Guided Meditation – Mindfulness of Feelings
This is a guided meditation on the second close application of mindfulness – mindfulness of feelings (Skt. vedana). The four close applications of mindfulness (Skt. smrityupasthana; Pali. satipatthana) are the bedrock of the Buddha’s teachings on vipashyana, and as the Buddha described them: the direct path to nirvana. In this guided practice we attend closely to the different types of feelings (pleasure, displeasure, and indifference) arising in relation to sensations from our five physical senses and we carefully pose questions and inspect the very nature of these feelings.
Guided Meditation on R.A.I.N. (with Charlotte Adler)
This is a guided meditation on R.A.I.N., recorded by Charlotte Adler. R.A.I.N. is a method by which we release painful emotions through mindfulness and self-compassion. Charlotte explains more about R.A.I.N. in Episode 13 of this podcast. This is a beautiful meditation and we’re so grateful to Charlotte for her kindness in sharing this with us. We’re sure it will benefit many. May all beings be happy.
Healing Trauma Through Meditation and R.A.I.N. – In Conversation with Charlotte Adle
In this episode, we are joined by Charlotte Adler of Bodhicitta Lifeworks. Charlotte is a healer, therapeutic counsellor, and meditation guide and has spent the last 13 years or so helping women to deal with all aspects of recovery in the aftermath of addiction and trauma. Extensive studies in Buddhist Psychology plus time spent in Northern India practising both yoga and meditation, have led her to her current position, offering, with the greatest joy, accessible Dharma workshops and guided meditation to retreatants at all levels of study and practice. Charlotte was kind enough to share her thoughts and experience of meditation, Buddhism, healing trauma through meditation, and R.A.I.N.
Guided Meditation on Maitrī (Loving-Kindness)
This is a guided meditation on Loving-Kindness (maitrī in Sanskrit). Loving Kindness is the first of the Four Immeasurables, a rich compilation of practices that open the heart, counter the distortions in our relationships with ourselves and deepens our relationship with others. The essential nature of loving-kindness is a yearning that the person we are directing our attention to be well and happy. The object of one’s loving-kindness may be oneself, another human being, an animal, or any other sentient being. May everyone be free of enmity. May everyone be free of affliction. May everyone be free of anxiety. May everyone be well and happy.
Guided Meditation – Anāpānasati
This is a short 15-minute guided anāpānasati practice. Simply meaning ‘mindfulness of breathing,’ anāpānasati was the meditation practice most widely emphasized by the Buddha. It is a practice in which mindful breathing is used to develop samadhi (concentration) and achieve the state of shamatha (calm abiding) and is especially suited for those who are prone to rumination and overthinking.
How to Stop Thoughts in Meditation
In this episode, Dassetu addresses the question ‘how to stop thinking 1000 thoughts during meditation?’ Talking practically from his own experience and what’s been taught by contemplatives for thousands of years, he explores key practices for those prone to rumination and suggests some helpful tips.
What to Do When You Feel Sad
In this episode, Dassetu addresses the question: what to do when I feel sad and overwhelmed? In modern life, in the pursuit of a successful and happy life, we have a tendency to abuse the mind without even realising it. This leaves us feeling unbalanced, detached, unhappy, easily overwhelmed, and at times unable to function. These are symptoms of an unbalanced mind that is being abused. Now is the time to learn the art of grounding yourself, countering this abuse by cultivating emotional balance, and ridding ourselves of negative minds.
Guided Meditation – Settling the Body, Speech and Mind in their Natural States
This is a 15-minute guided meditation in which we engage in the practice of settling body, speech and mind in their natural states. This practice is a wonderful preparation for any meaningful endeavour and can be used as a meditation in itself or as a preliminary practice to a longer meditation session. The purpose of the practice is to settle the body, speech & mind with the three qualities of relaxation, stillness & clarity. By practising in this way, our mind will settle, and it’s luminous, peaceful, blissful and non-conceptual nature will reveal itself.
Why You Should Meditate
In this episode, Dassetu answers the question ‘Why Meditate?’ and explains why everyone should meditate. When we first try to meditate, we notice that our mind is all over the place. This experience shows us how little control we have over our mind. Having so little control over our mind is the reason why we experience negative feelings and are not able to be happy. Meditation is more than just a fun way to relax, it is essential if we want to experience our deepest wish which drives our day-to-day life – the wish for lasting happiness and freedom from painful feeling.
Guided Meditation – The Space of the Mind
This is a 15-minute guided meditation in which we turn our attention to the space of the mind – the domain where thoughts, images, memories, and feelings arise. When we are experiencing crippling anxiety, stress, depression, and other strong negative emotions, it is easy to become overwhelmed and can seem impossible to gain control over our mind. It’s time to realise our power as the agent, the ‘thinker,’ and learn to gain control over our mind and our emotions, instead of them having control over us.