Our life unfolds within relationships — our connections with family, friends, colleagues, community, the world. For most of us, our relationships are where the rubber meets the road. Practice on our cushions can seem quite peaceful, and then we get off our cushions and into the relationships of our lives!
A relational dharma embraces the dynamic of a relationship as a vital place for practice. A place where our conditioning is revealed and we learn and grow from all the bumps and the rubs along the way.
Enlightenment is the recognition that, on the most absolute level, there is no relationship. In other words, enlightenment is the collapse of the perception of relationship. It’s the collapse of subject versus object — the collapse of the distinction that I (subject) am separate from you (object). It is the dissolution of the belief that who you are, fundamentally, is separate from anyone or anything else. It is the recognition of the unity of being.
What do our relationships look like when, paradoxically, we understand there are no separate selves to be in relationship with? How do our relationships unfold when the perception of separation is not informing them?
In the dissolution of otherness, the unity of being shines brightly through.
On the relative plane in which our lives are playing out, within the various relationships we maintain, when the subject/object perception collapses the unity of being shines brightly through all our connections. It is then that being (or pure consciousness or awareness) itself begins to shine through everything. Our relative plane relationships — with friends, coworkers, family, community members, even strangers — transform. In other words, the result of the dissolution of self and other is the revealing of our shared pure being and this revealing opens the door for healing.
When we relate to each other as if we are separate, suffering is inevitable. When we relate to each other from the recognition that our very being is shared, love is center stage.
When we enter into relationship seeped in the realization that there is no “other” not only do our personal lives change, new possibilities emerge for collective transformation as well. A relational dharma supports the realization of no-other-ness. By practicing with relationship, these teachings help us directly experience that, ultimately, there is no relationship.
This understanding allows us to realize that, on the most fundamental level, our shared being is simply appearing in different forms, creating the perception that we are separate. From this understanding, the possibility to act from the knowing of our shared being opens.
From this understanding, we live an awakened life.
While at Esalen, Caverly’s teachings will be offered through the context of relational dharma, while being held in the container of beloved community. Not only will we be experiencing meditation together, we’ll be exploring no relationship through relationship via dyads, group exercises, and conscious, compassionate, communication practices.
All welcome.
And by all, we mean all.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Our life unfolds within relationships — our connections with family, friends, colleagues, community, the world. For most of us, our relationships are where the rubber meets the road. Practice on our cushions can seem quite peaceful, and then we get off our cushions and into the relationships of our lives!
A relational dharma embraces the dynamic of a relationship as a vital place for practice. A place where our conditioning is revealed and we learn and grow from all the bumps and the rubs along the way.
Enlightenment is the recognition that, on the most absolute level, there is no relationship. In other words, enlightenment is the collapse of the perception of relationship. It’s the collapse of subject versus object — the collapse of the distinction that I (subject) am separate from you (object). It is the dissolution of the belief that who you are, fundamentally, is separate from anyone or anything else. It is the recognition of the unity of being.
What do our relationships look like when, paradoxically, we understand there are no separate selves to be in relationship with? How do our relationships unfold when the perception of separation is not informing them?
In the dissolution of otherness, the unity of being shines brightly through.
On the relative plane in which our lives are playing out, within the various relationships we maintain, when the subject/object perception collapses the unity of being shines brightly through all our connections. It is then that being (or pure consciousness or awareness) itself begins to shine through everything. Our relative plane relationships — with friends, coworkers, family, community members, even strangers — transform. In other words, the result of the dissolution of self and other is the revealing of our shared pure being and this revealing opens the door for healing.
When we relate to each other as if we are separate, suffering is inevitable. When we relate to each other from the recognition that our very being is shared, love is center stage.
When we enter into relationship seeped in the realization that there is no “other” not only do our personal lives change, new possibilities emerge for collective transformation as well. A relational dharma supports the realization of no-other-ness. By practicing with relationship, these teachings help us directly experience that, ultimately, there is no relationship.
This understanding allows us to realize that, on the most fundamental level, our shared being is simply appearing in different forms, creating the perception that we are separate. From this understanding, the possibility to act from the knowing of our shared being opens.
From this understanding, we live an awakened life.
While at Esalen, Caverly’s teachings will be offered through the context of relational dharma, while being held in the container of beloved community. Not only will we be experiencing meditation together, we’ll be exploring no relationship through relationship via dyads, group exercises, and conscious, compassionate, communication practices.
All welcome.
And by all, we mean all.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Our life unfolds within relationships — our connections with family, friends, colleagues, community, the world. For most of us, our relationships are where the rubber meets the road. Practice on our cushions can seem quite peaceful, and then we get off our cushions and into the relationships of our lives!
