Introducing the theme of the retreat: insight, samatha (calm-aliveness) and metta. This talk has a live translation into Czech that is not recorded, yet it might seem slow as Nathan waits for the translation to complete before offering the next sentence.
The developed momentum of loving-kindness can become a stable flow of both happy contentedness and stability of attention. This is the unification and immersion (samadhi) cultivated through dedicated metta practice. Like a river unblocked by fallen trees and debris, the flow of the heart can reopen into a smoothly pouring stream called loving-kindness concentration or metta samadhi.
We practice coming into full presence with the unshakable qualities of heart the Buddha pointed to. Noticing what is here, our relationship with it and the different inflections of the heart. If there’s hostility or unkindness, these are not true, they are defilements that obscure the truth. They need meeting and understanding, but not believing in. What is needed now is the quality of mettā, that deep well-wishing with the absence of any kind of hostility.