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Fundamentals of the Dharma: Relax, Observe, Allow, and Respond

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Teacher: Rodney Smith
Date: 2012-09-25
Venue: Seattle Insight Meditation Center

Series

Description

Relax, observe, allow, and respond are the quiet R-O-A-R of the Dharma. These words place us in the proper orientation to life so that life can affect us. Notice this is not passivity, since responding is essential. These words set us up so that we are aligned with our spiritual intentions, each word offering a perspective on the ease and observation needed for our spiritual fulfillment.

Homework

How does relaxation foster greater observation? How does allowing what you see increase your ease and well being and enable a natural response to occur? Notice how these four words mutally reinforce one another, and all four are the activities of faith. When we are not contracted and defensive, we are relaxing, allowing, and responding appropriately.  When we are not self-defended, reality can affect us, and that is the movement of faith. Take any one of these words and experientially see how they affect the other three, and how all four work cooperatively toward greater faith.

Video

Link to view on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/50460873

TalkID=954 SeriesID=45

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