During this talk, Peter combined insights from contemporary research on the importance of relationship quality during early childhood for cultivating an integrated sense of personality, and how this relates to the Buddhist concept of no-self, that is, the absence of an autonomous ego.  Cultivating secure relationship bonds is an essential part of spiritual practice; this is why the Buddha said “Sangha (spiritual relationship) is the whole of the holy life”.

Next week’s discussion will explore how unwholesome shame, guilt and misperceptions leading to isolation are both obstacles to spiritual growth and opportunities to realize awakening.
The notes prepared for this talk will be posted right after this posting.