The Noble Search
“ And what is the Noble Search? Here, someone being subject to birth, ageing, sickness, and death, having understood the danger in what is subject to birth, aging, sickness, and death, searches for the Unborn, the Unageing, the Unailing, the Deathless supreme security from bondage - Nibbāna.
Here, someone being subject to sorrow and defilement, having understood the danger in what is subject to sorrow and defilement, searches for the Sorrowless, the Undefiled supreme security from bondage - Nibbāna. This is the Noble Search.”
- The Buddha,
Majjhima Nikāya 26
Our spiritual search should begin with an honest and sincere examination of our motivations. What problems do we hope to solve? What do we hope to achieve? What are our fantasies regarding the ultimate goal of our spiritual practice? Those who cannot answer these questions proceed at their peril.
The teachings and practice opportunities presented here are based upon the earliest form of Buddhism as preserved in the Pāli language. They lead to an escape from suffering rather than acceptance of it, transcendence of the world rather than integration with it, an experience of the Unconditioned state rather than the mere psychological resolution of egotism. If these goals of the spiritual life resonate with you, may the teachings offered here be of great benefit to your noble search.
About Rachael
Rachael O’Brien has been practicing meditation and investigating the spiritual path for over 25 years. She has studied the mystical writings and practices of Medieval Christianity, Vedānta, and Tibetan Buddhism. In 2011, Rachael found her home in the Theravādin Buddhist tradition through the writings and lectures of the late Venerable Ayya Khema. In 2013, she began practicing the Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM) method developed by the late Bhante Vimalaramsi Mahathero. In 2015, Bhante Vimalaramsi invited Rachael to teach the Dhamma. She has taught and led a weekly sutta study group for the past eight years. Rachael has given many talks and residential meditation retreats to Dhamma groups across the United States. She has taught with Bhante Vimalaramsi, Leigh Brasington, Ven. Ānanda (HeartDhamma), and Delson Armstrong. Rachael is part of the Community Dhamma Leader (CDL) group, which retreats annually at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.
Although she remains in lay life, Rachael has committed herself to a livelihood that accords with the principles of the Dhamma. She currently works as an advocate for those living with mental illness and intellectual disability. She has taught Bhante Vimalaramsi’s “Six Rs” formulation of Right Mindfulness and Right Effort in the public school system and at professional conferences