After taking a couple months to explore the Seven Factors of Awakening, this talk will draw on a parallel list: transcendental dependent arising.  In particular, we’ll explore the stages between concentration (samadhi) and enlightenment, with special emphasis on disenchantment & dispasssion, and how it directly leads to awakening (and is one of the markers of an awakened being).

Contemporary culture tends to view passion as a great thing, and qualities of disillusionment, disenchantment, or dispassion are considered negatives.  However, in the Buddhist sense, these are often experiences of great insight or those that might be initially a little uncomfortable yet allow us to drop into a much deeper peace and alignment.  Of course, it almost goes without saying that these experiences are not nihilism or depression, but rather point towards a “letting go” that allows us to direct our energies to the pursuits of maximum importance and value; such as integrity, meditative presence or full-on awakening.