64 Loving-Kindness and Q&A

This afternoon we continue with unguided meditations. Alan first
reviews the meditation on loving-kindness for others in the
tradition of Buddhaghosa, first for oneself, then a dearly loved
friend, then a neutral person, and finally a difficult person.
Alan also invites us to hold space to see who else might arise
and attend to them with loving-kindness.


The unguided meditation begins at 17:40 in the recording, and
Q&A begins at 45:30.


This is followed by these practical questions from the group:


1. We have been using the visualization of the orb of light at
the heart center. I'm finding that my heart is becoming tender
and actually physically sore. I'm wondering if this happens, and
whether I might be trying too hard?


2. When balancing earth and sky or earth and wind, do we have to
use the infirmary for the earth element, or can we use breathing
at the abdomen?


3. Regarding attending to more than one thing at a time. I
notice, during meditation, it seems like I am attending to two
things at the same time, for example, the breath and a thought.
However, I know that it isn't possible to attend to two things at
the same time. So I am curious about the nature of attention, and
how it is that I feel like I am both with the breath and with the
thought.