Our potential as humans is vast and deep, and can be intentionally developed. There is a way that we can learn to open to all of our experience with kindness and clarity. As we begin to find this stability of heart and mind, wisdom will emerge.This emergence of wisdom, and strengthening of compassion, are the road to our individual and collective happiness and well-being.
A brief review of the previous talk (The Progress Of Insight - Part 1) followed by a discussion of what is called "The Arising and Passing Away Of Phenomena" stge. The "Ten corruptions Of Insight" are described, and how to relate to these with skill.
What are the "insights" which Insight Meditation cultivates? This talk, first of three on "The Progress Of Insight" teachings, explains what the practice discovers, and what needs to be in place for these discoveries to be possible. Review of the first three insights.
Motivation is the key to practice. As we actually do practice, our initial hopes, desires and questions may deepen, be replaced, or be refined in light of emerging understanding
A description of the nature of mindfulness (sati), why it is key in Buddhist practice and how it's trained in meditation practice. Given at short IMS retreat
Comments about our hopes before going on retreat, and how we tend to evaluate what happens. The usefulness of wise reflection and what it is - in reviewing the retreat.
A discussion of the quality of faith is a necessary ingredient for spiritual opening. And a discussion of what faith (saddha) is not what we may think it is
In loving-kindness practice, we learn to gradually extend goodwill to those we don't organically like. Insight (vipassana) practice follows a parallel progression, as we learn to include more of our "stuff" as meditation objects.