Fall 2011 Shamatha Retreat

Alan starts by explaining the concept of rang dröl (self-liberation or natural liberation) in the context of shamatha practice. He then talks about the 5 obscurations and its antidotes, which are: The five factors of stabilization remove the five obscurations 1. The factor of coarse examination removes the obscurations of laxity and dullness. 2. The factor of precise investigation removes the obscuration of uncertainty. 3. The factor of well-being removes the obscuration of malice. 4. The factor of bliss removes the obscurations of excitation and anxiety 5. The factor of single-pointed attention removes the obscuration of sensual craving. Water similes of the five obscurations 1. Sensual craving is like water mixed with various colors. 2. Malice is like boiling water. 3. Laxity and dullness are like water covered over by moss. 4. Excitation and anxiety are like agitated water whipped by the wind. 5. Uncertainty is like turbid, muddy water. Today we continue with the practice o