Exploring a teaching over several hours, including multiple meditations and instruction sessions, allows it to unfold more fully and deeply. It is worthwhile to take the time to practice a full daylong on one's own or with a group of friends. As a teacher, I see daylongs as giving a taste of what a retreat offers.
Daylongs and Half-Days
Beautiful Mind and Heart (Oct 2024)
(In-person at the Insight Meditation Center). This day is devoted to learning and practicing the Recollection of the Buddha, which is infrequently taught in the Insight world, as well as muditā (appreciative joy) and mettā (lovingkindness or goodwill).
Finding Stability and Clarity in the Breath (July 2024)
(In-person at the Insight Meditation Center). Systematic guidance in mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati) with an emphasis on the cultivation of serenity and insight.
Modes of Investigation (Jun 2024)
(Online through the Insight Retreat Center). Dharma practice involves a deep exploration of reality. This kind of exploring is a skill in and of itself, as well as being a factor of awakening in the classical list of seven. This daylong includes practices of investigation and inquiry that rely on several modes of knowing. Participants will broaden and refine their understanding of Dharma investigation and how it facilitates liberation.
Joy and Tranquility through the Breath (Mar 2023)
(Online through the Insight Retreat Center). This daylong is based on mindfulness of breathing, with an emphasis on the awakening factors of Joy and Tranquility. The coexistence of energizing qualities, calming qualities, and deep happiness characterizes this form of meditation.
The Cultivation of Knowledge: Understanding and Releasing Dukkha (July 2022)
(Sati Center for Buddhist Studies). The heart of Buddhist practice involves understanding and releasing dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness). These are not static ideas to learn, but active knowledges to cultivate. When we set out to understand dukkha, that understanding begins one way, then changes as we mature in practice. The same is true for the task of letting go of dukkha.
Audio
Video
The Inner Strength of Non-Obsession (Apr 2021)
A mind obsessed by wanting, ill will, opinions, etc, brings suffering for oneself and one's community. In contrast, a mind with little obsession is "well-disposed for Awakening." This is a half-day of samatha and vipassana practice on letting go of obsessive thinking and views.
Introduction
Guided Meditation: Samatha
Papanca - short teaching
Guided Meditation: Open awareness and papanca
Guided Meditation: Resting in awareness
Dharma Talk and Q&A: Building Inner Strength
Dharma Chariots: Three Teachings from the Suttas Using Chariot Imagery (Jan 2021)
Chariots are a common image in the classical teachings. How can we use them to "ride well into 2021"?
Spontaneous and Skillful Speech
Not-Self
Dharma Chariot Guided Meditation
Dharma talk: Living a Dharma Life
Cultivating Complete View (Jun 2020)
(Insight Meditation Center). Five key supports for the development of "right view," also called "complete view":
Faith, virtue, learning, generosity, and wisdom.
Part 1
Part 2
Widening the Range: The Four Noble Truths (Oct 2018)
(Insight Meditation Center). This daylong presents a range of perspectives and tools that help us move out of "stuckness"
The whole series is linked above. Here are the individual pieces:
Introduction and initial guided meditation
"Get small" meditation
"Get big" meditation
"Focus on change" meditation
"Stay connected, but do nothing" meditation
Refuge, Path, and Wrap-Up
Dhamma for Scientists (July 2017)
A program of meditation, contemplation, and teachings about the resonances and differences between science and the Dharma. It is not about neuroscience. Teachings touch into topics such as investigation, the role of an objective observer, and the limits of cognitive knowledge in the development of the heart.
The whole series is linked above. Here are the individual pieces:
Introduction, teaching on Investigation, Guided Meditation on observing breath, and Q&A
Five ways of knowing
Bringing in the Heart; our intentions; Guided Meditation on heart connection; Q&A
Changing our perceptions and views; Direct knowing; Three types of wisdom
Guided meditation: Direct knowing
Q&A about direct knowing
Going beyond the mind; practice tips; Guided Meditation -- rest and reconnect; Q&A