Seattle Insight Meditation Society

John explores three specific techniques for calm abiding that attendees can add to their meditation tool kit; namely, Single Pointed Concentration, Moment to Moment Awareness and Luminous Mind. These three techniques can be used individually or in succession as a means to deepening concentration.  Each is explained with practical applications and anecdotes to strengthen daily and communal practice. This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/912

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/910

Looking at the attitude of the mind is essential to understanding suffering and its causes. A subtle, but meaningful aspect of our experience is the motivations behind our thoughts. This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/911

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/909

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/904

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/903

What can be most confidently relied upon when facing challenges, difficulties and the unknown? While the material assets we possess or command are essential for establishing a minimum of safety, security, stability and a sense of well-being, they alone are not enough. Our understanding, awareness and the attitudes of mind we bring to face the challenges of life are key to the skillful application of mental resources to the inevitable trouble ahead. This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/905

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/902

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/900

This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/899

While the last talk established the importance of compassion directing renunciation, this talk explores how wisdom also directs renunciation. We can define wisdom simply as what leads to freedom, instead of what leads to suffering. As we clearly see this distinction, we practice renunciation for those actions leading toward more suffering. The three characteristics of dukkha (unsatisfactoriness), anicca (impermanence), and anatta, (non-self), create a framework to further deepen our understanding of wisdom and renunciation. The Sutta mentioned in the talk is MN 19: Two Sorts of Thinking: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.019.than.html This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/888

The heart of Buddha's teaching is the awakening of mind and heart. In such a profound inner transformation, our awakened mind sees the wonder, the magic, the beauty, the joy of our human existence, and our awakened heart can embrace all circumstances of this life with love and compassion. Anam Thubten invites everyone to look into our karmic and psychological habitual tendencies and to undo them so such profound awakening is possible for all. This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/901

Renunciation can have a double edge if we use self-dislike as its guide instead of wisdom and compassion. Fully acknowledging suffering can lead to renunciation as an expression of compassion. Renunciation can also be seen as having outer forms or structures and inner forms in which a deeper understanding is revealed. This talk is also presented in video here: http://seattleinsight.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/886

Becoming intimate with our living reality, as opposed to merely thinking about life, helps us deeply connect to our experience, without being bound by it. Sinking from the busy peripheral experience of mental activity into the quiet clarity of conscious presence is the movement we make, as we practice meditation. Please come and join others in this journey, as the eternal wisdom of the Buddha supports and encourages us.

Retreat: Connecting the Mind and the Heart (Part 2 of 2)