412: The Alchemical Heart (The Dharma Toolkit, Episode 35)

Happy New Year! May 2021 prove a kinder, more hopeful year for all.In this first podcast of the year we turn to the magic of inner transformation, with a special episode to mark our forthcoming Home Retreat: 'The Alchemical Heart' with Paramananda.In our conversation around the work involved with an "alchemical" approach to meditation Paramananda explores the relationship between Buddhist perspectives on life and the social, political and psychological realms. And most importantly, its connection to a sense of reality as fundamentally poetic in nature. All in service to figuring out how we can live from a genuine, authentic place in our own experience.Aside from alchemy's place in various western wisdom traditions, if here it is all about internal change, then, says Paramananda, the body is the vessel: this is where the work happens - because it is the nearest bit of reality with which we can become intimate. And to do so we must engage with the language of the heart, which is the language of images.To hear Paramananda speak about meditation as a way to truly experience "the poetics of the breath", we know we're in for something extraordinary. Come and join ups on the alchemical journey! In your own time and way on Home Retreat, bring your own body, longing and love. Sign up for the 'The Alchemical Heart' Home Retreat*** Paramananda has been teaching meditation for over 35 years and is well known for his body-based, poetic approach. He has published a number of books on meditation including ‘Change Your Mind’ and, most recently, ‘The Myth of Meditation’.***Check out our Dharma Toolkit space for details of all we have on offer to help you make it through the pandemic and stay inspired.Come meditate with us any week day!***Theme music by Ackport! Used with kind permission.#coronavirus #Covid19 #crisis #pandemic #Buddhism #Buddhist #Buddha #Dharma #Triratna #community #sangha #meditation #mindfulness #alchemy #alchemical #imagination #images #transformation