The role of Metta (good will) in successful insight/vipassana practice. This talk explains how this quality of mind facilitates opening to all phenomena.
We explore ways to bring the formal practice and spirit of metta(loving kindness) into our individual, relational and collective practice in the world; with some suggestions, poems and stories.
This traditional element of the eleven benefits of metta is presented as a metaphor for the potential of unshakable equanimity and ease of the awakened mind.
After exploring the nature of Metta practice, we focus on how Metta practice increasingly helps us to meet each experience with our awakened hearts; develop in concentration, go through a kind of purification and integration of mind, heart and body; open to our heart's depth and bring our practice out into everyday life and the world.
This introduction to a Metta retreat presents the intention of practice (liberation and happiness), the techniques of practice, and the explanation for why these techniques work.
The meditation instruction Relax encompasses releasing muscle tension, accepting and allowing present moment experience, tranquility, concentration, and metta. Since the tension of clinging (upadana) is the condition for the arising of becoming, this meditation instruction on relaxing and accepting is central to the process of knowing and releasing the process of self-making.
We find what we look for. Our brains are wired to confirm our beliefs. One key to Metta practice is looking for the good. Then appreciating and enjoying it when it is recognized.
Many of us learn to be judgmental and critical, especially towards ourselves. Metta is a powerful practice to diminish and even transform the tendency towards judging.
Exploring what covers over our innate goodness, including near and far enemies of loving kindness (metta), attached love and hate, and how to uncover the beautiful qualities of our hearts.
