Our incessant thinking removes us from the full aliveness, vastness and mystery of Being. This guided practice helps us inhabit our energetic forms, and rest in the vast, formless stillness that gives rise to this ever creative living world.

While we habitually try to control our life, our true refuge—the source of peace, safety and freedom—is in the direct realization of reality itself. This talk explores three archetypal portals to true refuge—awareness (buddha), truth (dharma) and love (sangha.) With each we practice short reflections that help bring the particular gateway to refuge alive.

Reflection & Guided Meditation | New Year's Retreat

A look at the five aggregates as precious dharma lenses. Practicing with "dukkha"and "anatta" as precious dharma lenses.

This class includes lightly guided meditation, a short Dharma Talk, and a large group discussion (small groups were not recorded).

Q1 Can you expand on your ideas about effort and energy? Does the same standard of 70-75% apply to normal life? 12:09 Q2 I find it difficult to still well with eyes half open. 15:55 Q3 Can you give advice on sense restraint please? 31:54 Q4 How should one guide the mind from over indulging in socializing? 39:23 Q5 I saw the 5 khandhā / aggregates dissolve when I was sitting at home, not meditating. It was disorienting and seeing I had no identity was scary. What is your advice when I feel anxious during this experience? 49:58 Q6 Cittas arise all over us. What is it that that observes the cittas?