Spring 2011 Shamatha Retreat

This afternoon, we review the teachings from Saturday afternoon (#84) and practice in the same way. The unguided meditation is not included. There is no question and answer; instead, Alan gives some final remarks after the ~55 minute dharma talk and meditation period.

Link to the notes from this talk: http://sbinstitute.com/PodcastNotes/Vipashyana%20Instructions.htm

This afternoon, Alan ventures into the realm of vipashyana with an introductory teaching. He draws from Padmasambhava's "Natural Liberation" and instructs us on a basic vipashyana technique. The opening talk lasts 55 minutes, and the following unguided vipashyana meditation is included.

After the unguided meditation [1:23:05], Alan continues to elaborate on the value of contemplative introspection and observation. He concludes with a special message for podcast listeners, which begins at 1:42:00.

Alan begins this afternoon session with a profoundly wise and skillful dharma talk on the deepest kind of equanimity: that which is viewed from the perspective of rigpa. This 55 minute talk is followed by the unguided meditation (not included) and one question from the group:

Sometimes I rephrase your guided meditation questions to suit myself. Is this okay?

We will continue to go right into unguided meditation sessions in the morning (not included in the recording), followed by brief Q&A. This morning Alan answers one question:

1. In awareness of awareness, I find it difficult to relax, although I am quite concentrated. I notice tension keeps creeping in. Is this common?