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Shamatha Practice 8 with Glen

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Shamatha Teachings Presented by Glen Svensson

B. Alan Wallace, Glen Svensson
01 Apr 2020 – 26 May 2020
Originally part of 2020 8-week retreat

Over 15 sessions Glen Svensson will introduce the practice of shamatha, the practice of cultivating a calm, clear and focused mind.

In this program we will focus on a number of techniques such as

  • mindfulness of breathing,
  • observing the mind,
  • resting in awareness and
  • merging mind with space.

We will also discuss the qualities to cultivate, the tools we use, the faults that can arise in the practice and how to overcome them. Additionally, we will be describing the stages of progress in this practice using the classic nine stage shamatha model.

Each session includes discussion, guided meditation and Q&A. This program is suitable for those new to this practice and also those who are already well established in shamatha practice.

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Glen Svensson, 28 Apr 2020

Session 8: Observing thoughts

  1. Review
  2. Observing thoughts
  3. The actual practice
  4. Meditation - observing thoughts
  5. Tips for the practice
  6. Q&A

In this session we continue with the practice of observing the mind. For people who struggle with maintaining mindfulness towards their thoughts, they should simply relax, let thoughts be as they are, and observe them. By doing this long enough, they will become masters of their own mind.

Lerab Lingpa states how one must meditate on their guru’s oral instructions, as without them we will probably waste a lot of time. Glen also speaks about how one must search for both external and inner solitude. While external solitude can be hard to find, internal solitude can be even harder. Inner solitude is realized by abandoning the 8 mundane concerns. This does not mean that one must abandon worldly life, simply to let go of our attachment to them. The four revolutions in outlook are practices that help us abandon the 8 worldly concerns.

Meditation starts at 34:10

Download (MP3 / 15 MB)

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