Anatta, or non-self, is a core teaching of the Buddha, and yet can be confusing and bewildering. Sometimes the sense of self loves trying to get rid of itself, all the while maintaining itself on subtle levels. Yet, anatta is our true nature, and we release and relax into non-separation and unity. Qualities of compassion and the heart often support this understanding more than our intellect. This talk will explore anatta from a practical and experiential perspective.

When news of the world is challenging and there is uncertainty for everyone, letting reality in can feel impossible or scary. Yet Buddhist practices are designed to support exactly this, though maybe not all at once. Supported by each other and those who have gone before, bolstered by an innate determination to be free, we practice skills and arts of goodness. Compassionate ethics protects ourselves and others. Meditation turns awareness toward direct experience, open to its textures. Things might start to shift a bit. One practitioner may sense honesty and compassion growing as they admit some limitation. Another might see space for choice where they hadn’t imagined choice was even possible. There are lots of possibilities.

Learning to understand that the Dharma path unfolds in an organic, natural way helps to lessen the tendency to make Dharma practice another self-help project. Seeing the conditioned nature of suffering and the conditioned nature of happiness allows the self to get out of the way and let wisdom and discernment guide us along the path.

The Buddha taught, “Whoever is addicted to society and worldly bustle, they will not partake of the happiness of renunciation, dispassion, peace, and awakening.” Wisdom and awareness practice is an invitation to wholeness and intimacy. We practice opening and receiving the activities of the mind and body with a wisdom that discerns the futility and stressfulness of attachment. The renunciation of attachment is a natural result of seeing things as they are, that all experiences arise and pass lawfully following impersonal causes and conditions. Renunciation, letting go, or letting be, is a profound giving of the heart to the moment just as it is.

Dedicating time to mindfulness practice supports deepening and widening awareness in every moment of our lives. This nourishing and reflective evening will welcome you to fully embody awareness. In the guided meditation a strong emphasis will be placed on noticing the simple experiences of embodiment, like adjusting the posture and seeing the environment around you. The dharma talk will provide context and offer inspiration for bringing fuller attention to the body both in daily life and when sitting.