As Cittaviveka’s winter retreat draws to a close, Ajahn Cittapala reflects on the central role of right view in the Buddha’s teaching. She examines how all other path factors are influenced and dependant on right view, and examines how to distinguish between and develop its mundane and supramundane aspects.
Ajahn Karuniko reflects on his own personal experiences, including his first visit to Wat Pah Nanachat, to show how he once overcame fear by returning to an awareness of the physical body. He relates an experience he once had on a snow capped mountain in Slovenia, where, by facing a perilous situation one step at a time, the final result was an enjoyable ascent.
Abiding in the world as it is.
The use of puja (chanting, devotion) to generate a supportive atmosphere and perspective for Dhamma practice.
Direct experience comes through three bodies: the flesh body, the emotional body and the body of awareness. Energy runs through these and by moderating it, our awareness extends beyond the limitations of the person and even language.
The habit of identifying with our experience and views is distressing because experiences and views change. This is the story of a woman who happened to find the good Dhamma: a teaching about the “Five Khandhas” (Groups of Clinging) which opened her eyes about the nature of our suffering and prepared the way for her to be ordained as a Buddhist Nun.
Practice is a matter of carefully noticing and moderating feeling.
Persistent mindfulness through changing conditions reveals portals to liberation: Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta.
How to withdraw energy from the mind – and why.