The archetypal figure of the Bodhisattva (“awakening being”) reflects our potential to realize our connectedness with all beings, and care for this living world with an open tender heart. This talk explores the four types of patterning that keep us stuck in the pain of separation and the key heart practices that evolve us on the bodhisattva path.
"Compassion arises when you see the truth behind the veils."
Wandering mind; sleepiness; unpleasant body sensations; steps to first jhana; where to place attention when walking meditation; taking on practice in wilderness as a lay woman; chanting
Introducing the Buddha’s lesser discourse on emptiness, Ajahn Sucitto refers to his own experience on sabbatical for a year. He describes ‘uninventing’ himself, tuning into the signless – anicca and anata. Whatever we think, conceive, generate has been generated by mind and is subject to change. How to cultivate recognition of what’s not there, emptiness.
When starting meditation, begin with balancing and calming the body and breathing, but just getting it good enough. This is something that is gained through direct practice over time. Bring certain signs (nimita) to mind to aid in calming. The mind’s tendency is to focus on negative things. Practice bringing the beautiful to mind and make much of it.
How to reach jhana; how to know if I’m meditating; feeling warm during meditation; elaborate on channeling breath out of solar plexus; meditation on death; emotions and feeling that arise in meditation – why and what to do with them; doubt; meditation practice vs. study of suttas
We explore through reflection and a ritual, the process of renewal - stopping, opening to both the difficult and the beautiful, letting go and setting intentions.
Liberation requires clearing citta of its contracted state. We can learn to care for our citta, to know what lifts and steadies it to bring it out of contraction. In meditation we try to concentrate and feel even more constricted. Opening up the body and accessing the vitality that comes from mindfulness of breathing can have a calming effect.
