Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction

(Insight Meditation Retreats) As we walk the Buddha's path, difficulties and challenges are part of the journey. It takes support and a heart of joy to meet the hard places. This talk explores some of the common challenges and three key supports on the path to Awakening.

(Insight Meditation Retreats) As we walk the Buddha's path, difficulties and challenges are part of the journey. It takes support and a heart of joy to meet the hard places. This talk explores some of the common challenges and three key supports on the path to Awakening.

(Cittaviveka) Liberation by wisdom comes from a healthy citta having resources to experience the range of contact and its effects. The gentle fluidity of practices like breathing and walking help soothe the agitation and fixity of contact so we can be with the feeling rather than in it. Then it can move, release, empty, cease.

(Unknown) This is the closing guided meditation from the December daylong online retreat.

(Gaia House) A guided meditation and reflection on yoniso manasikāra and being skilful in questioning experience.

(Cittaviveka) Citta’s receptive quality is both its vulnerability and strength. It has to be protected until it is strong enough to repel corrupting influences. Cultivate themes and meanings that unbind and strengthen the heart – Buddha, precepts, lovingkindness. Citta then has a place to withdraw to.

(Cittaviveka)

(Cittaviveka)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) At this time of transition, for the earth in the Northern Hemisphere, for many of us in the New Year, and for the U.S., in which clarity of intentions is so important, we explore two types of intentions: (1) aspiration or being guided by one's deeper values and intentions, sometimes taking the form of vows; and (2) moment-to-moment intentions. We are especially interested in connecting the two types of intentions. A focus on moment-to-moment intentions (cetana) helps us with wise action and practice moment-to-moment, seeing which intentions are skillful and which are not (including implicit or even unconscious tendencies linked with habitual energies). We look a number of ways of practicing with intentions both in our formal and our informal practice. We close with a short writing exercise bringing out our core intentions and next steps for the coming period, and then have a period of discussion and sharing.

(Cittaviveka) Retreat is an occasion for clearing away certain inputs and intentionally placing others. Buddha – upright, clear, deeply centered. Emphasize the receptive aspect, listen deeply, linger. Gently allow awareness to become enriched by Buddha qualities, pervading body, heart mind.