Alan Wallace Shamatha Teachings Fall 2010

Alan makes two important points about equanimity and balance. Alan’s first point is that equanimity is the balanced foundation needed to achieve Bodhicitta. Just as Shamatha provides the cognitive balance needed for Vipassana, equanimity provides the affective balance needed for Bodhicitta. Alan’s second point is that a balance between faith and intelligence is extremely critical. This sacred tension between faith and skepticism is part of our practice of equanimity. Alan leads us in a meditation on equanimity by guiding us to expand our horizons of inclusion with the practice of Tonglen. Following the meditation, Alan answers student questions about what are the best and worst times of day to practice Dharma.