I do not seem to find sufficient emphasis on morality in the practice. Many people feel shy of speaking about 'morality'. May be they fear they will sound conventional and rigid if they talk about morality.
Morality is a new fad.
It has been an old conventional history where people lie, kill, cheat and deceive. An old view of the world, where we do not 'trust' others, not even ourselves.
Unfortunately, it seems uncommon to love with dignity (people find a lot of 'pride' in restraining and cutting off relationships, sometimes that is the only way they know to maintain their 'dignity').
Loving is the simpler way:)
It is a journey of understanding, and putting to practice the loving kindness that is possible when one intends no harm. One practices with discretion; knowing and differentiating between acts that are harmful to oneself (and others), and acts (of mind, body and speech) that are beneficial for oneself (and thus, others).
At this point, I do not find it surprising that in the chant for metta, they have included a stanza that mention “may no one deceive another …”.
It is only when we practice the precepts (i.e. do not lie - nah, not even to ourselves) that the journey begins, and it is with the Truth that the suffering ends.
Defilements, as they deplete, the Samadhi become deeper and stronger.
More capable of meditative effort, of meditative concentration seeping in daily activities – in each activity. One becomes a beautiful translation of meditation, performing each activity with a base of a loving heart. Becoming honest in work and ethical. Abiding by the universal laws of dhamma: practicing right speech, right livelihood, giving dana, committed, sincere and caring for one's family.
Defilements deplete when one can ‘work’ with them and get rid of them by not giving in to old habit patterns in our daily activities. Step by step, meeting the same moment with a different 'mind' with each breath, renewed, meet again:)
A more ‘aware’ mind, a better, more loving and healthier mind. Every moment mind keeps coming out of ‘patterns’ and constructs when we enter each moment with the practice of Samadhi*-
In each activity the same kind of purity and calm (state of mind/concentration) as one is capable of when in ‘sitting meditation, strong practice.
I made mistakes. Time to love yourself even more. Wake up, get up, dust yourself if need be and apply understanding again. Renew morality - it works!
*Samadhi in Vipassana is a very aware state. A tranquil mind with elements of joy and penetrating deep awareness.
