Shamatha Practice 12 with Glen

Glen Svensson, 12 May 2020

Session 12: Resting in Awareness 1. Review 2. Shamatha without a sign 3. The actual practice 4. Meditation - resting in awareness 5. Gelug Mahamudra 6. Q&A

In this session we focus on shamatha without a sign, or awareness of awareness. Shamatha without a sign means we do not have a object to observe such as the breath. In this practice, we withdraw from all sensory and mental appearances, and place our attention in its own natural state just as it is. It is recommended to alternate between the release of tension and the sharpening of concentration in order to overcome laxity and excitation.

Meditation starts at 17:55

Glen reads a text on shamatha from the Gelug Mahamudra tradition. It states how we should focus on the very nature of cognizance, observing it nakedly. “Cut off” thoughts from their root, i.e. don’t pay any attention to them. By relaxing completely the mind, the mind will naturally untangle itself and remain steadfast. By practicing, a clear vacuity-like space that is vividly awake will arise, cutting through to the substrate.

Q & A: Glen speaks about involuntary spasms during shamatha practice, and how the shavasana posture can be helpful for dealing with that issue. The most important thing in our practice is to be without hope or fear.

Download (MP3 / 14 MB)

Transcript

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