This is the first in a series of talks by Jagaro on The Five Hindrances. Ill-will, anger, annoyance, hatred are common emotions and reactions in our lives. They are all forms of aversion, a negative response to something we interact with in the world, and a shift away from something we don’t like. This aversion can be a subtle poison in our lives and have a devastating affect if left unchecked. Strangely however, in the midst of the effects of ill-will our reality is very compelling and self-justified. Don’t we all feel so right when we are telling someone else how wrong they are? It is always ‘them’ that is the problem.

In this talk Jagaro discusses the causes for aversion and how it manifests in our lives and the negatives effects it can have. He also walks through the process of how we can come to see it arising within our meditation and to recognise the process behind it. He also gives several different tips, practices and meditations for dealing with the different forms of ill-will, anger, cruelty and carelessness. Lastly he gives some reflections on how a deeper understanding through meditation and insight can allow us to look into others malicious actions and words, and transform our heart to a place of equanimity and forgiveness. This alchemy of the heart brings forth a deeper compassion for suffering and the grips by which people commit malicious actions unintentionally.

The audio was recorded as a group meditation session and allows you to experience and participate on your own at home as if you are part of the group.