The Noble Eightfold Path: Part 6

June 6, 2022   |   12 Comments

Audio-only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 16:02.

Dear Open Heart Project,

I’m so happy to send you the sixth video in our eight video series on the noble eightfold path of Buddhism. We have already discussed Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood.

Right View and Right Intention comprise true wisdom. Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood describe how to live an ethical life. Now we turn to Right Effort which, together with Right Mindfulness (coming June 20) and Right Concentration (coming July 4) explain how to work with our minds. After all, no matter how elegant our conceptual understanding, without a way of working with our thoughts and emotions, we remain unable to bring that understanding into experience.

Right Effort is not about working harder. I’m sure you’re already working as hard as you can. Rather, it has more to do with diligence and never giving up on yourself. Please have a listen to this short talk (followed by a guided 10-minute meditation) and let me know what you think! I always love to hear from you.

Sending much love, Susan

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12 Comments

  • Posted by:  Vikki

    Your encouragement on diligence of just keep coming back was a perfect message for me this morning.
    I have been struggling with my practice lately so to be reminded of the importance of continuing regardless as a kindness to myself was a gift

  • Posted by:  Christine

    Thank you so much for your wise words. It is well worth taking the time to listen. I appreciate your offering.

  • Posted by:  Denise BUDGEN

    Dear Susan
    I just wanted to say a big thank you so much for what you are doing .

    I have been recovering from major brain surgery and this is the first time I have managed to take part in one of your meditations …. I found listening to you to be so warm welcoming caring and also inspiring with being able to take in once again about the Buddhist pathway noble step.

    As I have missed the prior emails I wondered if it is possible to have them
    Forwarded to me again .

    Thanks you so much and kind regards . I do hope
    You are keeping well

    Cheers
    Denise

  • Posted by:  Kristina Koutsiou

    Thank you Susan for this Sangha. I’m been in it for 8 years and find it so important for my life.
    Your are professional and whiteout guilts or punishing.’it so kindly to our souls 🤗
    Thank you from Kristina in Sweden

  • Posted by:  catherine

    Susan, This has become part of my morning ritual
    Each time I practice I hear something new in what you are saying
    It’s as if my ability to hear and understand has deepened to a new insight. You are with me in my practice. I am grateful, for your open heart honesty and guidance. This has helped me a lot I too have PTSD.

  • Posted by:  Donna

    I think going beyond one’s capacity can be beneficial if it helps a person understand the parameters of what is possible. I’m sorry so many people are suffering from PTSD these days, a sad reflection of life these days, I’m sure.

  • Posted by:  Arleen Garcia-Herbst

    Susan,

    I appreciate your kind and compassionate words. They always hit right for me. So blessed to receive your email teachings. Someone recently told me they were glad I was born and I thought that the highest compliment. I’m glad you were born, Susan Piver. Your exertion is appreciated.

    Warmest aloha,
    Arleen

  • Posted by:  Sandra Stefan

    As always just what I needed just when I needed it
    Gratefully yours
    Sandy

  • Posted by:  Kathleen Malone

    Thank you for sharing the way out of suffering. I did not do my morning practice today and realized when I practiced with today that sometimes I need help and support. So, again, thank you!

  • Posted by:  Asher

    You can’t just sit through trauma! (Thank you for emphasizing this point Susan.)

    I’d love to hear you speak more about this topic, which is also a deeply resonant experience for me and many of my patients.

    • Posted by:  Susan Piver

      It’s such an important topic. I wish I knew more about this, but all I can do is make sure to repeat “trauma is a different category” as much as I can. It’s great you are working with this yourself. Your work on yourself will benefit your patients. With love, Susan

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