Opening to this World (even when you’d rather not)
July 21, 2025 | 4 CommentsAudio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 9:37
Audio only version is here
Meditation practice begins at 9:37
Dear wonderful human,
A few weeks ago, I shared a few thoughts about the first paramita (transcendent action) which is generosity. This was followed by discipline and patience. Then we talked about paramita #4, exertion, also known as diligence or life force.
Today we move on to the fifth paramita, samadhi, or meditative absorption. It is extremely difficult to open to current circumstances, I get that. However, it turns out that turning toward your world creates less suffering than attempting to circumvent it.
Samadhi doesn’t mean being peacefully accepting…anything. It means opening. Feeling feelings, your own and others. In this way, samadhi is a powerful step in bringing more sanity to this world. It brings out compassion in yourself and others.
With love,
Susan
PS I know we are all wondering WTF and how can we create more goodness in this chaotic world. I have one suggestion: learn to teach meditation. For real. When you teach meditation, you are also teaching clear-seeing, compassion for others and for this world, and courage to take potent action. Don’t take my word for that, btw.
Our 8-week Meditation Teacher Training begins on January 27. Stay tuned for more details. And if you have any questions about it, hit reply to this email and we are happy to answer them. xo S
categorized in: dharma, meditation
4 Comments
Dearest Susan-
Thank you for practicing with me. I have been with you now every morning for a month. I practice 10 minutes every morning. I know it isn’t much but it’s a start. I would love to be able to engage in some of the other offerings of the membership but so far it’s not happened. The live gatherings are not during times I am available and in the weekends it is elusive. I want to continue and feel the biggest factor missing is engagement with other people. I’ve watched many of your videos and love your gentle approach and the promise of a deeper connection to the divine. So far I am feeling off course in that regard, if anything I am more scattered than anything else. Anyway, I wanted to drop in to say I am still here.
Sarvani, hello. So glad to know you’re there! I wish we could do everything in every time zone! Someday! In the meantime, please know that whatever you are longing to connect with is probably right there already. Although I totally understand feeling scattered and disconnected. Your practice will be your best support. With love, Susan
Dear Susan, I was just able to listen to this talk. I have a question. I’ve just begun the study with the Book Study Circle of The Heart of Unconditional Love. It seems like there’s a strong connection of the Outer Buddha Meditation of Unconditional Love and Samadhi, or meditative absorption. That as we meditate on the qualities of the Buddha and internalize these that we will not only benefit but others as well. Does that sound right? And, I hope that the book will deepen what the first stage looks like to take it on. This is such a new idea for me. Thank you once again for your wise and thought-provoking teachings.
This does sound right to me. Please keep me posted as the journey progresses. xo S