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.
The 12 links of Dependent Origination show us how suffering is created out of ignorance. Attending mindfully to any part of this process can bring more freedom and ease into our lives.
This two-part series offers a clear and fresh understanding of practices that cultivate mindful awareness. The first class examines our attitude towards practice and gives guidance on posture, establishing an anchor for attention, and learning to concentrate and collect the mind - “coming back.” The second class focuses on the practice of mindfulness - “being here,” and the component qualities of clear recognition and an allowing non-judgmental presence.
After a brief review of the last two talks - on the general theme of "not-self" and two ways of practicing (opening to the flow of experience, examining the "thick" self) we look at further ways of practicing including being aware of the particular constituents without adding "my" and "mine"; cultivating heart practices such as lovingkindness, compassion, forgiveness and empathy and opening to a "pure awareness" what has been called in the Thai Forest tradition, the "primal" or "radiant" mind.
The Buddha speaks of the need to apply oneself, in order to wake up. But doing this wisely is key - not all effort is skillful. This talk discusses Wise Effort, and how to discern it.
Comparing and judging is a deeply ingrained habit pattern that's present until full enlightenment.
How can we hold it wisely and work with it skillfully?
