The Philosophy
Satipatthana - the Way of Mindfulness - is a traditional Buddhist meditation training, also described as Skilful Means.
It is a way of cultivating an honest and clear awareness of who we are at a physical, emotional and mental level. Our tendencies and characteristics, our motives and intentions are identified as they arise and thus we see that we can choose to let go of our conditioned ways of reacting and relating.
Through
this process we come gradually to operate and live from a whole place
within. A place where there are no-needs: no-need to prove who we are,
no-need
to cling on to a particular sense of identity. A place of inner certainty
and knowing, from which ease and contentment can flow into our daily
life.
The Training
Skilful Means is a training of the Body and the Mind. It is uncomplicated, down to earth and direct. It is acutely relevant to everyday life, and to anyone who wants to investigate how to live with less friction and discomfort within his or her environment, occupation and relationships.
The practice of Skilful Means is the greatest act of kindness to oneself and others as we come to see and understand the true nature of suffering.
The
format of the training consists of residential workshops. These are
intended to be a support to one's life-process and change. They are tailored
to
give participants continuity and regularity of input, as well as personal
guidance from Sonia.
Dana
For all the meditation courses and retreats I am introducing the parami of Dana. Dana is a Pali word meaning: “liberality, generosity, offering” and is the first of the “Six Paramis” ,”the virtues that helps us go further”.
Dana is the antidote to holding on and egoism or self-referencing. The Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche stressed this first virtue as most important to make genuine changes in one’s life. To turn one’s mind to the welfare of others through offering, giving, brings about a loosening of the self-referencing of “ I, Me and Mine”. It is the opposite of the attitude of poverty, where one sees the world in terms of lacks rather than offerings and openings.
So, I invite you to join in this practice of spontaneous offering and opening, of trusting that as we freely give, in turn we are so nurtured.
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Site updated 21/8/2006
