The importance of mindfulness and becoming the master of one's own mind through observing thoughts and emotions without full identification.
The value of retreat and formal sitting meditation in creating space in the mind and carrying the clarity and awareness into daily life.
The journey from observing the mind to recognizing a deeper level of awareness that is not bound by subject-object duality, leading to the emptiness of thoughts and feelings.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mindfulness in Daily Life
One of the main insights gained from living in a remote cave for 12 years is the importance of mindfulness and becoming the master of one's own mind. The speaker describes how in retreat, with minimal external distractions, one becomes aware of how the mind tends to dwell in the past or future and indulge in its own internal entertainment. By practicing mindfulness, one can observe the mind's patterns of thought and emotional reactions, recognizing that thoughts are not the problem, but rather the identification with thoughts. This awareness brings a sense of spaciousness and freedom, allowing one to choose which thoughts to engage with and to disidentify from negative emotions.
The Value of Retreat and Creating Space in the Mind
The speaker emphasizes the value of retreat and formal sitting meditation as a means to create space in the mind and develop the ability to observe distractions as distractions. By gradually becoming more fully present in daily activities and anchoring one's attention in the breath, one can carry the clarity and awareness cultivated in retreat into daily life. This practice of stepping back and observing thoughts and emotions without becoming fully identified with them leads to a sense of inner freedom and the recognition that thoughts, memories, and fantasies are not inherently real or permanent.
The Intuitive Understanding of Primordial Awareness
The speaker discusses the journey from observing the mind to recognizing a deeper level of awareness that is not bound by subject-object duality. This intuitive understanding of primordial awareness allows one to experience consciousness that is not solely based on the dualistic mind. While mindfulness is still a dualistic perception, it is considered a significant stepping stone towards recognizing the empty nature of thoughts and feelings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the emptiness of thoughts, realizing that they are like bubbles, appearing brightly and then disappearing. This understanding leads to a sense of inner freedom and the ability to choose how to engage with thoughts and feelings.
The Practice of Shamatha in Daily Life
The speaker highlights the significance of integrating the practice of shamatha (calm abiding) into daily life. By cultivating awareness and presence in everyday activities, such as walking, eating, or sitting, one can develop mindfulness and non-judgmental observation. This practice allows individuals to recognize distractions and bring the mind back to the present moment. The speaker emphasizes that shamatha is not about achieving blissful states but about cultivating a clear and focused mind. This practice empowers individuals to overcome distractions, enhance concentration, and choose what they allow into their minds.
The Importance of Daily Life as a Training Ground
The speaker highlights the value of integrating the practice of the paramitas, such as generosity, patience, and compassion, into daily life. They believe that daily life provides ample opportunities to practice these qualities, particularly in interactions with others. The speaker encourages seeing all people as potential teachers and learning from difficult experiences and relationships. They emphasize that true practice goes beyond meditation and requires training the mind and character. The speaker expresses appreciation for Asian countries where monasticism is supported and respected, as it creates an environment where monks and nuns can thrive and serve as guides and examples for the lay community.
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast features an interview with Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo. Tenzin Palmo is a bhikṣuṇī in the Drukpa lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and a brilliant teacher who is able to touch the hearts of many with her presence, her profound understanding of the Dharma, and its relevance and application in daily life.
Tenzin Palmo is an author and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India. She also spent twelve years living and practicing in a remote cave in the Himalayas, three of those years in strict meditation retreat.
Tenzin Palmo and Daniel discuss
understanding emptiness,
recent advances in consciousness studies,
women in Buddhism,
Dharma in daily life,
and much more.
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