07/06/2017 “A Fortunate Rebirth” with Diane Wilde

A Fortunate Rebirth… A talk and discussion on what rebirth means, both in the future and in this lifetime, with Diane Wilde.

Raphael Calix will share his own story of rebirth as a former “lifer” in prison and the changes that came with his mediation practice.
Diane Wilde will lead a Dharma talk/discussion on rebirth, both from the orthodox viewpoint, as stated in the Pali Cannon, and as the rebirth of our authentic selves when we courageously look at our lives. We will discuss the importance of recognizing what is “kusala” (skillful) and what is “akusala” (unskillful) karma, and the importance of investigating our lives on and off the cushion.

Raphael Calix has been invited to share his own story. Raphael was an inmate at San Quentin prison until January 2017. As a “lifer,” he was told he would never be released. He created his own akusala karma as a young man, and yet found “freedom” with his mediation practice while incarcerated. As he pursued meditation and daily mindfulness practice, he began courageously facing the harm he caused others, as well as his own self-hatred. His story is a profound statement on the changes that can take place when each of us we are able to investigate ourselves with “scales falling from our eyes.”
If you are so inclined, please read pages 145 – through the first paragraph on page 147 In Bikkhu Bodhi’s book “In the Buddha’s Own Words”; the chapter on “The Way to a Fortunate Rebirth.” Please read the first sutta, “The Law of Karma” on page 155-156.

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06/29/2017 “Engaging the Five Aggregates” with Dennis Warren

THE ARISING OF WISDOM THROUGH ENGAGING “THE FIVE AGGREGATES”

Wisdom (Insight), from a Buddhist perspective, arises from “hearing” (listening to the Dharma), study and reflection capped by non-conceptual direct experience. This formula involves intentionally focusing the mind and attention on a number of different experiences, supported by the underlying psychology outlined by the historical Buddha.

This will be the first in a series of interlocking talks about the arising of Wisdom (Insight). The first talk will focus on the dilemma of suffering thru clinging (becoming attached) to, then identifying with five separate, but tightly related features of human experience – form, feeling, perception, volitional or mental formations (deeply embedded habits of mind) and consciousness.

The notion of “The Five Aggregates” is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice which can easily seem like theory or philosophy – but it is anything but conceptual thinking. During this evening, we’ll explore how this aspect of practice can become a real and tangible gateway into understanding attachment, identification and suffering.

For those who are using the book In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the following: VII. The Path To Liberation – Introduction, pages 301-309, and the sutta at pages 335 to 337.

In the alternative, follow these links to see Samyutta Nikaya 22, The Connected Discourses on the Aggregates, 56 (on https://suttacentral.net/):

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

To listen to Part 2 of this talk series, click here.

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06/15/2017 “In the Buddha’s Words: Introducing Our New Theme” with Rich Howard

In the Buddha’s Words: Introducing Our New Theme

As our practice matures, we may be moved to explore the suttas (discourses of the Buddha) on our own, without interpretation from someone else. After all, our tradition emphasizes direct experience. Yet it may seem difficult to know where to start. There is some repetition, both within a sutta and in thematic material repeated in various suttas. Some translations may have archaic language. The suttas are not in chronological order. And it may be difficult to find a sutta to answer a particular question arising in our practice or daily life.

For over 10 years, practitioners, including many at SIM, have found access to the suttas using a book called “In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon” edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Wisdom Publications, 2005). In addition to presenting suttas edited to be more readable, Bhikkhu Bodhi organizes the material by theme and offers an excellent introduction to each section.

Dennis, Diane, and Rich have chosen this book as the theme for at least the next 6 months of presentations at SIM. Join us this evening as we begin the exploration of this helpful, wide-ranging text.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

Talk Handout: 20170615-BuddhasWords.pdf

If you are interested in purchasing a paperback copy of “In the Buddha’s Words.” complete the form below to contact Rich Howard. The book cost will be $11.37.

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06/08/2017 “Becoming Authentic” with Diane Wilde

Part 1 of 3 in a series.

How often have we said to ourselves, “If I could only be ME!  If I didn’t have to play a social roll, pretend I am someone I am not, and could be authentic — my life would be so much easier!“ Too often we create endless identities which hide the authentic person we feel inside.

Yet, we continue to conform, continue to hide the depths of our true feelings, and too frequently are unable to experience — both in ourselves as well as externally— the freedom of being “real.”

