Early Buddhist meditators mapped the ways that matter, mind, and concepts function in conscious experience and developed their theories into a psychological system known as the Abhidhamma (which constitutes the third ‘basket’ of the Buddhist canon). Many contemporary mindfulness and insight meditation practices are structured by principles rooted in Abhidhamma theories. This program is designed for meditators who want to apply these principles to a practical study of mind and matter. We will explore the interactions of materiality and mentality, examine processes of cognition, and gain insight into the nature of perception. We will consider distinctions between concepts and reality, and discuss ways that contemporary meditation systems have applied these ancient understandings to promote direct, practical, and liberating meditative insights. Mornings will be devoted to exploring key dimensions of Abhidhamma theory through presentation and discussion. Afternoons will be devoted to applying the theory in meditation practice.
Our primary course text is Wisdom Wide and Deep, published by Wisdom Publications. Participants are asked to read Chapters 11, 12, and 13 prior to the retreat, and bring the book to the retreat
Program Format: This seminar is designed for experienced meditators; it will include study, discussion, and both guided and silent meditation sessions.