Recorded at Insight Meditation Satsang
Online,
October 17, 2023
DESCRIPTION
The second tetrad of ānāpānasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) starts with cultivating rapture (pīti) and happiness (sukha). You may have noticed that those are two of the “jhāna factors,” qualities we cultivate in the course of developing meditative absorption. They are the third and fourth factors in that list, preceded by connecting and sustaining attention (vitakka and vicāra), and followed by one-pointedness (ekaggatā).
This is a list that develops more or less in order as we practice, so we should expect to see connecting and sustaining already established by the time we get to the second tetrad. Tonight we’ll explore how the first steps imply the necessary steps of vitakka and vicāra as a preparation for the deeper somatic blisses of the later steps.
This process is a training in becoming attuned to subtle pleasure, and distinguishing the pleasures of stillness, inner solitude, and disengagement, from the more punchy pleasures of sensual stimulation, mental entertainment, and distraction.
SEAN OAKES
Sean Feit Oakes, PhD (he/they, queer, Puerto Rican & English, living on Pomo ancestral land in Northern California), teaches Buddhism and somatic practice focusing on the integration of meditation, trauma resolution, and social justice. He received Insight Meditation teaching authorization from Jack Kornfield, and wrote his dissertation on extraordinary states in Buddhist meditation and experimental dance. Sean holds certifications in Somatic Experiencing (SEP, assistant), and Yoga (E-RYT 500, YACEP), and teaches at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, East Bay Meditation Center, Insight Timer, and elsewhere.
LINKS
Website: seanfeitoakes.com
Community Page: In It To End It
YouTube channel: In It To End It
Spirit Rock: spiritrock.org/teachers/sean-oakes
Insight Timer: insighttimer.com/seanoakes
GIVING
All of Dr. Oakes’ independent teaching is offered on the model of Gift Economy, in the Buddhist tradition of dāna, inspired giving. Support of our teaching and community is gratefully received. Thank you for your generosity.
Donate:
seanfeitoakes.com/gift-economy
Blessings on your path.