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Michael Schepak's avatar

One set of very practical meditations that wasn't covered was the Brahma Vihara meditations. This is for developing the positive mind states of compassion, equanimity, loving-kindness, and sympathetic joy. They also commonly use a framework like the Circles of Heirocles where you begin with yourself and gradually spread the feelings to all beings.

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Matthew Gindin's avatar

Yes-- I supplied some extra content, including the brahmaviharas in brief, here: https://matthewgindin.substack.com/p/my-discussion-with-donald-j-robertson. Thank you for supplying the link to the Heraclitus mention as well, I tracked that down again after Donald and I spoke to make sure I wasn't hallucinating and shared that sutta with him.

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Ruth Kim's avatar

I just finished listening. Now I think I need to listen again and take notes -there were so many helpful ideas the two of you discussed. Thank you.

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Ann Cronin's avatar

Two amazing scholars! And such amazing teachings based on their scholarship!

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Michael Schepak's avatar

Here is the place where the Pali Suttas were first transcribed. I visited it in 1997 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluvihare_Rock_Temple

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Michael Schepak's avatar

Here is the Sutta about impermanence that resembles the teachings of Heraclitus. It is called the Arakenānusasani Sutta (AN 7:70) It is from the Anguttara Nikata Book of Sevens, section 70. From https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN7_70.html.

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Michael Schepak's avatar

Here is a good peer reviewed work on the revival of Insight Meditation in modern times. Matthew Gindin mentioned Ledi Sayadaw in the podcast. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/B/bo16744419.html

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