The Noble Eightfold Path isn’t just a set of ideals, it’s a practical way through the tangles of daily life. What we receive from the Path depends on how we practice it: as an occasional reference point, or as something we weave into the ordinary moments of our days. This talk introduces a talk series on bringing the Eightfold Path meaningfully into our lives.
Really listening to another is an incredible skill… it’s almost magical. When we listen to another, we are not only giving them the gift of our whole-hearted attention, we are also taming the ego-driven addiction of impatiently waiting for OUR turn to speak. When the Buddha spoke about Right Speech, he was including both sides of the communication equation; skillful means of intentional speech as well as intentional listening to others. Intentionally listening also means listening to ourselves, to our own innate wisdom which we often ignore. Skillful Listening is a mindful practice that changes attitudes and beliefs as well as enhances empathy and community. It is a great gift to bring into this New Year… for ourselves, our friends, and to those with whom we disagree.
Most of us know the quiet sense that something is not quite right. In this talk we’ll explore how the way forward can emerge from within the very moments that once felt so wrong.
One of the fundamental teachings we hear regularly is to “see things clearly as they are.” But Seeing Clearly is not an inherent quality of mind. It is a skill that matures through intentional development. Join us this evening to explore these questions:
The presentation and discussion will include a practical examination, and handout, of the critical elements of the Historical Buddha’s Psychology of Causation which explains the nature of suffering. We’ll apply Seeing Clearly to the stressful dynamics of being with family during the holidays.
In this season of gratitude, Rich will bring reflections on the “greatest blessings” from the Maha-Mangala Sutta (Sutta Nipata 2.4). When asked to tell the greatest blessing, the Buddha gave a short discourse in verse containing 38 blessings. This beloved sutta reminds us that, even in the midst of loss and grief, our ordinary lives contain so many sources of gratitude and happiness. In balancing our awareness of suffering with the uplifting conditions in life, we come closer to seeing things as they are. This awareness provides a balance to our daily life practice and a motivation for skillful action in the world.
Rich last offered a reflection on this sutta three years ago, as we celebrated 20 years of SIM. This evening will be structured differently, as we will explore the Buddha’s examples in small group discussions to find sources of happiness relevant to our lives today.
One of the keys to understanding the Buddhist practice of death contemplation is remembering that it’s not just about all things being impermanent. Rather, it’s about mindfully facing our own death and understanding it could come at any time. The good news is that this practice can lead to lessening our fear of death and learning to live more fully (and even joyfully) each day.
The Historical Buddha’s teachings invite us to explore two profound dimensions of reality. Traditionally known as the Relative and Absolute (or Conventional and Ultimate) “truths”. They are often misunderstood as abstract philosophical concepts.
Instead, these two dimensions offer us complementary and inter-dependent ways of understanding our lived experience here on planet earth, in this universe. They also open two distinct pathways for practice that can enrich and deepen our journey.
Join us this evening as we explore together: what each dimension really means; the unique role each plays in our practice; how each relates to the other; and why weaving both experiences into our daily lives is essential for moving towards greater satisfaction, peace, and awakening.
The first talk is on Mudita, also known as Sympathetic Joy. Mudita can be defined as enjoying the good fortune or happiness experienced by others as well as ourselves. In today’s fast-paced, phone-obsessed, competitive society, we bypass much of the joy in our lives as well as in the lives of others.
Additionally due to societal polarization, as well as the emphasis on winning—no matter what it takes—we often find ourselves engaging in mind states that are the direct opposite of mudita. Due to jealousy, anger, and toxic competitiveness, we find ourselves taking delight in the misfortune of others. This “dark glee” is called schadenfreud and continually engaging in this mind state has severe repercussions including the exacerbation of depression and anxiety.
Tonight we will learn practical methods for decreasing schadenfreud and for elevating mudita in our lives, thus increasing our own contentment, ease and a sense of true connection with others.
As we practice to meet the ups and downs of life, we learn valuable insights about ourselves and each other. Rather than getting entrenched in our habits and blown around by uncertainty, we cultivate the capacity to meet the world with more compassion and grace and learn ways to meet these perilous times.
Come join Heather and community for an evening of her favorite teachings and guided practices on the Body, along with practical tips and discussion on how to use them to support more ease, peace, and release of reactivity in your daily life.