Clear Care: Mindfulness and the Way Beyond Suffering

The Buddha’s lifetime of teaching focused on one essential question which set him on the spiritual path as a young man: Why do humans suffer and what can be done to relieve this suffering? His awakening offered a kind of diagnosis of the problem and the practices he taught were responses designed to alleviate the problem. This question of suffering is the very same question that psychotherapists and meditation teachers share today and the Buddha’s teachings and practices are as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. On his deathbed the Buddha ended his teaching with a statement which offers a final encouragement to his followers to “Carry forward with appamada.” Understanding the deep meaning and practicing the embodiment of that final word is the focus of this retreat. We will see why the Buddha likened appamda to the “elephant’s footprint,” the largest in the jungle. In fact, the elephant’s footprint is so large that all the other footprints of all the other animals can fall within it. This is the breadth and depth of appamda – clear, diligent care – the teaching that holds all the other teachings of the Buddha. We will review essential Buddhist teachings and practices alongside contemporary psychological techniques for relieving suffering and supporting wellbeing. We will have periods of silent sitting and walking meditation which open the way to deep reflection and mindfulness. We will also engage in interpersonal practices which support clear care.

• < Previous Event
• Next Event >

Comment

Comment by Suzanne Kilkus on November 29, 2009 at 3:46pm

This is a great way to get the word out. With it we're on the way! Thanks.