This week will we will begin the Advanced Meditation series/journey of
Anatta (not self), its relationship to Jhana (absorption), and the
method of attainment known as Mahamudra.

The original Buddhist Suttas or teaching of Not Self  revolve around
the experience of a normal suffering person who becomes a mature
practitioner,and then attains a great degree of mastery over their
mind. The idea of mastery is a very strong one and you find in the
tradition that someone who has mastered their mind, tamed their mind,
and worked with it attain descriptions like power, or strength, and
they are known as an Arahant - which is the traditional word for an
enlightened person, anyone after the Buddha is called an Arahant - a
worthy one, and in a few places is called a Maha Ata – a great being.

In the last chapter of the Dhammapada, Arahants are also called
Brahmin - someone who is accomplished and matured - like a royal
person, like a king or a queen, who is going into the jungle, and then
finds their way on an difficult path, reclaiming land in the dense
overgrowth.  The qualities needed for realizing Not-Self are also
compared to a warrior - which is also associated with the maturing of
a person on the path - having the personal strength, power, mastery of
a fully-awakened, vibrant, and aware being.

This subject, Anatta, while the cornerstone of Buddha-Dharma, is
rarely spoken of anymore, with few teachings, and even less practice
instructions on its accomplishment. These days it is more likely that
you will hear just the opposite - a weakened,
made-to-be-more-palatable Westernized version where the true practice
has been softly transmuted into its opposite: self-acceptance and
allowing self to beÂ…a feeling of self-effacing, not having so much
ego, becoming a kinder, more gentler personÂ…which is very lovely as a
reference point for day to day living...however,

instead of utilizing only this softer-Self method, out of a deeper
compassion not to just settle for mere understanding, and being a
nicer Self,  but for thorough application -  we will go further into
the original Suttas and apply the instructions of a deeper spiritual
maturity.and begin the surrendering release until the realization of
Not Self is accomplished. Instructions will be given on the
realization of Not-Self by easing into Jhanic Absorption states and
resolving for the combined union of calming-insight known as
Mahamudra..

 All are welcome to attend, but it would very helpful it the previous
series on mindfulness and concentration were practiced first...