S4 Ep12: Discussion Show November 2020

Steve Hemmingsley is a meditation student at the House of Inner Tranquillity. Together with the Centre's Spiritual Director, Paul Harris, they discuss how to incorporate both the philosophy and practice of the Buddha's teaching in one's life.Timestamp: 00:00  When learning about the practice, can we over attach to knowledge?  05:40  As we match our direct experience with intellectual understanding, does that give us growing motivation to practice? 08:20  As we review our progress, can we say that everything that has happened is for the best, and something we needed to experience?  12:10  When we are affected by negative moods, we might find it difficult to meditate, even though we know it would be beneficial. How can we overcome that block?  16:09  We are encouraged to use the breath as an ‘anchor’. On the insight path, is this something we always come back to, or are there other approaches?  23:00  We can experience painful mental and physical sensations in meditation. Does mindful noting help to ‘desensitise’ us to the intensity of this, or is it just our habitual resistances falling away?  26:00  How does the practice relate to our perception of time, particularly in relation to being present and being on ‘autopilot’? 34:40  How does the mind work when it has been stilled, and hindrances have been dealt with?  37:00  Mindfulness has recently attracted a lot more interest in our culture. Has this affected people’s perception of Buddhism?  44:50  Were there any points in your own journey when you had doubts about the Buddhist path?  51:45  From your standpoint now, do you see the ego as a complete illusion?