“He who sees dependent origination sees the Dhamma; he who sees the Dhamma sees dependent origination.” Majjhima Nikaya 28.
At the heart of the Buddha’s wisdom teachings are those on the interdependence of all phenomena, often called “Dependent Origination”. Nothing exists on its own; everything is dependent on earlier circumstances. Dependent Origination is described as a chain with twelve links the first of which is ignorance, the inability to perceive things clearly.
Over the course of our day together, we will investigate and clarify each link, and ultimately comprehend the causes of suffering. We will begin by looking at simpler and earlier lists that clearly show what the Buddha is trying to teach us. From this foundation, the twelve links become more accessible. Dependent Origination also has deep implications for how we understand the universe of our human perception and cognition. We will explore these aspects as well.
This program is appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. Our time together will include formal meditation and discussion of sutta passages as well as time for questions and discussion.
Leigh Brasington has been practicing meditation since 1985 and is the senior American student of the late Ven. Ayya Khema. Leigh began assisting Ven. Ayya Khema in 1994 and began teaching retreats on his own in 1997. He teaches in Europe and North America and is the author of the book “Right Concentration: A Practical Guide to the Jhanas” (Shambhala Publications, 2015). Visit Leigh’s web site at http://leighb.com