A series of talks looking at the practice of meditation in detail. We discuss different types of instructions, what’s happening in the nervous system, how to work with emotion, thought, and sensation, how the practice develops, and more. Part 1: Two broad styles of meditation instruction that differ in how we use our attention, and have different results. And an […]
The practice of meditation Read More »
I’ve been wanting to do this series for a long time. We’re taking several weeks to study our way slowly through the beautiful Mettā Sutta, the Discourse on the cultivation of Friendliness, or Loving-Kindness. It’s a joy to discuss, and we’re learning to chant the sutta as well. Here are the talks and meditations from each week of the series,
The Discourse on Loving-Kindness (Mettā Sutta) Read More »
A month of talks exploring the relationship between Buddhism and Yoga, or between the many “Buddhist and Hindu Yogas” plural. I wove in some history, but tried to stay close to actual practice issues. 1. Embodiment. Meditation: Orientation through the senses 2. Focus & tranquillity: the practices of jhāna/samādhi, and the pleasure of Rapture (pīti). Child Gotama under the rose-apple
Buddhist & Hindu Yogas are less separate than you think Read More »
The 4 blessed healing states known as the Divine Abodes, or Divine Abidings (brahmavihāra) are among the most beloved practices in the Buddhist system. We spent a month on them this summer, looking at the power of heart practice on the Liberation process. The meditations use a simple form of the “radiating” style taught by Ajahn Anālayo. We ended with
The 4 Divine Abodes (brahmavihāra), plus gratitude Read More »
A talk on the 5 great demons the Buddha described that haunt meditators and anyone who wants to do inner work (or maybe good work of any kind): Sense Desires, Hatred, Sloth & Torpor, Restlessness & Worry, and everyone’s [least] favorite: Doubt. They’re painful, but Mindfulness of them is central to the path. When you name Rumplestiltskin, his power over
Five Hindrances to Deepening in Practice Read More »
After the sudden passing of Buddhist teacher Michael Stone. Meditation: Center of Gravity, breath
Michael Stone and the 4 Heavenly Messengers Read More »
A talk on the deep layers of identity and history we all are/experience. Reincarnation. Meditation: body & spine
Karma, past lives, identity, and interconnection Read More »
Four weeks of investigation of the relationship of the trauma physiology and resilience teachings of Organic Intelligence to the practices of meditation and yoga.1. Meditation: Orientation, Body Posture, Pleasure (6.6.17) Trauma Basics: Fight, Flight, Freeze (6.6.17) 2. Meditation: Mettā (Loving Kindness) for a Benefactor, with the breath (6.13.17) Trauma Basics: Activation-Deactivation (6.13.17) 3. Meditation: 3 Important Spectra/Qualities to Track (6.20.17) Trauma
The Nervous System in Meditation & Yoga Read More »
The Noble Eightfold Path (ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo) is the core Buddhist framework that describes the path of practice toward Liberation from Suffering. It is divided into 3 sections: Wisdom, Action, and Meditation/Integration. The section on Wisdom (pañña) 1. Right (or Wise) View (sammā-diṭṭhi ) (2.28.17 on Suffering and 3.7.17 on Karma) 2. Right Intention (sammā-sankappa) (3.14.17) The section on Ethics
The Noble Eightfold Path Read More »
A talk given at Insight Meditation South Bay on nervous system physiology and trauma. Discussed healing as purification. Meditation Orientation to the environment through the senses
On Purification, Trauma, and the Nervous System Read More »
May the forces of delusion
not take hold, nor
weaken my resolve.
(Sharing of Merit)