Welcome to the Community Resources thread! Please feel free to share and discuss any resources here that might be of interest to our community, such as podcasts, interviews, courses, and retreat opportunities.
If possible, please provide some detail and/or talking points alongside the resource so people have a sense of its content before they click on any links, and to kickstart any subsequent discussion.
Many thanks!
i stumbled upon the work of Bhikkhu Cintita -- and it is quite uncanny how much i recognize from my own practice and view.
he works from an early Buddhist perspective, trying to read -- and practice -- the way of being that is proposed in the suttas without the misleading reinterpretations of key terms. even when i disagree with him on certain points, i think that what he proposes is extremely worthwhile as a counterbalance for the tendencies i see in the pragmatic dharma scene.
the first article from him that i read is this one: https://sitagu.org/cintita/satipatthana/3Samadhi.pdf
here, he argues that what the suttas describe with the terms jhana and samadhi are organic developments of sati -- that unfold spontaneously when the hindrances are left behind. vitakka and vicara are interpreted as verbal / discursive contemplation -- and they are factors of the first jhana: one brings up a dhamma theme for contemplation (vitakka) and deliberates about it (vicara), and one becomes gathered around (samadhi) this theme when preoccupation with the world is left behind. the next shift is to a silent mode of cognition, in which verbal thinking falls away, but alertness and investigation of dhammas continue, and which he identifies as second jhana. this is a spontaneous unfolding when conditions for it are in place, and not the effect of a technique. these modes of being have nothing to do with arbitrarily narrowing attention, but presuppose full alertness and sensitivity to what is present. this is precisely how practice has unfolded for me, and how i came to interpret these terms from the suttas.
hope this can be of use for others as well -- either supporting the practice of those who already are exploring along the same lines, or serving as a basis for questioning to those who are coming with already pre-established assumptions about what practice means (formed by either "mainstream" or "hardcore" teachers) and projecting that meaning upon the suttas, while using the same words to describe a quite different practice.
Bhikkhu Cintita has a blog where he published quite a lot -- https://bhikkhucintita.wordpress.com/. i haven't read much more, but it seems that what he does is along the same lines as my own explorations during the last 4 years -- but deeper and more articulate.
I found his work recently too. Quite remarkable! What’s more confusing is that I did find myself disagreeing with him on some things 😂
i also disagree on some things -- but it s disagreement "within the family", so to say, not with outsiders ))
His book Buddhist Path / Buddhist Life is really good as well, particularly as an introduction to Buddhism and as a foundational work.
I see that he has books available for sale too https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/ucintita
I am going to order the one on dependent coarising and check it out.
i think the pdf might be available for free on his site, i ll check later.
edit: yes, it is. here is the pdf: https://bhikkhucintita.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/dependentcoarisingweb1006.pdf
He has a blog post which has links to his books, and within each book a PDF link, from the ones I checked.
Post: https://bhikkhucintita.wordpress.com/books-bhikkhu-cintita/
Online retreat in early March
There's still room for a few participants on the online retreat I'm teaching from March 4th to the 10th through Zoom. As always, the retreat is based on pay-what-you-can dana, with retreatants finding a space for themselves to practice. An online retreat does not have the intimacy of a residential retreat, but gives nevertheless a great opportunity for more concerted practice with some element of quiet, shared solidarity with the other participants.
The retreat can be attended either full-time (meaning five to eight hours of practice per day, increasing as the retreat progresses) or part-time during normal work days (with a recommended minimum of three hours practice per day). There will also be a dharma talk and/or q&a in the evenings European time, most of which participants should aim to attend. :)
There will also be four or five mandatory one-on-one interviews with me during the retreat where we discuss you practice trajectory and what looks like the best areas of practice to target.
One-on-one coaching
I'm also looking for some more one-on-one students. Generally speaking I meet with students once every week or every two weeks. This is likewise based on pay-what-you-can dana.
For more information on me, my background as a teacher, my influences and for examples of lectures, see my webpage https://niccolaggi.com. There's an online calendar on the website for fast booking. You can also contact me at niccolaggi(at)gmail.com if you wish to ask more information. Feel free to also check out my comment history here on reddit (though it's now somewhat swamped with my own ads, heh - scroll down a bit) for more examples of my point of view in writing.
Best of luck and happiness to you in your days. :) May the beginning year be full of grace, optimism, and learning.
Santtu
Starting on Monday, 8th of January , donation based, 7 week meditation course on healing core beliefs of insecure attachment:
The negative beliefs (the Schemas of Jeff Young’s Schema Therapy) are:
Emotional Deprivation (the expectation that no one will understand you or be there for you emotionally)
Defectiveness and Shame
Social Isolation and Alienation
Abandonment and Instability
Emotional Inhibition (the tendency to repress and not express emotions or needs)
Mistrust and Abuse
https://attachmentrepair.com/online-events/2024-01-insecure-attachment/
A reading from Longchenpa's "The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena" (Dzogchen & Trekcho) A reading from Longchenpa's "The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena" (Dzogchen & Trekcho)
This is a reading from "The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena," narrated by Lama Dawai Gocha. This is a text on Trekcho, which in Tibetan Buddhism is the method of "cutting through solidity." Trekcho brings practitioners of the highest acumen to freedom swiftly and effortlessly.
