Alan Wallace Fall 2012 Retreat Podcast: Vipashyana, Four Applications Of Mindfulness

Alan reminds us that closely holding the mind causes suffering. There are two methods which free us from this suffering 1) relative bodhicitta where we identify with all sentient beings and 2) absolute bodhicitta where we completely retract all the tentacles by withdrawing into the substrate and then rigpa. In this practice, we train in viewing mental events from the non-grasping, non-reactive perspective of substrate consciousness. Meditation: settling the mind with full body awareness as a prelude. Enter this and all meditation sessions in the spirit of loving-kindness for yourself and others.
1) full body awareness. With your eyes closed, contain awareness within the space of the body, observing sensations without distraction or grasping.
2) settling the mind. Let eyes be open, gaze vacant. Direct attention to the space of the mind and its contents. Rest awareness in stillness while observing movements of the mind.
In between sessions, allow thoughts to arise but maintain lucidity throughout the da