We start off with samatha meditation which brings some temporary relief from stress for many of us. We may notice that on a good day our focus is relatively clear and we experience a ‘good meditation’ often access concentration, perhaps even dhyana. But more often than not, the hindrances are our main experience. We may notice that in more favourable conditions such as on retreat, our meditation improves, but back home, familiar patterns reassert themselves.
The following paper was originally put together as the concluding one of a series of seven for a course on the theme of dependent arising and emptiness largely based on Rob Burbea’s book of the same title. Consequently there are references to previous papers and ideas. Most of those cover well known dharma topics and would not be new to most Order Members. This paper is perhaps a little different and strays into an area of the dharma which has not perhaps been considered too widely in the Order. I hope you find it interesting.
Alokadhara – October 2023Â