A relational dharma embraces the dynamic of a relationship as a vital place for practice. A place where our conditioning is revealed and we learn and grow from all the bumps and the rubs along the way.
Enlightenment is the recognition that, on the most absolute level, there is no relationship. In other words, enlightenment is the collapse of the perception of relationship. It’s the collapse of subject versus object — the collapse of the distinction that I (subject) am separate from you (object). It is the dissolution of the belief that who you are, fundamentally, is separate from anyone or anything else. It is the recognition of the unity of being.
What do our relationships look like when, paradoxically, we understand there are no separate selves to be in relationship with? How do our relationships unfold when the perception of separation is not informing them?
In the dissolution of otherness, the unity of being shines brightly through.
On the relative plane in which our lives are playing out, within the various relationships we maintain, when the subject/object perception collapses the unity of being shines brightly through all our connections. It is then that being (or pure consciousness or awareness) itself begins to shine through everything. Our relative plane relationships — with friends, coworkers, family, community members, even strangers — transform. In other words, the result of the dissolution of self and other is the revealing of our shared pure being and this revealing opens the door for healing.
When we relate to each other as if we are separate, suffering is inevitable. When we relate to each other from the recognition that our very being is shared, love is center stage.
When we enter into relationship seeped in the realization that there is no “other” not only do our personal lives change, new possibilities emerge for collective transformation as well. A relational dharma supports the realization of no-other-ness. By practicing with relationship, these teachings help us directly experience that, ultimately, there is no relationship.
This understanding allows us to realize that, on the most fundamental level, our shared being is simply appearing in different forms, creating the perception that we are separate. From this understanding, the possibility to act from the knowing of our shared being opens.
From this understanding, we live an awakened life.
While at Esalen, Caverly’s teachings will be offered through the context of relational dharma, while being held in the container of beloved community. Not only will we be experiencing meditation together, we’ll be exploring no relationship through relationship via dyads, group exercises, and conscious, compassionate, communication practices.
All welcome.
And by all, we mean all.
“Remembering to be as self compassionate as I can and praying to the divine that we're all a part of.”
–Aaron
“Prayer, reading, meditation, walking.”
–Karen
“Erratically — which is an ongoing stream of practice to find peace.”
–Charles
“Try on a daily basis to be kind to myself and to realize that making mistakes is a part of the human condition. Learning from our mistakes is a journey. But it starts with compassion and caring. First for oneself.”
–Steve
“Physically: aerobic exercise, volleyball, ice hockey, cycling, sailing. Emotionally: unfortunately I have to work to ‘not care’ about people or situations which may end painfully. Along the lines of ‘attachment is the source of suffering’, so best to avoid it or limit its scope. Sad though because it could also be the source of great joy. Is it worth the risk?“
–Rainer
“It's time for my heart to be nurtured on one level yet contained on another. To go easy on me and to allow my feelings to be validated, not judged harshly. On the other hand, to let the heart rule with equanimity and not lead the mind and body around like a master.”
–Suzanne
“I spend time thinking of everything I am grateful for, and I try to develop my ability to express compassion for myself and others without reservation. I take time to do the things I need to do to keep myself healthy and happy. This includes taking experiential workshops, fostering relationships, and participating within groups which have a similar interest to become a more compassionate and fulfilled being.“
–Peter
“Self-forgiveness for my own judgments. And oh yeah, coming to Esalen.”
–David B.
“Hmm, this is a tough one! I guess I take care of my heart through fostering relationships with people I feel connected to. Spending quality time with them (whether we're on the phone, through messages/letters, on Zoom, or in-person). Being there for them, listening to them, sharing what's going on with me, my struggles and my successes... like we do in the Esalen weekly Friends of Esalen Zoom sessions!”
–Lori
“I remind myself in many ways of the fact that " Love is all there is!" LOVE is the prize and this one precious life is the stage we get to learn our lessons. I get out into nature, hike, camp, river kayak, fly fish, garden, I create, I dance (not enough!), and I remain grateful for each day, each breath, each moment. Being in the moment, awake, and remembering the gift of life and my feeling of gratitude for all of creation.”
–Steven
“My physical heart by limiting stress and eating a heart-healthy diet. My emotional heart by staying in love with the world and by knowing that all disappointment and loss will pass.“
–David Z.
Today, September 29, is World Heart Day. Strike up a conversation with your own heart and as you feel comfortable, encourage others to do the same. As part of our own transformations and self-care, we sometimes ask for others to illuminate and enliven our hearts or speak our love language.
What if we could do this for ourselves too, even if just for today… or to start a heart practice, forever?
Esalen Institute
55000 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
US: 1-831-667-3000
info@esalen.org
