top of page
Search

Cultivating the Jewel–Module 1 Class 1


A deep introduction to mindful awareness

I will be doing posts, where I share my reflections on Module 1 of Cultivating the Jewel.


Har-Prakash, a senior teacher of Shinzen Young, draws on decades of deep practice and teaching experience in Cultivating the Jewel, a comprehensive and progressive learning programme for serious mindfulness practitioners.

The first class covers Mindful Living and Mindful Awareness, expanding on Mindful Awareness as the inner skill-set we train — the A, B, C of mindfulness — and how to do this in a practical way.

Har-Prakash takes time to map out what we are actually training, rather than assuming familiarity or leaving things vague. This is one of the strengths of the course: it is systematic and comprehensive.


Making sense of sensory experience


A key part of Class 1 is a clear breakdown of sensory experience. The course introduces a chart that organises experience, helping practitioners make sense of body, mind, and world in a structured way.

Rather than being an abstract model, this framework serves a very practical purpose: it helps untangle sensory overwhelm, as well as making sense of the deeper experiences of practice.

When experience is undifferentiated, everything arrives at once — thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and external stimuli — which often amplifies stress and suffering. Developing sensory clarity allows experience to be parsed cleanly, reducing unnecessary reactivity and creating more space for choice.


From surface benefits to deep practice


At a more accessible level, practitioners may notice:

  • increased fulfilment

  • improved habits

  • greater emotional balance

  • better quality relationships

But the course does not stop there. Har-Prakash also points towards the deeper end of the contemplative pool:

  • exploring freedom from a limited sense of self and the possibility of awakening

  • developing insight and integrating breakthroughs

These are presented as natural outcomes of sustained, high-quality practice.


Working with the inner critic


The class concludes with three practical ways of working with the inner critic — an area where many practitioners struggle.

Rather than trying to suppress or “get rid of” the critic, the emphasis is on cultivating a skilful relationship: seeing it clearly and reducing the suffering it generates.


Who this course is for


Cultivating the Jewel is clearly aimed at those who value quality mindfulness — people willing to dedicate time, curiosity, and consistency to their practice.

It offers an excellent foundation for anyone serious about understanding:

  • what mindfulness actually trains

  • how sensory clarity reduces suffering

  • and how deep contemplative insights can be integrated into everyday life


Class 1 sets the tone beautifully: precise, grounded, and practical.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page