It is an emptiness meditation on the constructed nature of self- we see how “the person who is suffering jealousy” arises (and with powerful mindfulness, see how it passes away too). It is called unfindable, as we will never be able to find that self as a discreet, point-out-a-ble entity.

There is a list of trained facilitators…[Read more]

Every time the strong compulsion of jealousy arises and you are able to be with it without acting on it- that compulsion grows weaker. It will be strong and uncomfortable for as long as it takes but it will diminish as you refuse to buy into it as you have been doing so courageously.

One thing that has been helpful to me with this…[Read more]

Things are often less either-or than the conceptual mind would like…

for example, “are insights deliberately cultivated (a technique to trigger it) or is it by chance through continued practice?” Continued practice IS deliberately cultivating insight (or preparing the ground for insight). The thing that is not truly predictable is…[Read more]

Try here: https://dharmatreasure.org/section/dharma-talks/curriculum/

It does contain specific talks regarding the 8 fold path.

Yours,

Meshe
-DT Teacher in Training

One thing I appreciate about TMI as a book, is it’s subtlety. When you train in shamatha, that is the same thing as the first step of renunciation described in that article, don’t you think?

“Renunciation simply reverses this causal chain. You avoid sensory contact,…[Read more]

Yes- let’s clarify, how do you understand the renunciate methods as destroying passion?

The 3 nominal divisions (mind division, space division and pith instructions) of Dzogchen teachings made by Manjushrimitra aren’t self-exclusive, but are more like three ingredients in one cake, or three ways of looking at a jewel, not separate…[Read more]

Thank you for bringing these topics up.

I would disagree about tantra and dzogchen being non-renunciate methods. Especially if we are using the definition of renunciation as giving up the belief in self-existence. Rather, they are built on renunciation and require as a basis shamatha-vipassana. To not have that basis would be…[Read more]

What a great question.

Insight develops from intellectual understanding to an intuitive understanding through study, contemplation and meditation. What may have brought you to study, contemplate and meditate?

There is a spectrum of faith- from blind faith (that person is a Lama, so everything they teach must be true and will get…[Read more]

If the slightly loud breathing is intentional, it would be best to stop that habit and allow the breath to be natural and un-controlled. I agree with Ollie’s comments above regarding the breath.

Use labelling as frequently as you feel you are in a stage 3 type of sit. When things become more stable, then try letting go of it and…[Read more]

Well, you can’t get into the higher stages with significant aversion or craving. If we define renunciation as renouncing the belief in self-existence, since that belief is what gives rise to aversion and craving, it follows that one cannot exhibit the higher stages of meditation and awakening without renunciation.

Using unpleasant…[Read more]

The progress of insight is a map that I was only rather recently (a year and half ago) introduced to, and although I have studied it, received…[Read more]

I have a soft spot for Goenka-ji retreats, having started my meditation career with them, and experienced deep benefit.

That being said, I do wish I had been introduced to the conceptual framework presented in TMI with regards to what constitutes shamatha, what defines vipassana and how ones meditation experiences translate…[Read more]

TMI’s Appendix F has been a huge support in putting “scary insight experience” into perspective.

yours,

meshe

It sounds to me like you are approaching this in a beautiful way- taking into account your overall situation and following intuitive guidance towards relaxation and clarity.

I don’t see how that isn’t continuing along the map laid out in TMI. Remembering not to identify with impatience- sub-minds with conflicting intentions…[Read more]

We discussed this In our class yesterday, here’s a summary:

In the meditation on dependant arising both awareness and attention are working together- high state of mindfulness- observing rather than analyzing.

To the degree that the meditator may need or want to analyze this, they would wait and do it afterwards.

They are…[Read more]

Once there is stability of attention, the sensations of tension can also serve as an object of inquiry- looking to see if they are…[Read more]

We are lucky in that the implications of this meditation are clearly spelled out in various ways depending on the teaching lineage. While it accomplishes the goal of enhancing metacognitive awareness of mental processes, it deep value is that it can lead to insight experience.

Keep in mind that this meditation involves seeing…[Read more]

I just saw this old post that may help: http://dharmatreasurecommunity.org/forums/topic/questions-and-clarifications-about-peripheral-awareness

Then on page 429-430 is a passage describing the 3 approaches described by the Buddha towards…[Read more]

On page 429 in the notes, is a passage that answers this, “true Insight practice requires that your powers of both…[Read more]

Many times I have heard Culadasa refer to TMI as a shamatha-vipassana method, not truly two separate beasts.

While at a Goenka-ji retreat (of which I sat 6 prior to ever hearing the word shamatha), you do make a commitment to not “practise other techniques” – to follow the instructions. I…[Read more]

It’s important to differentiate between the goal of stage 6- exclusive attention, and the goal of stage 4. At stage 4, there will still be stray thoughts, that pass through like clouds, but don’t lead to FORGETTING or MIND WANDERING.

Remember, there are still subtle distractions (i.e. flickers of things other than the meditation…[Read more]

It’s important to differentiate between the goal of stage 6- exclusive attention, and the goal of stage 4. At stage 4, there will still be stray thoughts, that pass through like clouds, but don’t lead to FORGETTING or MIND WANDERING.

Remember, there are still subtle distractions (i.e. flickers of things other than the meditation…[Read more]

There is a 1 month retreat going on this July on the top of Mount Tuam, Saltspring Island, Canada. Douglas Veenhof is leading it- he is how I became involved in Culadasa’s teacher-training as he referenced “The Mind Illuminated” many times. Cost for room and board will be…[Read more]

There is a 1 month retreat going on this July on the top of Mount Tuam, Saltspring Island, Canada. Douglas Veenhof is leading it- he is how I became involved in Culadasa’s teacher-training as he referenced “The Mind Illuminated” many times. Cost for room and board will be…[Read more]

There’s a goldmine there- to bust through any delusion about reality and continue the insight that occurred. Who doesn’t love who? How does that person exist? (Passing cloud?) what are the sensations associated with that thought? Where are they physically? Do they stick around? What happens when they go? If it doesn’t feel…[Read more]

Rejoicing…[Read more]

I think you may know one of my meditation teachers- Doug Veenhof?

What do you do that’s fairly different?

I have used the method described on page 318-319 of TMI and have also approached this meditation through “settling the mind in its natural state”.

What i do: starting from a place of very stable attention, mentally recite a…[Read more]

I can totally relate. Your story sounds like the past 6 months for me.

Just so we are on the same page,Sergey- i’m assuming that when you say there is no “you”- you mean that ultimately there is no “Sergey” that exists as a permanent, independent and substantial entity as delusion would have it. So for the self that we most…[Read more]

This is my first post on the forum, pulled out by this interesting thread. This topic (the hard problem of consciousness) is one of Alan B. Wallace’s favorite topics. https://cup.columbia.edu/author-interviews/wallace-meditations-buddhist-skeptic He may also be a good place to look, if you are interested in what a scholar and…[Read more]