Yuka Nakamura has practiced Buddhist meditation since 1993 in the Theravada, Dzogchen and Zen traditions, and has been trained as a teacher by Fred von Allmen. Living in Switzerland, she teaches meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Equanimity is a balance of mind even in the face of change and turmoil. A spaciousness of the heart that is vast enough to hold the joys and sorrows of life. A stillness that lies beneath the waves of an agitated mind. The talk discusses different ways in which equanimity manifests in our relationships to other beings and life experiences.
Our actions are often driven by unconscious or conflicting intentions. How can we align with wholesome intentions and cultivate wholesome mindstates? Based on the Dvedhāvitakkasutta the talk discusses the importance of renunciation, metta and compassion for the path and the transformation of the heart.
How can we practise Metta - benevolence - in the midst of our life? Metta can express itself in many ways, as generosity, ethics and kind speech, but also in the way we perceive people, appreciating what is good, and the world, seeing the non-separation and interconnectedness and living from this understanding.
The Buddha emphasized intention as the key to happiness and peace. However, often we are not aware of the intentions behind our choices and actions. Based on the Dvedhāvitakka Sutta the talks discusses the unwholesome intentions of sensual desire, ill will and cruelty and the wholesome intentions of renunciation, lovingkindness and compassion. It also discusses central aspects of mental cultivation.
How can we meet the ecological crises facing our planet without falling into denial, grief or cynicism? Acknowledging the Dukkha can awaken a sense of urgency, samvega, that gives us the energy and courage to rise to the challenge and seek ways of responding skilfully. The talk addresses three areas: Developing wisdom and skills, acting from wisdom and compassion, connecting with others and engaging in our communities and societies.
The talk discusses the role of perception in creating and shaping our experience and the problems that arise due to our lack of awareness regarding the fabricated nature of awareness and the distortions of perception.
It presents a way of practice that involves playing and experimenting with different skilful ways of looking. 1. Seeing in terms of the three characteristics, 2. Seeing through the lenses of goodwill and friendliness, 3. Imaginal, creative and symbolic ways of looking.
