Invitation to Investigate

Spiritual freedom can be found in the mindful and compassionate investigation of present moment experience. It involves letting go of fixed ideas/opinions/judgements/biases and opening up to new possibilities about the nature of existence. It is relatively easy to be curious about the aspects of life that inspire us, bring us joy and ignite our passions. The invitation in spiritual practice is also to be curious about that which causes us (all of us) pain, discomfort and suffering. Curiosity is another way of describing investigation, which is one of the factors of enlightenment. Investigation is central to Vipassana meditation practice, and can be considered an equal partner to mindfulness. In fact, everything we need to learn on the path to freedom can be discovered through our own powers of investigation

 

"Bringing interest and investigation to an experience can change our relationship to the experience because it changes the ecology of the mind, so to speak. Investigation brings a wholesome quality to the mind, which can initiate a significant shift in the mind when it is otherwise filled with unwholesome thoughts and reactions. Investigation can also “lubricate” the mind, that is, loosen it up when it is stuck or tight, obsessing about something or feeling constricted" Gil Fronsdal

 

Please join us to explore this important factor in the process of awakening through guided and silent meditation, group sharing and a short Dharma talk. Being curious about suffering is often supported by spiritual friends and community sharing.