Understanding the Defilements

Is it possible for us in 21st century America to live with awareness and a sense of well being, right here, right now? asks Steve Armstrong in "The Great Blessings." The Buddha answered the question in his time by identifying the highest blessings in life, both in spiritual practice and also in how we live our lives.

Kamala Masters remarks on how happiness is not about pleasant physical experience in "The Pursuit of Happiness." Happiness is about learning to let go, by seeing and living life in more balance. "When the mind is pure, joy follows," says the Buddha. Being mindful of the feelings of gratitude and generosity brings a lot of happiness, and this helps to protect from the suffering brought on by greed, hatred, and delusion.

Steve Armstrong offers a perspective on how Insight meditation practive affects our life on earth in "Understanding the Noble Eightfold Path." It is only through mindfulness that one can recognize the way things are, the true nature of the body and mind. It is a gradual path of development to practice the eight factors, which are reciprocally supportive.

Kamla Masters speaks on "Resting the Mind" before it falls into extremes. It takes a large measure of equanimity for the heart to stay stable and balanced without wavering from wisdom and compassion. A quiet and balanced heart can take in everthing clearly without adding to the drama during the ups and downs of life.

Steve Armstrong explains the Buddha's teaching of how suffering is due to visiting forces in the mind in "Understanding the Defilements." We don't see our experience clearly when greed, anger, and delusion arise in the mind. Through mindfulness and realization into the nature of these defilements, we can be free of them.