We all seek happiness, but what are we actually seeking? This talk explores a deepening understanding of the conditions for happiness, and the struggle inherent in our searching for it. Martin points to our deepenng capacity for recognizing and resting with what the Buddha referred to as 'a path of happiness, leading to the highest happiness, which is peace'.
This talk describes how the journey of our life and practice is to mingle our hearts and minds fully with the Dharma. The eight-fold path is the descriptive template we can use; this talk focuses particularly on wise view and wise intention, the first two steps.
In the Art of Practice, we explore key techniques in preparing the grounds for true meditation. These include relaxation, identifying a home base, awakening the senses and re-mindfulness. These "skillful means" allow us to arrive Here, and to rest in a natural mindfulness, awake and open awareness.
Many of the Buddha's teachings are counter intuitive - we sit still to find freedom, we let go to receive. Opening to suffering and working skillfully with the kilesas - greed, aversion and delusion - actually bring us greater freedom and happiness. This talk is on the beautiful qualities called the Paramis that directly counter the force of the kilesas.
It is the direct realization of the unconditioned, or nibbana, that is considered enlightenment in the Buddha's teachings. This talk explores how consciousness and awareness can be understood as links in practice to the flavor of the unconditioned.
