Brahmavihāra and Emptiness

Instructor(s): Bhikkhu Analayo, Ann Dillon, Linda Grace, and Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna

Program Description:

This program will undertake a study of brahmavihāra meditation and the gradual entry into emptiness (described in the Cūḷasuññata-sutta, MN 121), relating both of these modes of practice to progress to awakening. A central focus during the study sessions will be the bodhipakkhiya dhammas, those qualities and practices that according to early Buddhism are central to liberation. This program is meant for experienced meditation practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding and practice. The emphasis throughout the program will be on what is of practical relevance to actual meditation practice. This program will combine study and discussion sessions in the mornings with guided meditation instructions given during the silent practice periods of the rest of the day.

Learning Intentions:

To examine central aspects of the brahmavihāras and their potential contribution to progress to awakening; deepen understanding of the qualities pertinent to awakening (bodhipakkhiyā dhammā), their relationships and their importance in progressing on the path; explore the Buddha's teachings on emptiness, develop proper understanding of the doctrine of not-self, and consider relevant application in our own practice, both formal meditation and daily life; and understand the relationship between meditative cultivation of insight and development of the eightfold path, and how this can be applied in our own practice.

Noble Silence:

This program includes dedicated periods of both wise speech and noble silence. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for intermediate and advanced practitioners.

Prerequisites:

Participants need to be familiar with Bhikkhu Anālayo's approach to the Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana), particularly the hindrances and the awakening factors, by having sat a previous retreat with him on this topic or having participated in his online Satipatthana program. Participants should also have sat three week-long vipassana retreats.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Bhikkhu Anālayo

  Bhikkhu Anālayo is a scholar-monk and the author of numerous books on meditation and early Buddhism, such as Satipatthāna: The Direct Path to Realization, Perspectives on Satipatthāna, and Satipatthāna Meditation: A Practice Guide. He is a Faculty Member at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, having retired from being a professor at the Numata Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hamburg. His main area of academic research is early Buddhism, with a special interest in the topics of meditation and women in Buddhism. At the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies he regularly teaches residential study & practice courses, participates in online programs and undertakes research into meditation-related themes.  For a full list of Bhikkhu Anālayo’s publications, please click here.

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  Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā

  Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā is a scholar-monastic and practitioner, born in Italy in 1980. She is the director of the Āgama Research Group and her main research interests are the early Buddhist discourses and Vinaya texts, as well as the development of the theories, practices and ideologies of Buddhist meditative traditions (for her publications, see here). Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā has been practicing meditation since 1996 and has been studying and collaborating with Bhikkhu Anālayo since 2007.