Spring 2011 Shamatha Retreat

This simple approach to loving-kindness was taught by the Buddha himself. We will be extending the awareness out spatially in all directions -- without bounds -- but first requesting that we be free of animosity (the distant enemy of loving-kindness). Alan tells us about how Matthieu Ricard once said, in the context of compassion practice (but the statement is analogous to loving-kindness practice) that one way you know the practice is working, that it's been more than an intellectual exercise, is that if you find, as a result of your meditation, when your meditation comes to a close and you venture out, engaging with other sentient beings, you're actually poised to serve the needs of others, to alleviate someone's distress, if that's a possibility. The guided meditation begins at 13:34 in the recording. Alan then answers these questions from the group: 1. What is the acquired sign? 2. Why, when you're meditating so quietly, does the breath become so subtle? 3. I'm eating less to lose weight, but I feel