The Integrated Eightfold Path: Harmonious Lifestyle
Channel: Samatha Vipassana Trust
Date: 11/06/2022

Ven. Khema touches upon the following topics in this Dhamma talk: 

1) Looking at everything harmoniously:
- instead of worrying about the future that hasn't come yet.
- this does not mean we don't plan for the future.
- it means we are not constantly worrying about what may or may not happen in the future.

2) We are in control of what we think and ponder on.
- we are no longer "stuck". Neuroscience research proves we can change/develop positive behaviour patterns.
- read MN-19: Dveddhavitakka Sutta as reference.

3) Thoughts, words and deeds include body language.
- for e.g. sitting with arms folded or legs crossed will be ineffective when listening to the teacher.
- read MN-131: Bhaddekaratta Sutta as reference. The message in it is about staying in the present time.

4) Neuroplasticity shows the brain can be retrained, i.e. we are not "stuck" and we can retrain our mind instead of constantly drifting into the past or future.

(5) Develop a lifestyle that includes Right Livelihood:
- developing loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity.

6) Harmonious Practice comprises the 4 steps. Steps 1-2 are Purification of mind, Steps 3-4 are Retraining of mind.
a) Recognise unwholesome mind states.
b) Release the unwholesome mind states and Relax the head.
c) Bring up wholesome mind states, i.e., SMILE.
d) Keep the wholesome state going.

7) We are observing the origination, disappearance, gratification, danger and escape of every phenomena.
- read MN-111 Anupadda Sutta as reference: Observe each phenomena as they arise and pass away.

8) Listen to the story of Ven. Soma (the former lute player who tried too hard).
- the only way out is in: the subject (me) becomes the object.
- read MN-22, Section 10 as a reference: no obstacle can become an obstruction unless we engage with it.

Reference documents: 
Summary for the Development of the Eightfold Path: https://tinyurl.com/5fwde7xw
The Eighfold Path in a Smile: https://tinyurl.com/t73d9fea

Date: 5 June 2022
by Sasana Dipika Ven. Khanti Khema

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

+ How to practice TWIM (Loving-Kindness) Meditation?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWcPnzzttXM

+ What are the TWIM 6 Rs?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGAa66W3Mbo

+ How to practice Forgiveness Meditation? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E21b9AjIO9Q

+ A complete guide to the meditation as taught by the Buddha:
https://www.thepathtonibbana.com/

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OTHER PLAYLISTS YOU MAY ENJOY:

+ Sutta Readings: Discourses with the Buddha from Majjhima Nikāya, Saṃyukta Nikāya, Dīgha Nikāya and Aṅguttara Nikāya
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgCcfJkpKCdB8m4WkInv-xyu

+ Dhamma Dew Drops: Audio Tips for Joyful Meditation and Happy Living
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgB-zYvRl5a_ELgS6wtiK5UC

+ TWIM Foundation Series (2022)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgCUqbqFaSWrbUQ4Eyo4tou9

+ TWIM Foundation Series (2020)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgA80S7ChVjjhXa5GvG7psrl

+ Buddhism As A Religion
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgCH8sBxNexp5aycE9jtlioG

+ Story of the Buddha's Family Members
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgAMbF2NgkwcC_jLvXSfj84E

+ Sigālovāda Sutta (DN): Advice to Lay People For A Fulfilling Life
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgCnMUmSu20QFkJcFKV9mvIx

+ Mahātaṇhāsaṅkhaya Sutta (MN-38): The Longer Discourse on the Ending of Craving
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgDgKBxtGCoGeODmgFHL1HGb

+ 37 Requisites for Awakening
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgB9PYevXh_yxjM8m-aQwfhe

+ Strengthening Relationships During Covid-19 Lockdown (2020)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspYA6krtCgAdejz4he7rmLUtKhXnZojV

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