Fall 2011 Shamatha Retreat

Talk Comparison of breathing meditation and settling the mind in its natural state. Breathing meditation is best done in a quiet environment – settling the mind can be done in a noisy active environment. Much like the difference between a monk in a monastic environment and a Bodhisattva engaged in life. Meditation (18:20) In settling the mind in its natural state one can focus on the foreground – what thoughts etc. are going on in the space of the mind or the background – the space of the mind between thoughts – this way you are never left without an object. The ongoing flow of knowing both when there are contents and when there aren’t. Enhance vividness and may detect murmurings of the mind that you might not otherwise be aware of.