Awake Sydney 2013

Here is a full teaching from Sogyal Rinpoche on meditation and understanding the mind which he gave in Sydney at the end of March 2013. Visit us at http://whatmeditationreallyis.com

In this inspiring teaching Sogyal Rinpoche addresses an audience of young people at Awake Sydney, a unique event created by Rigpa that has also previously been held in Amsterdam. Bringing together mediation and music, Awake aims to make the Buddhist teachings more accessible to younger generations. This teaching took place after a short guided mediation, and in it Sogyal Rinpoche shares the essence of Buddhism. Rinpoche explains how we can develop an attitude of contentment; shows how happiness and suffering depend upon the mind; and finally how the mind is usually turned outwardly, but can turn inwardly and recognize its true nature.

Bringing Meditation Into Everyday Life

As long as you’re not distracted, whatever you do becomes meditation. If you meditate while you eat, relax or talk, you’ll experience a greater degree of peace. You become more mindful and aware, more conscientious and ethical.

Rather than judge or comment on what you see when you walk down the street, simply allow your mind to be purely aware of the objects you encounter. If you manage to do that, your distraction and worry will gradually dissolve, and your mind will calm down.

When you are less emotionally entangled in what you perceive, you become less defensive with other people. And when you are less defensive, it’s easier to listen to and understand them. People respect you when they feel heard and understood.

Cultivating mindfulness and awareness allows you to accomplish more with less stress and helps you to avoid getting burnt out. It brings you the confidence and stability to lead your life with carefree dignity, ease and humour.