On day three of the Spring 2021 sesshin, Sensei Al Kaszniak presents his views on chapter 8 of the Bodhicaryavatara, the Perfection of Meditation. He brings in parallels from Dogen’s Fukanzazengi, Bendowa, and the Genjokoan, in the importance of stabilizing concentration and renunciation of discursive thought. The importance of a curious open-heartedness in inquiring, ‘is that so’ to our phenomenal experiences, the importance of spiritual friendship, and the observation that those who are happiest serve others, while those who aren’t, serve themselves.

This SESSHIN is part of the Spring Practice Period 2021.
For Program/Series description and to access the entire series, please click on the link below:
Upaya Podcast Series: Spring Practice Period 2021: The Way of the Bodhisattva

Al Kaszniak: SESSHIN: The Perfection of Meditation (Part 3)

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This is a continuation of final session which concludes the four part series Four Flavors of Love. Frank Ostaseski reminds us the brahmaviharas are considered powerful and beautiful aspects of the human mind and heart that can be cultivated and shared. Frank reviews each “flavor of love,” highlighting the features of each: Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha. The session also discusses the near enemies of each of these heavenly abodes.

Four Flavors of Love: Upekkha Part 2 (6 of 6)

This session concludes the four part series Four Flavors of Love. Frank Ostaseski reminds us the brahmaviharas are considered powerful and beautiful aspects of the human mind and heart that can be cultivated and shared. Frank reviews each “flavor of love,” highlighting the features of each: Metta, Karuna, Mudita, Upekkha. The session also discusses the near enemies of each of these heavenly abodes.

Four Flavors of Love: Upekkha Part 1 (5 of 6)

In this session of the Four Flavors of Love participants focus on Mudita, the third Brahma vihara, which translates to appreciative joy or sympathetic joy. Mudita involves finding joy in the basic goodness of all beings and recognizing the fundamental well-being of ourselves and others. Frank addresses potential concerns, such as whether focusing on joy might lead to ignoring the plight of those who are struggling. Frank argues that Mudita doesn’t release us from our responsibility for compassionate action and that it is based on rejoicing in good qualities and good choices.

Four Flavors of Love: Mudita (4 of 6)

This is a continuation of the second session of this series where Frank Ostaseski emphasizes the interconnectedness of the four brahmaviharas and how they support each other. This talk focus on Karuna (Compassion) and includes guided practice of compassion using phrases to evoke the quality of compassion and extend it to various beings.

Four Flavors of Love: Karuna Part 2 (3 of 6)

In the second session of this series Frank Ostaseski emphasizes the interconnectedness of the four brahmaviharas and how they support each other. This talk focus on Karuna (Compassion) and includes guided practice of compassion using phrases to evoke the quality of compassion and extend it to various beings.

Al Kaszniak: SESSHIN: The Perfection of Meditation (Part 3)

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