How to Practice – Session 2

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna continues his commentary on “How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path”. This week he gives practical guidance on how we can engage with practices to slowly transform cherishing ourselves to cherishing others, while still maintaining a healthy sense of self-worth.

John Bruna, the spiritual director of the Way of Compassion Dharma Center, begins this Dharma talk by answering many questions from students. He then continues teaching on the qualities of a student that bring us into healthy relationships with our teachers to derive the most benefit from our spiritual friends.

In this Session, spiritual director John Bruna continues on the theme of meditation by teaching about how to structure a meditation session by first engaging in the 6 preparatory practices. He also answers questions about how we can cultivate good habits and avoid bad habits in our meditation practice.

John Bruna continues to teach on the Six Perfections of Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Joyous Effort, Concentration, and Wisdom. With Bodhicitta as the motivation, these Six Perfections are the practice of a Bodhisattva.

In this session, spiritual director John Bruna gives guidance on the three levels of learning that bring about irreversible faith and confidence in the Buddha’s teachings. He discusses the importance of studying the Buddhist scriptures, then reflecting on and analyzing the teachings, and finally meditating upon the understanding to gain realization.