Talk 3: More About What is Disappearing.

When a desire emerges, we automatically assume an “I” exists behind that desire. “I want this” or “I don’t want that.” With training, though, we recognize the corelessness and transiency of desire, of the “self.” This recognition, repeated many times, leads to...

Underlying Tendencies in the Mind

Tendencies in our minds can get in the way of becoming fully free because they make us vulnerable to the hindrances. These proclivities support a sense of self and, therefore, distort our perception of reality. Through meditation we can see past these distortions into...

How to Work With Sensations

Though often beyond our awareness, sensations are always occurring in our bodies. Whether they are pleasant or unpleasant, when we do focus on our sensations, we can add mental suffering because of the thoughts we attach to them.  Merely observing these sensations can...

Jungle Thickets

In this sutta, the Buddha invites us to assess whether we are making progress in our practice or not. If we are, then keep doing what we are doing. If not, we need to investigate how to change our lives to support our meditation practice.