Once we have developed calm-abiding to some degree, the mind becomes settled enough that we can take anything that arises in our present moment experience as the object of meditation. For example, in this course we will explore the key vipashyana practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which encompasses everything that we experience. We will have an opportunity to practice some of these four foundations through guided analytical meditations.

Another vipashyana practice is meditation on the Four Noble Truths: what we are to know (the truth of suffering), what we relinquish (the origin of suffering), what we attain (the truth of cessation) and what we rely upon (the truth of the path). Here, enlightenment is the direct, non-conceptual, profound realization of the Four Noble Truths. Mind and Its World IV takes a deep dive into these four truths and their 16 aspects.

In addition, we will look at identitylessness and the 12 links of interdependence, as well as the 37 branches of enlightenment, which are qualities that manifest as we progress along the path. The Four Foundations of Mindfulness are the first four branches of enlightenment. They are the root of everything and are included in all of the succeeding branches. This practice  will continue to deepen as we progress through the other branches: the four correct efforts, the four bases of miraculous powers, the five faculties, the five powers, the eight branches of the path of the noble ones and the seven branches of enlightenment.

Mind and Its World IV starts Sunday, January 22, 2023. Join Dr. Sandra Roscoe and Susan Stewart in the exploration of aspects of the view of the Sautrantika philosophical system and the foundational path to liberation, as well as the result that is gained by practicing that path. We will do analytical meditation at various points throughout the course to deepen our understanding of what we are studying and how it relates to our present-day lives. Registration will open soon.