Talk
How do we distinguish between our projections and what reality is actually presenting to us? How do we sharpen our discriminating awareness to see through illusion and falsehood?
On Saturday, May 9th, Martin Ström explored cognitive intelligence in the CCR’s Sixfold Matrix of Mental Balance as the cultivation of clear, undistorted knowing free from projection, omission, or distortion. In particular, he examined how cognitive deficits, hyperactivity, and dysfunction obscure our experience of reality, and how vipashyana offers a practical path of inquiry through mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
Alongside the theoretical framework, the session included guided practice and highlighted practical applications in everyday life, showing how these teachings can deepen self-understanding, enrich our relationships, and help us respond to life with greater clarity, balance, and wisdom.
Additional Resources:
About Martin Ström
Martin Ström is a long-time Dharma student, licensed psychologist and meditation teacher. He attended his first teachings with Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the November course at Kopan Monastery in 2003. Other important teachers for Martin are Lama Alan Wallace, Lama Lhundrup, Geshe Sherab, Stephan Pende and Venerable Robina Courtin. Martin is the founder of the FPMT centre – Yeshin Norbu in Stockholm, where he was also the director from 2017 to 2021. He was very inspired by Lama Yeshe’s vision of Universal Education and His Holiness Dalai Lama’s vision of secular ethics. Martin currently lives in Melbourne, Australia with his family. You can connect further with Martin through his LinkedIn.
What is Ghatika Monthly?
Ghatika Monthly is an in-person and virtual gathering held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, in which CCR expert teachers offer accessible guidance in foundational yet transformative contemplative practices. Ghatika is the Sanskrit term for one 24-minute meditation session, which is a recommended length for beginning meditators. While most of the CCR’s expert teachers come from a Buddhist background, these sessions are designed to be secular, informative, and welcoming to beginning and advanced practitioners alike. At Ghatika Monthly, we hope to offer a taste of the contemplative technology that our full-time contemplatives cultivate for 8–12 hours per day at Miyo Samten Ling Hermitage in Crestone. Subscribe to never miss a session!
