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Mind and Body as Pathways to Inquiry and Understanding

Residential Program
Dates: May 22, 2016 - May 27, 2016
Days: Sunday - Friday
Number of Nights: 5 nights

Instructor(s): Sayadaw U Jagara

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Program Description:
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Traditional Buddhist texts describe body and mind as the basic components of our existence, forcing us to look at reality from new and different angles. These teachings contain specific descriptions for the body and mind that enable us to deconstruct our conditioned reality and adopt new ways of seeing things. It requires a systematic change of definitions and perspectives. In order to function in life, our organism is naturally conditioned to deal with the world in ways that support its own survival and continuance, leading to the creation of habits and patterns. How does the mind influence the body in this process, and vice-versa? In addition, the mind itself must be transformed to enable it to tune to these new dimensions. By understanding the classification of phenomena into the two major components of nama-rupa and by seeing their relationship, we come to the foundation of all insight knowledge, vipassana. Some of our delusions then start to break down, while positive patterns of normal behavior are reinforced. In this program, we will analyze various descriptions of nama-rupa as seen in the texts, with their historical development and their purpose. We will also see how their practical application can affect our minds, deepen our understanding, and change our attitude in life. Parallels with complementary disciplines will also be considered to broaden our investigation.