Dharma Seed: dharma talks and meditation instruction dharmaseed.org

(Aloka Earth Room) Short Reflection & Guided Meditation | Earthworm Practice for the Anthropocene II | Online Wednesday-Mornings

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We review some of the main themes from last week's talk on developing concentration (samadhi), including the importance of such practice for the Buddha and his teachings; without samadhi, the Buddha says, there is no freedom. We examine ways of practicing (including outside of formal meditation) and look at some of the factors that indicate a deepening of samadhi (the jhanic factors). We then review the main challenges of developing samadhi, particularly over-active minds, sleepiness and low energy, and over-efforting. We also explore further challenges to the development of samadhi, including working with background thoughts, the ways that more unconscious material can surface in cultivating samadhi, and attachment to concentrated states. The talk is followed by discussion.

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) After a short overview about the nature of concentration (samadhi), there is basic guidance on cultivating samadhi along with some more advanced instruction in the last third of the guided meditation.

(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge)

(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Includes meditation & dharma talk

(Gaia House) Exploring the middle way of pride, its positive role, and negative implications in our life and practice. Also, of the benefits and challenges of a comparison-based mind and its necessity in discernment.

Apologies for the occasional scratchy sound in the recording: Nathan is wearing a thick scarf due to a persistent cough, and it catches on the microphone. (includes responses to unheard questions)