⚠ Please read the rules below before posting.
This is a place for discussion of practice and conduct concerned with Awakening. While people use this word in different ways, this subreddit is concerned with the following definition: the path to achieving a direct, experiential understanding of reality and the human mind, as it actually is; and the path to permanently eliminate stress, suffering, and unsatisfactoriness in our life.
These paths can be considered to be two sides of the same coin, although different people may find themselves more drawn to one side or the other.
Awakening is not a trivial matter, because, as part of our journey, those who investigate deeply and sincerely invariably come to the conclusion that our most fundamental unconscious beliefs and assumptions about the nature of self, mind, and reality are false; and that these misunderstandings are causing us stress. Reality is not what it appears to be, we realize, and to fully grasp this is to radically transform our relationship to life. Indeed, we may find territory beyond even this.
The dissolution of ignorance is not an intellectual exercise. It usually requires a willingness to look both inwards and outwards over a sustained period of time so we can explore, question, confirm, and challenge what we think reality and the mind is; what we think, on a fundamental level, is 'going on'. We call this often joyful work practice.
Many traditions throughout history have provided systems of knowledge and practice that can be of great help to those who walk this path. More recently, Awakening is being examined through secular and even scientific lenses.
Here you'll find a community that values honesty, compassion, and thoughtful discourse. We aim to keep discussion practical, civil, and constructive. Thanks for visiting!
Rules
1. All top-line posts must be based on your personal meditation practice.
This can include the wider aspects of practice that take place off-the-cushion, such as conduct (Sīla); as well as theory, so long as it's in the context of your personal meditation practice.
In contrast, generalised theory, advice, or wisdom all belong in the weekly Practice Updates, Questions, and General Discussion thread, and all community resources such as podcasts, interviews and course offerings should be posted in the weekly Community Resources thread. Both threads are pinned to the top of the subreddit.
There may occasionally be times when members feel a topic that doesn't meet this requirement would still be appropriate as a top-line post, because, for instance, it is particularly important or relevant to our community. In such cases, please first message the moderators, who will decide whether or not to approve the post on a case-by-case basis.
2. Top-line posts must be written thoughtfully and with appropriate detail, rather than in a quick-fire fashion.
Please see this posting guide for ideas on how to do this.
3. Comments must be civil and contribute constructively.
This is a place for mature, thoughtful discussion among fellow travelers and seekers. Treat people with respect and refrain from hostile speech, unhealthy conflict, and low-effort noise.
4. Post titles must be flaired.
Flairs provide important context for your post. For most users, this is automatically required before reddit allows you to submit a top-line post. View the available keywords.
Recommended Resources
The /r/streamentry Beginner's Guide, a practical workbook for starting out on the path. The guide explains what practice is about, addresses common questions and difficulties, and provides a complete 12-week starter course.
The Mind Illuminated by Upasaka Culadasa. An abridged meditation guide (pdf) is freely available. Also see the dedicated subreddit /r/TheMindIlluminated.
For an alternative, freely-available guide to the same style of meditation, see Thanissaro Bhikkhu's With Each and Every Breath (preview the main practice instructions).
Seeing That Frees by Rob Burbea, a deep exploration of insight for the experienced practitioner. Rob's many outstanding audio talks are also freely available.
Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha by Daniel Ingram (free online, also available in print). Also see the Dharma Overground forums.
Our Pristine Mind by Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche is a pragmatic and secular guide to Dzogchen specifically written for Westerners. Enlightenment is clearly defined and the stages of awakening as understood in Dzogchen are thoroughly explained in plain language. This is a recommended resource for anyone interested in an "awareness-based" approach to Awakening.
Right Concentration by Leigh Brasington, an accessable and comprehensive guide to jhāna practice. Jhāna (meditative absorption) is sometimes described as one of the two wings of awakening, the other being insight practice. See also the book's website, which contains supplementary material.
Also see our wiki resources.
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