Practice Questions II

During this dialogue, Peter described the basic principles and practices associated with cultivating lovingkindness, as a manifestation of the Noble Eightfold Path factor of Right Intention.  Following this, the practice of vipassana (insight) was described as the more mature application of the Seven Factors of Awakening.  The process of vipassana was then associated with the cultivation of lovingkindness, and, more particularly, with Tibetan Buddhist Lojong and Tonglen (compassion) practice.

Next week’s dialogue will provide participants with an opportunity to report on their retreat experience (There is a retreat December 5-7).  The comments of the participants help them review and integrate what was experienced during the retreat as well as providing inspiration for those who weren’t on the retreat to consider the benefits of the intensive practice experience.

Fifth Night: Awakening Factors

During this second discussion of the seven awakening factors, more emphasis was placed on the integrative function of the factors and how this process transitions from personality integration to spiritual transcendence.  As the “demons” of the hindrances are starved of attention, more free energy is channeled intentionally to nurturing the “angels” of loving-kindness, compassion, generosity, empathic joy and insights about the three characteristics of impermanence, non-self, and the inevitable results of craving and clinging, that is, distress.  This talk also includes the enthusiastic question and answer session that followed.

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The Third Turning Of The Wheel

During this dialogue, Robert described the developmental arc of Buddhism from the primary cultivation of ethical balance and transcendental insight through the realization of the absence of a separate self, finalized in the manifestation of compassion in the Mahayana tradition.

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Living With Uncertainty

During this talk, Kitty explored how Buddhist practices help us relate to the inevitable uncertainty of life, sharing some of her experiences working with Hospice.  She used material from Pema Chodron’s book “Comfortable With Uncertainty” as reference.  She also included brief meditations on “open mind” and “bodhicitta mind”.

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Awakening The Mind

In this talk, Peter reviews the value of developing the 7 Awakening Factors through tranquility practice.  This process allows deeply conditioned attachments to self-states and how a more dispassionate view of old relationship dynamics supports increasing equanimity.