The wisdom of practicing in the body, with its vast scope and nuance, permeates early Buddhism. One who has practiced mindfulness of the body is said to have “included whatever wholesome dhammas there are that partake of true knowledge” (MN119). This knowledge includes the means to understand the mechanics of the body, as well as the means to use the body as an instrument of practice. Even when we aim to understand the mind, learning to embody practice, to practice with our flesh and bones, is helpful.
What we wish to awaken to is already present; it is not far off in some other realm of existence. The teachings of early Buddhism make it clear that practice is undertaken, and can be completely fulfilled, as an embodied human being. Indeed, it is precisely as an embodied being that we can practice. The frameworks of practice describe ways to direct our attention to and develop clarity about the principles that are demonstrated by our embodied existence. By practicing together, in relationship with each other, we also explore how this body and mind are integrated with our surroundings.
Living in this body as a Dhamma, we will conduct an investigation of the Four Noble Truths and ways we might experience them in our bodies. This program will be grounded in practice as well as study of the Samana Sutta (Connected Discourse 12.66), the Bundles of Reeds Sutta (Connected Discourse 12.67), and the Rohitassa Sutta (Numbered Discourse 4.45).
Program Format: Our days together will begin with noble silence and meditation through breakfast. Then, there will be interaction and lecture until lunch. Afternoons will include brief breakout group activities, open practice, and discussions with Dhammadīpā and/or each other. Noble silence will begin again at dinner, and we will meditate in the evening.
