Toni Packer - Self, Wanting and Fearing

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2016Apr 29

http://www.springwatercenter.org/ Talk given - November 1983 - Day 3 “The emergence and blossoming of understanding, love and intelligence has nothing to do with any tradition, no matter how ancient or impressive — it has nothing to do with time. It happens completely on its own when a human being questions, wonders, listens and looks without getting stuck in fear, pleasure and pain. When self concern is quiet, in abeyance, heaven and earth are open. The mystery, the essence of all life is not separate from the silent openness of simple listening.” — Toni Packer Toni Packer founded the organization that became Springwater Center and was its resident teacher for many years. Born in Germany in 1927, Toni lived most of her adult life in Western New York. Beginning in 1976 she led retreats in the United States and Europe, and continued even through ill health in her later years. Toni left us in August 2013, leaving a legacy of extraordinary recorded talks in which she “lives the work” with a vibrant and passionate intensity. She was also the author of five books: Seeing Without Knowing / What is Meditative Inquiry, The Work of This Moment, The Light of Discovery, The Wonder of Presence and The Silent Question. Springwater Center offers silent meditation retreats in a spacious retreat facility located on 220 acres of country land with streams and meadows, forests, a pond, and miles of walking trails. The essence of retreat at Springwater is being together in the simplicity and open space of silent awareness—in an atmosphere which invites wonder, curiosity, and discovery. There is an optional daily schedule which includes meditation, talks, meetings with teachers, and group meetings. There are no rituals, required beliefs, or assigned practices.