These teachings used to be held as closely guarded secrets and never shared publicly, but thanks to the internet, we have these teachings freely available to us.
Link to YouTube recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyUviKjRpAw
Intro (and Re-Intro) to Meditation 6-week Course
This course is a pathway to u/tuckerpeck's intermediate and advanced meditators’ eSangha, and also serves as a great ‘re-minding’ for more experienced folks. It’s also a solid foundation for attending retreats with Dr. Tucker Peck, Upasaka Upali, and Dr. Kynan Tan.
A modern, pragmatic approach to experiencing the practical benefits of classic meditation and contemplative wisdom, or Dharma. This non-AI, human-led course will help you learn to meditate through shared experience, give you motivation to build a regular practice, and inspire confidence to meditate on your own. You’ll receive personalized guidance to your unique questions and challenges as they come up. Together, we’ll experience three key types of meditation and their application to daily life: concentration (shamatha), goodwill (metta), and insight (vipassana). Taught by Nicoya Helm (USA) and Heather Moorcroft (Australia).
Full details and registration here: https://www.nicoyahelm.com/introtomed
A playlist I'm compiled over time of the teachings I find most useful with regards to practice, including perspective (a few videos don't come from a "spiritual" background) https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL84e0D91bwL3lUYD5VQfymue4wsB6jhB6&si=rz5zcW2JJnhJeS5R
Samaneri Jayasara's recordings of many teachings, without music https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWzYrEdlV4O6gMwoKMpjrcmJdv1RwBSXz&si=Dh1PNwNAXf0f9vL_
A random, small playlist for Maranasati that I found https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNhEHk3xS7_pGnjlSBTqGiEy2Q-QMEQ_y&si=dVEkCGDSn4umDWJE
Thank you! When I get back from my trip I will see if I can find a place for these in the wiki as well
Everyone is invited to attend free daily Dzogchen meditation and discussion sessions at meditationonline.org, 9 am and 9pm est every day. We have a solid group so far of people from all over the world, meditating on awareness and reading some great texts, mostly with the nyingma lama Dawai Gocha.
All are welcome! No need to speak or go on camera either, although it may be helpful to share a bit to help discussion. We usually kick things off with a silent sit them begin discussion/reading, q/a then sign off for the day/night.
Hi friends, last call for the Deepening Meditation Course! Upali and I are offering this as an opportunity for practitioners to go deeper in their practice through establishing consistency, getting clear instruction, and having close contact with teachers and other practitioners to motivate and inspire. We’ve tailored the course to provide a high quality experience and give a high degree of support, instruction, and community, giving practitioners the opportunity to deepen and grow their practice.
“Perfect jump-start to practice! Compassionate, knowledgeable teachers that bring insight and humor into every session.” -- participant from the July 2023 cohort.
Dates: Tuesdays, January 9th – February 13th, 2024 Live and interactive classes over Zoom. Two class times to suit your time zone.
Each week there is a group class plus two optional practice sessions (recorded and sent to all participants).
Course costs are by sliding scale ranging from $245 to $445 USD. You can also contact us if you’d like to attend but can’t afford the course right now.
Upasaka Upali and Kynan Tan are full time Dharma Teachers who have taught hundreds of students to meditate with pragmatic and student-centric methods. They work with students 1:1, teach courses, and hold silent retreats online and in-person around the world.
Below are residential silent meditation retreats happening in 2024 that are potentially a good fit for practitioners of this subreddit. The retreats are located in the US and Europe. Each retreat is offered on Dana (generosity), meaning all prices are at cost, and support for teachings is given after the retreat. The costs vary by the retreat center and selected housing option. Costs include room and board, and scholarships are available for each retreat if the cost is prohibitive.
5-Days - Tazewell, Tennessee, USAApril 3rd – 7th, 2024 Early Bird Discount Ending on February 15th
5-Days - Sulzberg, GermanyMay 29th – June 2nd, 2024 Early Bird Discount Ending on February 15th
10-Days - eSangha Europe Annual Retreat - Glastonbury, England June 9th - 18th, 2024
10-Days - The Mind Illuminated Retreat - Cochise Stronghold, Arizona, USA October 13th – 22nd, 2024
17 or 10 Days - eSangha Annual Retreat - Bowie, Arizona, USA November 8th – 24th or 8th - 17th, 2024
About the Teaching Style at these retreats These retreats offer a student-centered and pragmatic approach to meditation and dharma teachings. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, students choose what they'd like to practice based on what works while receiving teacher support and expertise. The retreats offer daily one-on-one interviews, open office hours, and group interviews. The approach integrates teachings from various traditions and recognizes the interplay of dharma and psychology. The retreats aim to be accessible regardless of income level, with offerings at cost and teacher support by Dana.
