Aware of 'suffering' in conditions - experiencing the peace of the unconditioned

In this talk I am addressing a group of sincere yogis who have come to attend a 9 day meditation retreat. As most of these people had attended several retreats before I found myself talking about subtle yet important aspects of the approach and attitude that we need to bring to the actual meditation.  Trying to avoid looking at Dukkha (suffering/unsatisfactoriness) does not work. Having a look at suffering and yet feeling sorry for ourselves or blaming others doesn't work either. Allowing the mind to restlessly fantasize doesn't work and neither does falling asleep. Coming to meditate again and again with an attitude of sincere interest, patience, gentleness, determination however, does bring truly excellent results.

 At first it can seem counter-intuitive to sit down and look at the pain that impinges on the body and mind. But when we do this with the affirming awareness of 'Bud-Dho' however, we discover that the mindful awareness that can 'know' suffering, if generated and held in the mind with consistency, can become a truly serene refuge for the heart. Meditators who practice with consistency will also come to experience many wholesome and blissful states.

May the refuge of Dhamma deepen within, unveiling deep peace and meditative bliss.

With metta,

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Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu

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