In this three part series, we will look at what it really means to be authentic, both to ourselves and in the society which we live. We will discuss what authenticity means, and the steps — often challenging— that we need to take to allow ourselves to be truly seen, both internally and externally.  The first in this series will investigate what we mean by “becoming authentic”. The second in this series will address bringing authenticity into the world… especially at this time when it is so needed.  The third in this series will be a community conversation of our own experience with the topic.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

Here is a home practice that was given out after the talk:

  • During a meditation, ask the question, “Who Am I?” As your mind slips away, keep coming back to this question.
  • What have you discovered about the small self in meditation and in your daily life? Be specific.
  •  When have you had the experience of authenticity in meditation and daily life? What took place?
  • How honest are you with yourself during meditation?
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06/01/2017 “Exploring Attachment and Its’ Consequences – Part 2” with Dennis Warren

Exploring Attachment and Its’ Consequences – Part II

This evening with be the second in an exploration of the Buddhist element of Attachment and its consequences. In particular, we will look at the nature of “positive” attachment which is an important part of practice development; and how positive attachment, which begins as a healthy aspiration, can become problematic and counter-productive. It would be helpful if you could revisit the first evening’s on-line audio exploration on this topic (click here) presented April 27.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

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05/20/2017 “Attention & Mindful – An Exploration” Retreat with Dennis Warren

Day-long Retreat on the theme: Attention & Mindful – An Exploration

Mindfulness is sometimes described as non-judgmental “bare” attention. As helpful as this general description may be, it tends to cloud the fact that there is a significant difference between attention and mindfulness. They play separate and distinct roles in practice. And, most importantly, it gives no hint of the reality that attention and mindfulness are both purposeful in Buddhist practice. In a period of time when both of these terms are been uncoupled from their historical Buddhist meanings, what do they mean for each of us as 21st century, urban practitioners?

This will be a day of practice, reflection, experimentation and investigation:

  • What is the functional difference between attention and mindfulness?
  • What are we supposed to be paying attention to and being mindful of?
  • What does it mean that attention and mindfulness are purposeful in Buddhist practice?

What is the relationship between the answers to these questions and the underlying psychology of the historical Buddha?

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

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05/11/2017 “The Practice of Stop, Drop & Ask” with Bruce Pardoe

The Practice of Stop, Drop & Ask

Community Dharma Leader Bruce Pardoe will be with us this Thursday evening. He will talk on the practice of Stop, Drop and Ask. He will also lead a reflection on how wisdom and love are one.
Bruce has practiced Vipassana meditation for the past ten years including numerous 1, 2 & 3 month retreats at Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock. He has been on pilgrimage and practiced in Asia, and sat numerous extended solo retreats. All combined he has spent more than one and a half years in silence. He is a graduate of the Spirit Rock Dharma Leaders Program. Bruce expresses his wonder for awakening and dharma in direct, joyous and experiential teachings. His focus on sensory feeling to convey wisdom derives from his years of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and Hakomi Body-Centered Psychotherapy experience. He also draws extensively upon his deep experience with both Advaita and the path of devotion to complement and enrich his offerings. Don’t miss this evening with our friend Bruce Pardoe.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here

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04/27/2017 “Exploring Attachment and Its Consequences” with Dennis Warren

Exploring Attachment and Its Consequences

All of us have some understanding of the Buddhist element of Attachment. This evening with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren will involve a practical and in-depth exploration of Attachment; its role in Buddhist psychology; its place in the Buddhist description of causation; the phenomenon of “positive” attachment; and Attachment’s consequences, both intentional and unanticipated.

Talk handout: Foundational Qualities of Mind (PDF)

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

To listen to Part 2 of the series, click here.

 

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04/20/2017 “Engaged and Aware: Finding a Balance” with Rich Howard

Engaged and Aware: Finding a Balance

For many of us, commitment to justice and ethics leads us to engage in action in the real world. But our practice of meditative awareness calls us to “be” not just “do.” Are these impulses opposed to each other? Or are they mutually supportive? How can we sustain our engagement and connect our mindfulness to the suffering all around (and within!) us? Let’s explore the implications of bringing our practice into every day life.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.

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04/06/2017 “Forgetting and Remembering” with Dennis Warren

Forgetting and Remembering

The original definition of Mindfulness contains the element of “remembering.” What does this mean? And why is it important? What are we “forgetting?” What are we trying to “remember?” Does it mean remembering to engage in “moment-to-moment non-judgmental awareness”? As difficult as it is to maintain such a state of mind, is that it? Is that all? Or is there more? Or is there much more?
Understanding these questions, and their answers, in the context of the historical Buddha’s teachings, is important to practicing well and developing a progressively maturing practice. Reflect on these questions and come prepared with your questions to supplement the talk and discussion.

To view the handout for this talk, click here.

If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here .

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