interpretations of his teachings as recorded in the Pali Canon. In this seventh talk we conclude with his last years and death.
Looking at the different roles teachers have in the Buddhist tradition and exploring the four reliances, which help us understand and walk on the meditative path.
