The Seven Factors of Awakening
The path of liberation laid out by the Buddha is not one of self-judgment,
grasping, or acquisitiveness, but rather, one of balance. If we can bring
our system into balance, it is believed, freedom, love and compassion will
emerge. One essential way this balance is described is through the seven
factors of enlightenment: mindfulness, investigation, effort, raptness,
calm, concentration and equanimity. Over the course of these three sessions
we will emphasize practical means of developing and balancing these
qualities.
This series was recorded over 3 nights at the New York Insight Meditation
Center. Each audio mp3 includes guided meditations, dharma talks, and
question & answer sessions.
1. Mindfulness
In this, the first night of the series, Sharon gives us an overview of the 7 factors of awakening and then goes into some depth about the practice of mindfulness. “The first of the factors of enlightenment is Mindfulness and it is said that mindfulness not only will bring the rest, but will also bring them into balance, which is the point.” – Sharon Salzberg
2. Energy, Investigation, Raptness
In this, the second session of the series, Sharon talks about the following 3 factors of awakening, 3 qualities that are energizing: Energy, Investigation, and Raptness. “In the end the goal is not only to enrich and nurture and enliven all of these qualities, but to have them be in balance. That you could say is the awakened mind.” – Sharon Salzberg
3. Concentration, Tranquility, Equanimity
In this, the third and final session of the series, Sharon discusses 3 qualities that are relaxing and peaceful: Concentration, Tranquility, and Equanimity. “In the end the goal is not only to enrich and nurture and enliven all of these qualities, but to have them be in balance. That you could say is the awakened mind.” – Sharon Salzberg
Seven Factors 1 – Mindfulness – $4.99
Seven Factors 2 – Energy, Investigation, Raptness – $4.99
Seven Factors 3 – Concentration, Tranquility, Equanimity – $4.99
Seven Factors ALL – $11.99 (includes all 3 files as a zip file)
