Dharma Seed - dharmaseed.org: Nikki Mirghafori's most recent Dharma talks: Recent Episodes
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Nikki is of Persian heritage, and was introduced to contemplative practices and yoga in the early 1980's, to meditation in 1991, and to Theravada Buddhism in 2003. She has studied with various Western and Eastern teachers, with a keen interest in intensive silent retreats. She studied jhanas and detailed analytical vipassana with the renowned meditation master Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw who instructed her to teach. She is also a Spirit Rock authorized retreat teacher, a Stanford trained compassion cultivation instructor, and a UCLA certified mindfulness facilitator. She teaches Buddhist meditation and contemplation nationally, and in particular, at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, where she also serves on their Board of Directors. Nikki holds a Ph.D. in computer science from UC Berkeley and has had an active career as an Artificial Intelligence scientist in academia and industry for over two decades.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This talk explores the teaching on impermanence (anicca), the first of the three marks of existance, and how seeing and embracing inconstancy can lead to peace.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Working with emotions (energy in motion) using RAFT -- R: Recognize; A: Allow; F: Feel in the Body; T: Tenderness.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) A gentle body scan guided meditation (Nikki), followed by walking meditation instructions and encouragement (Tuere).
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Includes meditation & dharma talk. (Group discussion has been removed).
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Using the acronym H.E.A.R.T.H., we’ll explore:Honor Goodness (Internal and External).Embrace Rest, Joy, and GratitudeAwaken Awareness and Embodiment.Release Through Letting Go.Tend Wholesome Habits.Harness Stability for Others.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Mindfulness of Death practice supports us facing fear of death, living with intention and aligned with our values, avoiding common regrets at the end of life.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This talk is structured around the acronym H.O.M.E. which stands for: Honoring our true nature, Opening to embodied awareness, Mindfully letting go, and Engaging with wholesome habits, all of which guide us to come home to ourselves in a way that benefits both our own lives and those of others.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Coming Home to Ourselves is about orienting towards our experience and then meeting our experience with an warm heart. To be "at home," means to be here, at ease, in the present moment. Often we're "not at home" because we are experiencing difficulties and feel like we have to go outside of ourselves to figure it out or perhaps we have patterns of avoiding or distracting ourselves. The journey of coming home and connecting with ourselves in a friendly way might be a radical one because it requires letting of the idea that what the heart is yearning for can be found outside of ourselves.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A guided invitation to relax, and receive the sensations of the body, brushing with awareness from the hands, up to the face and down to the feet. And then opening the aparture of awareness further.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) The three characteristics of anicca (impermanence), dukkha (unsatisfactoriness,) and anatta (not self) are discussed
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) The last two characteristics of flowing and cohesion of the water element complete the instructions on the 12 characteristics of the four elements meditation.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) At first glance, the four elements meditation practice may appear as an archaic understanding of the world. However, they reveal how we construct and perceive our world from a phenomenological perspective that connects to the Copenhagen interpretation of the quantum theory.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) What if we consider the five hindrances not as obstacles, but as veils, coverings, or energies moving through the body?
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this guided meditation, we explore connecting with our intention, relaxing the body, and then devote ourselves to the first two jhanic factors: vitakka and vicara, initial application and sustained application, or connect and continue. The guidance ends with planting the seeds for gladness and joy by noticing the absence of the hindrances, as taught in the satipatthana sutta.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) What is samatha Practice (concentration)? Why practice samatha? What is the different between samatha (a practice), samadhi (the state), and vipassana (insight practice)? What are the five jhanic factors? And how do we work with the five hindrances, or rather, "coverings," in samatha practice as opposed to insight practice?
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) When we step out of our habitual ways of seeing the self and the world, clinging to constant self-interest lessens/drops away, and love and service become natural responses.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this guided meditation, we explore voidness/emptiness through the absence of observed phenomena. Our habitual self-referential frame of reference is also invited to be seen and examined, and momentarily let go of to notice the freedom of the way of seeing free of self-ing.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this guided meditation, we explore emptiness as a way of seeing the dreamlike nature of what we assume to be our fixed reality. "Thus shall you think of all this fleeting world: As star at dawn, a bubble in a stream, A flash of lightning in a summer cloud, A flickering lamp, a phantom, and a dream."
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Easing into samadhi (concentration) through befriending the breath.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) What is samadhi (most often translated as concentration)? Why do we engage in samatha practice on this path? How does it differ from vipassana? Eight supportive conditions to establish samadhi are discussed. A brief exposition of the five jhanic factors are offered at the end of the talk.
