Fourth Night: Awakening Factors

During this extensive Dhamma talk, Peter described satibojjhanga, the seven awakening factors: mindfulness, investigation of phenomena, energy/effort, joy/enthusiastic engagement, tranquility, concentration and equanimity.  Once the five hindrances have been set aside, the cultivation of vipassana is furthered through the perfection of these factors.  Peter explained how the factors co-operate, that is the dynamic interaction between them.  Mindfulness is the factor that monitors the process, assuring the activating factors, tranquilizing factors, faith/confidence and investigation are in balance.  This balance is dynamic, constantly needing adjustment to accommodate fresh sensory input.  Joy and equanimity are byproducts of this balancing.   This was followed by another lively group discussion about how this works in experience.

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Brahma Viharas

In this Dhamma talk, Judy explores the relationship between the Noble Eight-Fold Path and the Brahma Viharas, the Four Divine Abodes: Metta (lovingkindness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (Joy), and Upekkha (equanimity).    She explains each of their major characteristics   and their “near” and “far” enemies, actions that seem similar but are not and their opposites  She also gives us ways to use these in our meditation practice.

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Buddhist independence day

Since this meeting occurred on July 4, Peter talked about the Buddhist approach to “…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.  We explored the concept of the Middle Path, between agitation and sedation, too much faith/rigidity and too much skepticism/disorganization.  Peter emphasized that the application of mindfulness cultivates equanimity, a dynamic process of balancing energy and cognition, guided by benevolent intention.

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