Once a practitioner understands the interplay between the five spiritual faculties, it becomes possible to triage age and fine-tune our practice to build momentum toward freedom
Guided meditation on death: 'Life is uncertain, death is certain'. Dhamma talk on death; how the Buddha talked about death as something knowable, and what happens after death.
An exploration of what it means to take refuge generally, and then specifically in relation to dharma, with a brief introduction to the Four Noble Truths and the Four Brahamavihāra of kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity
The five spiritual powers are essential accompaniments that guide us into deepened realizations of liberation. Each faculty is an active power that is soverign in its own domain, but also pairs with another to effect balance. As a whole unit, the 5 faculties work together to strengthen our resolve, by establishing inner balance and harmony. In this way, they cultivate our capacity to see each moment clearly without the residue of external conditioning.
After our initial work to begin meditation on in and out breathing we can further relax with total faith into immersion with breathing awareness. Some gentle supporting techniques of counting can be helpful, as well as welcoming an attitude of devotion and patience to support breathing as a sanctuary.
When the Buddha taught detailed instructions for breath meditation he often used 16 steps from initial meditation to complete freedom. The first 12 steps on the common meditation guidelines to develop stable concentration and experience a mind temporarily free from inner turmoil.
