Daniel Bowling describes the many ways that we filter what we hear, which prevents us from really listening. By recognizing when we are listening through our sense of self and our conditioned thoughts and reactions, we can become aware of, and short-circuit, the patterns that disconnect us from life. This enables us to follow the Buddha's instructions to Bahiya -"there will be only the seen in reference to the seen, only the heard in reference to the heard, only the sensed in reference to the sensed, only the cognized in reference to the cognized."

Daniel Bowling discusses the Seven Factors of Awakening, with an emphasis on the tranquility factor. The talk, the 7th in the series on the awakening factors, encourages us to mindfully, and with curiosity and joy, develop tranquility so that we can employ its benefits both on the cushion and in everyday situations.

These seven qualities offer an effective framework for cultivating the mind, overcoming the hindrances, and balancing the energetic and calming forces that develop in meditation. When cultivated and balanced, the mind is ripe for awakening. This series will explore each factor to reveal its importance, function, and role in the process of awakening.