Let’s Talk About Meditation With Br. Phap Vu

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom” – Buddha

Dear Still Water Friends,

This Thursday evening, after our sitting and walking, we are privileged to explore the practice of meditation with Br. Phap Vu. I asked him to share with us his intentions for the evening:

Of course, mindfulness is a core practice in our tradition. However, meditation is also an integral part of the practice. Mindfulness and meditation not only support one another, each one can be found embedded in the other. We use mindfulness in meditation and the clarity and insight developed in meditation supports our mindfulness. On the cushion, off the cushion, both support one another in many ways.

In our tradition, we spend a great deal of time exploring mindfulness but we really don’t spend much time sharing about meditation. Have you ever wondered if you are doing it right or on the right path? Have you wondered how to take your meditation practice deeper? Are you aware of the basic hindrances, or obstacles, to a deep meditative practice? Just as there are many forms, or types, of meditation there are many aspects to meditation. The more we articulate and understand our internal process the more we can explore our potential for growth. In fact, the word “meditation” is a translation of the Pali term bhāvanā, which means “cultivating the mind,” or “application of the mind.”

So please join me in exploring the many facets and experiences of meditation.

Phap Vu (Dharma Rain) was ordained as a monastic by Venerable Master Thich Nhat Hanh in 2003. In 2011 he received the Lamp Transmission, establishing him as a Dharma Teacher. Prior to his ordination, as a lay practitioner, Phap Vu had spent six years practicing meditation in the Chinese Chan Tradition and received the Dharma name Original Abiding.

You are invited to be with us.

Many blessings,

Mitchell Ratner

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