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Retreat Dharma Talks

Examining Reality as a Path to Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one,” said Einstein. This forceful statement echoes the Buddha’s teachings of liberation.

Buddhist practice allows us to gain first-hand insights into the true nature of our constructed, illusive reality. As we dive into a fine-grained investigation of our experience, we begin to see how different interpretations of reality are constructed by our mind. This inquiry can break the seeming solidity, permanence and continuity of our unexamined experience. As this process unfolds, we open to unexpected perspectives, and ultimately, freedom.

Initial instructions on this silent retreat will focus on stabilizing our attention. After taking some time for this, more refined levels of observation of phenomena will then be encouraged. Although traditional Buddhist concentration and insight practices will primarily be offered, the teachers will also draw on complementary disciplines to provide a broader context for our investigations. The goal, however, always remains concrete and practical: greater inner peace and liberation.

2016-06-14 (8 days) Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center

  
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2016-06-14 Notes and Transcripts from Retreat - pdf file attached 0:00
Sayadaw U Jagara
(Recording not available) 
These are notes and transcripts of teachings by Sayadaw U Jagara during this retreat.
Attached Files:
  • Notes and Transcripts - June 2016 (PDF)
2016-06-15 Guided meditation day one - arriving and settling 55:46
Nikki Mirghafori
Guided meditation for settling the mind, walking meditation instructions and Q/A
2016-06-15 Approaches to meditation 53:33
Sayadaw U Jagara
The way we approach life will determine much the outcome… same with meditation practice. How to adopt the proper distance towards objects and situations
2016-06-16 Investigating the body (rupa) and Q/A 65:46
Nikki Mirghafori
Breaking the compactness of experience of body as a concept
2016-06-17 Guided meditation: The Twelve Characteristics of the Four Elements and Q/A 42:32
Nikki Mirghafori
12 characteristics of the four elements and Q/A
2016-06-17 Attempt to describe reality 67:53
Sayadaw U Jagara
Clearing the mind from obstacles brings you to a clarity that makes you understand the games of perception
2016-06-18 Meditation instructions on Metta 55:10
Sayadaw U Jagara
A brief description "process versus content" - Followed by a few questions
2016-06-18 Investigating the mind (nama) and Q/A 1:11:32
Nikki Mirghafori
A review of instructions on the four elements, followed by investigation of the mind and mental factors. Followed by open Q/A.
2016-06-19 Guided Meditation 53:22
Nikki Mirghafori
Instructions on practicing metta as friendliness. Investigating the mind and the mental factors. Followed by Q/A.
2016-06-19 Time/Kala 63:09
Sayadaw U Jagara
Various aspects of the manifestation and reality of the time, in life etc.
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