- How metta is a practice of intention and concentration
- How to work with metta difficulties and cycles of purification
- How to develop authentic metta phrases
- Introduction of the metta muses (categories)
In the context of the beginning of a month-long retreat (and, for some, beginning the second month of a two-month retreat), we explore briefly the cross-cultural expressions of a spiritual "journey" or "path," and the typical stages of such a journey.
After practicing for one month, what have we learned to apply in our life as we go home, or carry us through the next month as we continue our practice?
The trance of unworthiness is sustained by our aversion to the dragons - the difficult emotions and related behaviors that are a deeply conditioned part of the human experience. In this talk we explore the awakening that is possible as we recognize our reactive patterns and instead of judgment, offer a loving and healing presence.
In this talk, a "map" of the path provides the framework for understanding the 10 fetters; the internal mind/heart conditions that produce our suffering.
This talk gives examples of freedom both from intensive practice and how it shows up in life. The mind free of greed, hatred and delusion and chasing sense objects is at peace.
With so many different approaches to practice how do we know if we're doing it "the right way?" And how can we decide which of the many voices in our mind to listen to? This talk includes the 5 strategies offered by the Buddha to work skillfully with distracting thoughts.
