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Retreat Dharma Talks

Three-Month Part 1

This three-month course, including its six-week partials, is a special time for practice. Because of its extended length and ongoing guidance, it is an opportunity for students to deepen the powers of concentration, wisdom and compassion. Based on the meditation instructions of Mahasi Sayadaw and supplemented by a range of skillful means, this silent retreat will encourage a balanced attitude of relaxation and alertness, and the continuity of practice based on the Buddha’s Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

2016-09-10 (43 days) Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

  
2016-09-28 Q&A 64:32
Joseph Goldstein
2016-09-29 Clinging 61:13
Sally Armstrong
Though the 2nd Noble Truth points to craving as the cause of suffering, clinging – upadana – is inextricably woven into the experience of suffering. With craving we are reaching towards the object or experience, in clinging we are trying to hold onto it, and make it I, me or mine. Clinging is central to how we create a sense of self through the five aggregates, as pointed to in the first noble truth. We can bring awareness to the process of craving leading to clinging leading to the creation of a sense of self as depicted in the teaching on Dependent Origination, as it is often accompanied by physical energy we can recognize and certain types of thinking. Being mindful of this process allows us to respond wisely, decreasing or abandoning the clinging, and therefore not getting caught in the delusion of self.
2016-09-30 A natural unfolding: the seven factors of awakening 62:03
Bonnie Duran
And overview of the seven factors of awakening and Dharma reflections that fuel their arising, are presented
2016-10-01 Taking refuge– what are we doing here! 59:22
DaRa Williams
Reflections on taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, with intention, consciousness and awareness
2016-10-02 The power of lovingkindness 61:55
Guy Armstrong
The practice of metta-brings five powerful benefits. It makes the heart more responsive, purifies the mind, leads to concentration, connects us to all sentient life, and brings happiness.
2016-10-03 The truth of Dukka 48:01
Winnie Nazarko
This talk was call by a retreatant "an evenings tour through Dukkha" "Dukkha" has many meanings and implications: this talk explores these.
2016-10-04 Aspiration and courage 58:03
Carol Wilson
2016-10-05 Creating a concept of self– Part one 57:17
Joseph Goldstein
2016-10-06 Vipallasa: Distortions of the Mind 50:06
Bonnie Duran
2016-10-07 Steadying the Mind, Opening the Heart 58:41
Sally Armstrong
There are five factors that are supported for deepening concentration, known as the jhana factors. These factors are developed in any kind of intensive meditation practice, but are particularly supportive for the development of samadhi. They also serve to counterbalance the hindrances. When the hindrances are not active, the mind and heart can be buoyant and open, allowing concentration and insight to deepen.
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