I find teaching to be a very deep and powerful "no self" practice. When I connect with others during Dharma talks--in the intimacy of small groups, and while holding meditation practice interviews--I am continually reminded to know, and be, in a place of clarity, spaciousness and immediate presence. Being able to offer students such a place of connection is my greatest pleasure and inspiration, as well as the most appreciated challenge in my teaching practice.
For me, the real fruit of the teaching is seeing the beauty of a gradual, and sometimes sudden, unfolding of a heartmind into its true self; seeing the variety of ways a person's essential, creative energy of being flows into the world.
On one end of the teaching, I am excited and inspired by students who are deeply committed to long-term, intensive practice. On the other end (and of course they're connected), I find that working closely with people at the grass roots level--in a co-creative process of developing and sustaining Dharma practice, study and community opportunitiies on a day-to-day basis--is equally exciting and inspiring.
From the immediacy of presence flows a wisdom that naturally connects us to the way of things. This amazing gift of mindfulness provides us with a spaciousness where we can make appropriate, healthy and creative life choices. Rather than being caught up in our old, conditioned habits, mindfulness provides us with the gift of engagement at its best. This is the Gift of the Dharma that we offer to all beings.
Review of instructions given in the last three days. In addition, a reflection on recognizing vitaka, vicara, piti, and sukha. When they are being experienced and to what degree with acknowledgment and appreciation.
An overview of the teaching of sila/virtues, samadhi/concentration and panna/wisdom - insight with a detailed emphasis on the practice and fruits of concentration practice.
The aim and the fruit of generosity and compassion are two fold. We give to help and to free others; and we give to help and to free ourselves. This is the fullness, the seamless circle of compassionate generosity.
Can we relinquish our preference of picking and choosing? Can we be with phenomena…whatever it is, just as it is? This is our practice. The truth is lying in wait to be seen and known right in this moment.
Forgiveness allows us to reclom the energy that's been bound up in the past or the imagined future. Forgiveness practice can be transforming in very deep ways,
