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A rather splendid (even controversial in places!) talk by Kamalashila on meditation and meditation teaching in the contemporary FWBO. The fruits of many years thinking and practice - not to mention a recent long solitary retreat - this is one not to be missed by anyone concerned with training in the traditional practices of Buddhism.
Plese note that there is a text version of this talk available on the site (see 'texts/other speakers') which expands on and clarifies several of the main points, especially as regards Sangharakshita's role in the process.
Talk given at WBO Day, 2005
 | 1. | Comparing traditional meditation with 'pure awareness' - satipatthana and mahamudra; inspiring language (7:52) |
| 2. | What is the characteristic FWBO dharma? Interconnectedness and connectedness (4:20) |
| 3. | Disharmony in meditation teaching; a nudge from the 'FWBO files' - Sangharakshita's training and ours (6:02) |
| 4. | Exploring vipassana - an insight perspective in communication; honesty and openness as practice; training in meditation teaching - individualism (5:33) |
| 5. | Creating a new overview of meditation teaching (3:49) |
| 6. | Seven trainings in meditation - i. the spirit of practice ii.faith, confidence iii. mindfulness, awareness iv. reflection on the Dharma v. anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) vi. metta bhavana (development of loving kindness) vii. just sitting (5:53) |
| 7. | Anapanasati; concerns over wilfulness in developmental (bhavana) meditation; dhyana-focus in teaching; positive new approaches (5:47) |
| 8. | Metta Bhavana; similar concerns with 'forced practice' (1:47) |
| 9. | Just Sitting; an undervalued area of practice - an antidote to wilfulness; a link to vipassana practice (4:25) |
| 10. | The importance of making the path real through meditation; talking about Insight and Enlightenment; the culture of friendship; all approaches have limitations (4:45) |
| 11. | The origins of FWBO approaches; moving on in the 21st century - learning from other approaches; the need for input from a teacher (7:24) |
| 12. | A wider Buddhist mandala; Just Sitting and Pure Awareness; a retreat with Shenpen Hookham (8:30) |
| 13. | Exploring outside of your context; contributing to an emerging global western Buddhism; valuing experience (6:46) |
| 14. | Becoming more authentic - teachers in relation with each other; contact with experience as it relates to confidence - mentoring; Insight and making claims - daring to talk; becoming skilled in recognition (6:51) |
Total running time: 79:44
Dharmachakra