About the Teachers teaching the retreats
Upasaka UpaliUpali is a Dharma teacher with over a decade of teaching experience. He focuses on helping lay practitioners establish consistency and depth in their meditation practices. He is particularly interested in exploring meditation as both a technique and a relationship. Upali is especially a fan of group silent retreats to deepen one's practice.
Tucker Peck, PhD (eSangha Retreats) Tucker Peck is a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher with extensive experience working with advanced meditators and using meditation to help individuals with psychological disorders. He is a published author on the scientific study of meditation and has studied under teachers such as Sharon Salzberg and Upasaka Culadasa.
Henrik Norberg (TMI Retreat) Henrik is a cave yogi, wanderer, and mind explorer interested in Samadhi practices and is a certified TMI/ Mind Illuminated instructor.
Hi friends, registrations are now open for the Deepening Meditation Course starting in July. Upali and I are very excited to offer this as an opportunity for practitioners to go deeper in their practice through establishing consistency, getting clear instruction, and having close contact with teachers and other practitioners to motivate and inspire. We’ve tailored the course to provide a high-quality experience and give a high degree of support, instruction, and community, giving practitioners the opportunity to deepen and grow their practice.
“Perfect jump-start to practice! Compassionate, knowledgeable teachers that bring insight and humor into every session.” -- participant from the July 2023 cohort.
Dates: Tuesdays, July 9th – August 13th, 2024. Live and interactive classes over Zoom. Three class times to suit your time zone (US/EU/AU).
Each week there is a group class plus two optional practice sessions (recorded and sent to all participants).
Course costs are by sliding scale ranging from $295 to $445 USD. You can also contact us if you’d like to attend but can’t afford the course right now.
Upasaka Upali and Kynan Tan are full time Dharma Teachers who have taught hundreds of students to meditate with pragmatic and student-centric methods. They work with students 1:1, teach courses, and hold silent retreats online and in-person around the world.
3-Month Retreat -- now inviting applications!
March 31 - June 30, 2024
Led by North Burn and assistant teachers
Offered in a culture of dana (generosity)
https://boundlessness.org/retreat
The focus of the retreat is the direct practice of the Middle Way, which liberates the heart from suffering and brings great compassion.
This reimagining of the ancient 3-month “Rains Retreat" is a time to cultivate mindful awareness, samadhi, and liberative insight. The core practice is establishing the foundations of mindfulness which bring the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths to fruition.
North’s main effort as a teacher is to help each person find and cultivate the particular method of meditation that is onward leading to them. His overarching style of teaching is learning to recognize and trust our innate wakefulness.
During the retreat, Noble Silence will be observed. Participants adhere to the traditional Eight Precepts and maintain shared standards of conduct. Regular teachings will be offered through morning instructions, individual meetings with teachers, occasional guided meditations, and daily dharma talks. Participants will be strongly encouraged to follow the intensive schedule together.
Boundless Refuge is an independent and unaffiliated spiritual organization founded in 2021. We have now held two 3-month retreats with the intention of continuing to offer this annually. Our 2024 retreat will be held at a property in Northern California with space for up to 20 yogis.
This experience is for those sincerely dedicated to awakening for the benefit of all beings.
https://boundlessness.org
✨ JOIN THE SPRING MEDITATION ADVENTURE of Mind Muar ✨
We Begin NEXT MONTH! March 3rd - May 26th
The Winter Adventure is a well-structured mind-training program - an opportunity to take your knowledge and skills to a new level with three months of intensive meditative practice. Inspired by The Mind Illuminated, we'll master its upgraded meditation technique through 12 online classes, supported by an intimate Sangha of no more than 9 participating Adventurers.
With the Adventure starting soon, please apply swiftly through our website. As a bonus, when you opt-in to receive our Premium Content, you'll also receive the updated printable version of The Playful Path for FREE.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER:
https://www.mindmuar.com/meditation-adventures
Sending Metta,
Oded Raz
The Adventure’s Leader
Online ideal parent figure workshop this Saturday 10th
Coming up this Saturday — an experiential, online ideal parent figure therapy workshop! Aimed towards folks who are just getting into IPF or curious about trying it. This is a great chance to get a sense of what it's all about! It’ll be led by an IPF practitioner who I’d highly recommend :)
State of Non-Return by Om
Traveler now reach the stream. The astral flight adapter
From the pain-sheath life ascends - the Non-returner sees
Empathy release me - and the phoenix rise triumphant
And walks onto the certitude ground - the soul's submergence endsFrom the rounds of rebirth - he arrives onto the deathless
Light bores through the adjunct worlds - the soul-galleon prevails
Liberates in wisdom to complete state of negation
The five roads subsumed by grace - emancipates from dream
The full album is awesome, but I never payed close attention to the lyrics until today - and I am amazed.
Hey, this community resources thread will stay up for three months, as part of our effort to try to get more community engagement and to allow people to share and connect on a longer term than just a week :)