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Note to Returning StudentsAs each workshop series draws to a close I’m often asked, “Will the next one be the same, or different?” Well … both. The essence of every session is the same – to slow the mind to the point where the mad rush of inner dialogue settles down to a manageable pace, and to apply mindfulness to that new space. It’s not about acquiring new information but letting go of lifelong mental habits that maintain the illusion of a central controller. In some traditions meditation is described as not-doing. Instead of trying to come up with solutions, you watch and wait. Instead of trying to dominate life, you admit your insecurities and discover genuine strength. Instead of attaching yourself fearfully to others, you open yourself to unconditional love and compassion. The essence of mind-training lies not in making yourself perfect but in relaxing completely into the transient skin of who you really are. My role is to prompt, not to teach. Our meditation sessions bring together people of like mind into a space free of normal pretence. All the answers are within you, but they’re not made up of words. I can’t tell you where you're going, because only you know. All I can do is remind you to keep going. The words and stories I use arise from the creative circumstances of each day and each recollection, so they’re always different – but they’re always about the same thing. |
 “If the eye never sleeps, all dreams will naturally cease. If the mind makes no discriminations, the ten thousand things are as they are, of single essence. To understand the mystery of this One essence is to be released from all entanglements. When all things are seen equally the timeless Self-essence is reached. No comparisons or analogies are possible in this causeless, relationless state.” Seng-Tsan, “Verses On The Faith Mind” |
