This teaching on the Seven Factors of Awakening, or Seven Elements of Enlightenment, was organised by Kagyu Samye Dzong and Bodhicharya London.

“The seven factors of awakening are qualities that lead us to awakening and also describe the awakened mind. These seven factors are considered the most important qualities in helping us along our spiritual path towards awakening our minds, so we begin to see things as they actually are, and not as we imagine them to be.” (Bodhicharya London)

The Seven Factors are:

1. Mindfulness
2. Discernment
3. Diligence
4. Joy
5. Pliancy
6. Meditation
7. Equanimity

Part 1: Introduction. Factors 1-4.
Part 2: Factors 5-7. Q&A.

A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones

Part 1

This important text is studied in all forms of Buddhism. There are different translations. It covers practice from the beginning to cessation. (Rinpoche lists these). The root cause of our suffering is ignorance – unaware of how things really are. From this stems attraction, aversion – the dualistic view. The 7 Factors belong to the “Seeing Stage” of development* – you are nearly there but the last part is harder.

The 7 Factors are

1. Mindfulness. For any practice mindfulness is the main tool.

2. Discernment – in connection with everything, particularly self-less-ness

3. Diligence. A. Keep your mindfulness  B. Integrate it into your daily life.  C.  Remember this when you are deeply engaged. Beware of the 3 types of laziness.

4. Joy. Enjoy the process   Q & A

*See https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Ten_bhumis

Part 2

5. Mastered. Practice until you have mastered it then you will transform.

6. Samadhi is when meditation becomes experience. You do not need silence or a special place or time. The mindfulness should be for all day.

7. Equanimity. This is the opposite of attraction and aversion and brings us freedom from suffering. It is not uncaring, but carries a deeper understanding. Jataka tale about how everything will pass, good times and bad times,. When we really understand deeply that attraction and aversion are not necessary then we have peace. This experience can go deeper and deeper.   Q & A

Photo thanks to KSD London.