Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) An exploration of how the three refuges can be used during retreat to support practice. Recognizing the lineage and Buddha nature, the Dharma of our bodies, and the Sangha as a network as support systems that undergird our practice. Includes working with perceptions and using the natural world as part of practice.

(Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley) Exploring how we get caught in busyness, stress and overwhelm, withsuggestions for helping to find moments of ease and equanimity in the midst of it all

(Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley) Beginning by establishing awareness of the body, then connecting with breathing and opening to spaciousness and ease

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) At some point we can fully let go of all our concerns to give our full attention to the breath and body. As we build faith and devotion to this simple fullness of attention we can feel the mind healing from its habits of being scattered and exhausted. This practice develops into full absorption and becomes the basis for liberating wisdom.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The Buddha stated we are often lost in craving and aversion when we are not mindful of our bodies. In a discourse named the Six Animals (SN 35.247) the Buddha strongly encouraged developing the concentration of body mindfulness as a pillar to collect and calm oneself, and learn to have a conscious relationship to the six sense. From developing calm and collectedness mindfulness of the body continues to liberate us from our confusions towards having a body. As both a refuge of samadhi and a place for deepening wisdom, mindfulness of the body is considered the central foundation to the buddha's path to freedom here and now, and ultimate liberation.

(Insight Meditation Community of Washington DC) Drawn from a classic Tibetan Buddhist compassion practice, this guided meditation invites us to open to the sufferings of the world, and let it move through our hearts and out again. The blessing of this offering of presence is that our hearts become a transformer of sorrow.

(Cambridge Insight Meditation Center)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) There is weaving together in the talk of several areas, including (1) Donald's stories of his encounters with and learning from Thich Nhat Hanh, starting in 1987; (2) the life story of Thich Nhat (1926-2022); and (3) exploring Thich Nhat Hanh's core teachings, including his teachings about "interbeing," engaged Buddhism, mindfulness, and "being peace." There is a slide show of Thich Nhat Hanh's life shown during the talk available as a pdf file.

The talk is followed by the first 3 minutes and 19 seconds of a video of Thich Nhah Hanh talking about "War and Peace Within" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk1jpeo3w6U) and a period of discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) A 35-minute or so guided meditation in the manner of Thich Nhat Hanh (connected with the talk honoring Thich Nhat Hanh). The guided meditation is mostly silent, with three short periods of guidance, using these words:

(1) Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.

Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.

Breathing in, I calm myself.

Breathing out, I feel at ease.

(2) Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.

Bring body and mind back to the present moment. So that you do not miss the appointment with life.

(3) Breathing in, I see myself as a flower. Breathing out, I feel fresh.

Breathing in, I see myself as a mountain. Breathing out, I feel solid.

Breathing in, I see myself as still water. Breathing out, I reflect all that is.

Breathing in, I see myself as space. Breathing out, I feel free.

(ÖBR Theravada Schule Wien) Die Vier Schutz-Meditationen 1/2