02/09/2017 “When Is Anger Skillful?” with Diane Wilde

When Is Anger Skillful?

Is anger an empowering and appropriate response to suffering and injustice, or does it only cause more conflict? Is it skillful or unskillful? Does it help or hurt? With so many bad things happening in the world these days, there’s a lot of debate about the proper role of anger. The answer may lie in the fundamental distinction Buddhism makes between anger and aggression. We’ll discuss how to channel anger appropriately as taught in the Pali Cannon, as well as reflections from other teachers and sangha members.

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02/02/2017 “You Don’t Have to Be Buddhist” with Rich Howard

You Don’t Have to Be Buddhist

Rich just returned from Thailand, where Theravada Buddhism is interwoven with Hinduism and native folk religion. Once again, the question arises: Am I a Buddhist? Another question follows: Do I have to be Buddhist to practice at SIM? Spoiler Alert: No and No. Join Rich and the SIM community to explore how investigating these questions may shed light on why and how we practice. For the talk handout, click here.

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01/28/2017 One Day Retreat with Amma Thanasanti

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From Separation to Seamless Reality

Buddhist teachings emphasize the link between dukkha, an inner dissatisfaction that keeps us from enjoying life and the delusive view of the self that we are separate from others. During this meditation day, we will explore the conceptual proliferation that generates the sense of self and turn towards the fullness, peace and potential that is our ever-present nature. Ending conceptual proliferation reveals a seamless reality at the heart of everything and fundamentally changes our way of being and living. The day will be informed by mindful investigation of our direct experience, and framed within teachings on emptiness, pervasive awareness and love.

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

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

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

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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Meditative Poetry: RUMI – Birdwings

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01/12/2017 “Recommendations for Practice in 2017 – part 2” Dennis Warren

Recommendations for Practice in 2017 (Part 2)

The teachings of the historical Buddha are vast in number and seemingly complex in nature. But he also urged us not to rely on initial surface impressions; instead, to look underneath and behind our impressions to what is really present. When we apply these principles to the Buddha’s teachings, we discover an integrated system of methods and psychology that flow from a number of foundational elements.
This evening with SIM’s Founding Teacher Dennis Warren will build upon and expand the discussion we began on Thursday, January 5. That evening looked at a number of elements of practice to focus on in beginning 2017. It may be helpful to review Dennis’ (Part 1) talk on that evening.
The evening will include a number of special practice recommendations; examine why the inter-related nature of the Buddha’s teachings is so helpful in examining our own individual practices; and explore a number of potential risks or hazards on the path of practice.
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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01/05/2017 “Recommendations for Practice in 2017” Dennis Warren

Recommendations for Practice in 2017

The first Thursday evening session of the year will focus on the elements of practice and recommendations to consider in developing and refining your meditation and daily life practices in 2017. This will be an interesting, practical discussion, including resources to help you evaluate and further cultivate your practice knowledge, skill, and experience.

Come prepared with your questions about practice, and your practice, to supplement the presentation and discussion by SIM’s founding teacher, Dennis Warren. 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.

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

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12/29/2016 “Reflection at Year’s End: The Paramis” with Rich Howard

REFLECTION AT YEAR’S END: THE PARAMIS

For SIM’s last Thursday gathering, we will take time to reflect quietly together on the past year in terms of the Paramis, those qualities that lead to peace when cultivated and perfected. Rather than evaluating or judging, we will then use this reflection to assess our strengths and weaknesses as a way of setting intentions for our practice in the coming New Year. Join the SIM community one last evening in 2016 for a time of silence, sharing, reflection, and community.

To view the handout for this talk, listing the ten Paramis, click here.

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

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12/22/2016 “Karma & Reincarnation from a Buddhist Perspective” with Dennis Warren

Karma & Reincarnation from a Buddhist Perspective

Here’s the topic that so many Buddhists try to avoid – Karma & Reincarnation. Some claim – incorrectly – that the historical Buddha did not teach reincarnation. Others claim that you don’t need to know about these teachings or take them seriously to engage in conscious Buddhist practice. Others are just confused and want to avoid the whole topic. But this is an important topic, and one that needs to be thoughtfully and deeply considered if you take the Buddha’s teachings seriously.

What did the historical Buddha actually teach regarding karma & reincarnation? How do these teachings differ, if they do, from the teachings on the same subject by other major spiritual and religious traditions of the day? Why are the Buddha’s teachings on karma & reincarnation relevant to our daily spiritual lives today ?

This evening with SIM Founding Teacher, Dennis Warren, will explore these topics from both a short and long term perspective. As background for this evening, you may find it helpful to review Dennis’ November 17th presentation on “Change and Karma”.

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

Here’s a copy of the poem that Dennis recited during this talk: A Stone I Died by Rumi

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