Teachers
Tuere Sala, Alex Haley, Phillip Moffitt (selected teachings)
Location
Online
Format
Prerequisite
Completion of at least two 6-night silent meditation retreats with trained Buddhist teachers in any Buddhist tradition
Description
“We are capable of being mindful of and exploring many dimensions of awareness. And we are capable of direct knowing in ways we have hardly touched upon previously. The teachings of the Nine Bodies can provide the imaginative, creative framework for us to discover and develop these capabilities.” — Phillip Moffitt in his book Awakening through the Nine Bodies
This 9-month course is a deep and sustained exploration of the Knowing Capacities, based on the Nine Bodies map of consciousness. The Knowing Capacities are often only partially recognized (or completely unrecognized) even among long-term practitioners. In this approach to Insight Meditation practice, consciousness, through its many Knowing Capacities, becomes the object of meditation. This practice utilizes the felt sense as a means for freeing the mind of over-conceptualization and supporting the arising of liberating insights.
The Knowing Capacities are a central aspect of the Naturally Arising Practice Method, which is oriented specifically to lay practitioners who wish to practice Dharma deeply in daily life. At its core, Naturally Arising refers to the effortless unfolding of concentration, insight and clarity when supportive conditions are set, without forcing the mind.
Each month will explore new facets of the Knowing Capacities alongside concrete practice orientations and skills from the Naturally Arising Practice Method, supported by a steady rhythm of live and self-paced learning. Participants will gather for a two-hour teaching session on the second Wednesday of the month (3:30–5:30 pm PT) and for a one-hour live Questions & Responses session on the last Friday (2:00–3:00 pm PT); both live sessions will be recorded and made available. Between sessions, participants will be guided through monthly self-paced study and practice with pre-recorded teaching videos, guided meditations, sutta reflections, written teachings, and reflection questions.
Model of Mutual Support
This course is offered in the Buddhist tradition of dāna, which means freely giving. The suggested donation range is $225 - $2,250 (equating to $25 - $250 per month over 9 months). However, you are welcome to offer any amount you wish below or above this range. Finances need not be a barrier to participation. Any offering is gratefully accepted, tax-deductible, and supports the teachers and Dharma Ground.