During this talk, the cumulative benefits of cultivating satta sambojjhanga, the seven wholesome mind states that are to be cultivated to move the mind toward awakening (Nibbana). Mindfulness, investigation of phenomena, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration and equanimity were described and their mutual influence explored.
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In the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, one suggestion for practice focuses on contemplating the Four Elements: Earth (feelings of hardness, softness, pressure, density, etc.), Air (movement in or of the body), Fire (variations in temperature sensations) and Water (awareness of liquidity or cohesion). When the discourse was being formed, that worldview suggested that all of reality was composed of these elements; current understanding can find the contemplation to be valuable subjectively as focusing on body sensations interrupts the intrusive and urgent demands of internal narrative processes. Successful contemplation of this sort cultivates stability of attention and internal tranquility. The recording below is a training meditation led by Peter inviting meditators to investigate the variety of Elements that can be perceived and felt during the meditation. This posting will be followed by the recording and notes prepared and delivered focused on “Mindful Coping And Cultivating An Adaptive Lifestyle”
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During this first of a series of talks reviewing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Discourse, a key teaching in all the Buddhist traditions. Peter describes the repetitive passages in each of the foundations were required for centuries in a pre-literate culture. He reviews how some of those passages have profound importance for understanding and practicing what is in the discourse.
Here are the notes prepared for the talk: Overview of the Satipatthana Sutta
Here is an excellent translation of the Sutta: Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta by Thanissaro
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This is the last of the series of dhamma talks provided during the retreat. At the beginning, Tommy Harrison gave a brief talk on the power of generosity and gratitude for the teachings and the practice. After that, Peter reviewed the week’s progression of practice and described various ways that the process of awakening can be furthered after the retreat ended and regular life routines resumed.
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During this guided meditation practice, the participants were introduced to vedanupassana, the meditation practice taught by U Ba Khin and S. N. Goenka. More understood as body sweep or body scan, this involves a systematic, in-depth examination of whatever sensations are evident over the body. Due to the amount of time available for the demonstration, only the areas of the head were explored. The purpose of the practice is to enhance the “aiming and sustaining” process, supporting increasingly precise and insightful awareness of body sensations; this investigation can then be used to bring emerging thoughts and impulses into awareness sooner and with more clarity.
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