(Insight Meditation South Bay - Silicon Valley) Nikki Mirghafori shows us that illness and hardship are not just to be endured, they can actually be our teachers on the path.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Our magnificent heart-mind-body is our laboratory. First, a deep respect and humility for how little we know (specifically about the brain) is to be embraced, in order not to reduce the totality of our amazing humanity to materialist neuralism, especially with simplified or outdated models (e.g., the Triune theory with reptilian brain, etc.). Also essential are a scientific “holy” curiosity (also known as the factor of investigation) and gentle perseverance. Finally, a true scientist is inspired by awe and the mystery of the ineffable, not just to “get a prize” — or, as it applies to our meditation practice, simply undertaking it for the sake of self improvement.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) This talk discusses the last conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non-regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation. The penultimate stage of the list is Nibbida virāgo, which are often translated as disenchantment and dispassion (thought "free of enchantment and free of fire of passion" is a more appropriate translation, as discussed in the talk). The list in the sutta, as well as the talk, end with a brief discussion of knowledge and vision of liberation (Vimutti ñāna dassana), which is synonymous with nibbana.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) Both Sayadaw U Jagara and Nikki Mirghafori share answers and reflections on pre-written questions.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) Samadhi (concentration) and seeing things as they are
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) This talk discusses the sixth and seventh (Samādhi --> Yathā bhūta ñāna dassana) conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non-regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) This talk discusses the third, fourth, and fifth (piti —> passadhi —> sukha) conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation. Conditionality (root condition and object condition) are also discussed at the end of the talk, the latter related to the pith and profound teaching to Bahiya.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) This morning’s instruction is an invitation to investigate the first two (of the twenty-four) conditions outlined in the Patthana, the last section of Abhidhamma. The first is root condition (hetu-paccaya) and the second is object condition (arammana-paccaya). A brief Q/A by both Nikki Mirghafori and Sayadaw U Jagara ends the session.
(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) This talk discusses the first two conditional links described in the Kimatthiya Sutta (“What Purpose?”) (Anguttara Nikaya 10.1), where the Buddha teaches Ananda that wholesome ethical behavior leads to non-regret, which leads to gladness, .... ultimately leading to liberation. Parallels to Upanisa Sutta and Cetana Sutta are discussed.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this morning's guided meditation, first we settle in with the body, appreciating the intimacy and the impersonality of experience, holding both experiences equally valid. Then, we look at our lives from the vantage point of our deathbed (far in the future, only for the purpose of this thought exercise) and reflect on aspirations that arise for living our life in this precious human birth, however long we have left.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Three fruits of maranasati practice are discussed: 1) preparing for our moment of death with fearlessness and peace. Topics of Near Death Experiences (NDE) and rebirth are presented with a don't know mind. 2) Living THIS limited, precious life fully, with gratitude, forgiveness, generosity and letting go. 3) Awakening, liberation, nibbana -- Maranasati is a practice towards liberation, arising insights into the three marks of existence (anicca, dukkha, anatta).
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this talk, Nikki Mirghafori (first ~30 minutes) and Eugene Cash (the rest) discuss how death contemplation helps us awaken to living this life, with embracing letting go and not knowing.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The first part of the talk, the hindrances (Nivarana in Pali), also translated as veils, are discussed through the lens of Maranasati practice. The second part of the talk is devoted to sharing lessons from my mother's recent passing.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Settling in with the breath and body. Feeling the aliveness present in this moment.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The three dimensions of death contemplation are discussed: 1) preparing for death (ours and others) 2) awakening to our precious human life, and 3) awakening/liberation.
(Insight Meditation South Bay - Silicon Valley) Nikki Mirghafori gave the second talk in a speaker series titled "Living Wisely in the World: Caring for Mind, Family, Society, and Planet". Teachings from the "Acrobat Sutta" were shared to illustrate how tending our own mind is a stepping stone to care for others, and the world. The power of actions leading to habit formation in the mind and body, which could either lead to liberation or suffering, were also discussed.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) When we see the nature of reality as impermanent, not inherently satisfying and impersonal, we don't take it all so personally. There can be more ease and freedom when we make peace with the way things are.
Recorded at Spirit Rock at "Examining Reality as a Path to Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students"
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this talk, the path of gradual cultivation is discussed, starting with establishing a container of Metta/Loving-kindness. Then, we calm and unify the mind, followed by investigating the body (through four elements meditation) which leads to investigating the mind and mental factors.
