*Sit & Dharma Talk – Dennis Warren – Give Yourself A Break: You’re Not a Nun or Monk

This talk is will be rescheduled for a future date.

Give Yourself A Break: You’re Not a Nun or Monk

Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

The historical Buddha taught that there were different models of practice. One for monastics – nuns and monks – and another for community level practitioners with families whose lives are filled with obligations and responsibilities.
The practice model we’re developing here in the West is unique. It is actually an experiment. We are studying and practicing from teachings from the historical Buddha that were, for the most part, intended for monastics. These individuals were engaged in intense, deep and sophisticated practices in protected environments shielded from the pressures, stresses and responsibilities each of us routinely face every day. The monastic model, as well, did not involve any form of responsibility for addressing the real-life social, economic and other conditions that contribute so significantly to the suffering of community level practitioners.
This evening will examine the different models of practice offered by the historical Buddha and explore questions about our current attempt to blend these models: Does this create expectations for community level practitioners that are unrealistic? Does this result in a number of unstated assumptions about practice that are the potential conditions for stress, frustration and disappointment? Has these created an environment of practice that is overly serious and ignores or devalues the satisfaction, happiness and joy practice should bring us every day?
Dennis will also discuss a new 2020 SIM course entitled “Living and Practicing on the Other Side of Suffering” that is directly related to these questions and their answers.

Sacramento Insight Meditation events are sustained by the generosity of instructors in offering teachings freely and on the generosity of students and members of the meditative community in the form of financial support, service and participation in events. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
“Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
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