Recorded at Spirit Rock at "Examining Reality as a Path to Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students"
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This talk was given on the second day of a week-long retreat entitled, "Examining Reality". Four ways of practicing with sila (virtue) from the Visuddhimagga are discussed. The talk ends with an invitation to examine our assumptions about our physical experience of reality.
Recorded at Spirit Rock at "Examining Reality as a Path to Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students"
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Nibbida, often translated as disenchantment or disengagement, is an important and natural part of the practice journey towards liberation. As we see things as they are, we become disenchanted with suffering.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) In this retreat talk, the 7 factors of awakening-with examples are explained; particularly with respect to long retreat practice.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Gentleness is the fastest way to land at the retreat and the best way to be with the guests visiting our mind. The acronym F.I.R.E. is presented - F: Friendliness, I: Intention, R: Relaxation, E: Enjoyment as a gentle fire to infuse our practice.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) 1) Death contemplation can prepare us for the moment of death to be ultimate moment of freedom, of letting go into the unconditioned. 2) Holding the possibility of rebirth and reports of near death experiences with spaciousness of a "don't know" mind.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) 1) Death brings the scarcity of time to our consciousness. 2) The parable of the poisoned arrow and holding the imponderables with a "don't know" mind. 3) Grief, for ourselves and loved ones, as a natural response to death.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) G.R.A.C.E. as an acronym for practice; benefits of metta from the suttas and scientific studies; contemplative and universal aspirations for practicing loving-kindness.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Vipassana as process (vs. content) meditation. Lucid dreaming practice as a method to examine our waking reality. Seeing the three characteristics of existence as the aspects of ultimate reality.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Instructions on practicing metta as friendliness. Investigating the mind and the mental factors. Followed by Q/A.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) A review of instructions on the four elements, followed by investigation of the mind and mental factors. Followed by open Q/A.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) 12 characteristics of the four elements and Q/A
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Breaking the compactness of experience of body as a concept
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Guided meditation for settling the mind, walking meditation instructions and Q/A
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) What is the role of metta meditation in relationship to the Vipassana practice? How do we take the practice home? On the cushion? Daily he practice? What's the role of gratitude in embracing all of life
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This talk introduces the four heavenly abodes (Brahma Viharas), their relationship to one another, they're near and far enemies and a range of motivations for practice. The second half of the talk is dedicated to the practice of compassion, the second of the four Brahma Viharas
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) What is the Buddhist concept of gratitude? Why practice gratitude? How? What is the relationship between gratitude and other Brahma Viharas? And finally, what is radical gratitude?
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This talk explores the second factor of awakening, investigation (dhamma vicaya). What is investigation? How does it relate to the other awakening factors? How and when is it applied in practice? The last part of the talk discusses the third factor of energy (viriya) briefly.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The talk discusses what compassion is, what it is not, its relationship to the other brahma viharas and finally, why practice compassion. Some research studies are also discussed.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Guided Meditation and Dharma Talk from Monday Night Meditation Class on March 7th, 2016
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) This talk explores the second foundation of mindfulness, the feeling tone (vedana -- pleasant, unpleasant, neither pleasant nor unpleasant) and the teachings in the Sallatha Sutta (SN 36.6) on the second arrow.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) A first night of retreat talk, providing an orientation and overview of the practice.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Dharma talk from Monday Night Meditation class at Spirit Rock on December 21st, 2015.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Dharma Talk from Monday Night Meditation on October 26, 2015
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The practice of samatha leads to a state of samadhi, where the mind is stable, bright, not distracted and spacious.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) We bring our imaginary trunks full of stuff to a retreat. Through the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness clarity and wisdom arise, leading to freedom in our hearts and minds.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) The first part of this discusses the principles of choice-less awareness practice. In the last part of the talk, the why of practice explores the three characteristics.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Understanding Self As A Process: Self is an emergent property of the constituents of our experience (i.e. the five aggregates). Practices pointing to anatta are shared, followed by the connection between anatta and peace & freedom.
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) This talk begins with discussing both the general principle of dependent origination and its specific application to the problem of suffering which results in the twelve links. the multi-life model of the twelve links is discussed, with brief highlights of the one-life moment to moment model mentioned at the end.
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center) Contemplating the first noble truth of dukkha as a motivation for the the third noble truth of liberation.