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If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
Senior Teacher Kamala Masters reminds us, “Starting over is the practice.” Reflecting on this simple instruction has many implications: self-compassion, patience, and an encouragement to gentle, persevering effort. We will explore the practice itself in a guided meditation to start the evening, then discuss the many lessons to be learned from this seemingly simple instruction. Bring your beginner’s mind!
From Effort to Ease
2018 Residential Retreat with John Travis.
If you would like to download any of the following dharma talks, please right click on the filename link and select “save as”.
Audio file 1 of 7: 20180908-travis.mp3
Audio file 2 of 7: 20180909-travis.mp3
Audio file 3 of 7: 20180910-travis.mp3
Audio file 4 of 7: 20180911-travis.mp3
Audio file 5 of 7: 20180912-travis.mp3
Audio file 6 of 7: 20180913am-travis.mp3 (Meditation with Sounds)
Audio file 7 of 7: 20180913pm-travis.mp3
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Is it possible to find ease and grace in a world full of change?
It is possible to trust the mind of non-clinging and so find our liberation within the world of impermanence. ~ Gil Fronsdal
We will explore this question of finding refuge in the truth of change in our uncertain and often turbulent times. While letting go of our fixed views and opening to the possibilities of freedom, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of living with clarity and ease in each moment.
Daylong Retreat with Ayya Santacitta and Rev. Diane Wilde; Four audio files:
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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.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
Grasping is not something done by the self, but rather the self is something created by grasping.
“What” are we letting be? What does it mean when we just let things be? Do we accept without concern the state of the world, cruelty, climate change, misogyny, racism, etc? Perhaps we are more precise when we say “letting it be” means not adding onto the already cumbersome, suffering self-identity that we carry around.
Today’s daylong will address the issues that present themselves when we practice “letting it be”, along with periods of meditation and mindful movement.
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The Satipattahana Sutta (the Discourse on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness) is at the center of our practice of meditation in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition. The refrain of the Sutta includes this phrase: the practictioner “abides independent, not clinging to anything in the world.” Other suttas use “knowledge independent of others” as a sign of a mature practice and of right view. Yet we understand from the teaching on dependent origination that all phenomena are dependent on causes and conditions, that “no thing” exists on its own. This evening we will explore the idea of “abiding independent” as an inspiration for practice and study of the dhamma.
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As Buddhist practitioners, we take refuge in the Buddha (and our own potential for Buddhahood), the Dharma (how life unfolds) and the sangha, (a supportive community of practitioners.) On this evening we take a closer look at sangha.
There are activities going on “behind the scenes” at SIM that you most likely don’t know about, as well as other supportive programs which will be offered in the future. We will also discuss what YOU would like to see offered at YOUR sangha.
Cookies and other treats were featured during the break.
The entire talk was very interesting and because it relates to our Sangha, we have also posted this talk to the SIM “News” blog. Some highlights of Sangha members who contributed to the discussion are summarized below noting the audio time marker, name, and discussion topic. This is not a comprehensive list. Listen to the entire talk so you won’t miss out on anything of interest to you.
- 10:28 Margaret (house on fire)
- 20:22 Robin (dharma hikers)
- 31:13 Tom (Friday morning sits)
- 31:44 Teri (book club)
- 38:43 Jith (Family Sangha)
- 45:12 Sara/Bob (building landscaping)
- 47:31 Mary (St. John’s Shelter)
- 49:42 Barb (Alter design)
- 51:12 Michael (Alter design)
- 57:52 Jim (Climate Sanhga)
- 1:00:39 Rich (Wednesday morning sits)
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What’s so great about the present moment anyway?
“Be mindful.” “Stay in the present.” “Bare attention.” We’ve all heard one of these phrases. And if you’re more experienced in insight practice, these may be the watchwords that chime in the back of consciousness from morning till night, reminding you that everything genuine in the spiritual path is to be found in the now. So, if this is such an important practice, why is it so hard to stay present and what’s so great about it anyhow? We’ll discuss the reasons for staying present according to Buddhist teachings, and offer some practical techniques for staying present that you will find helpful.
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This is an introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in anticipation of the 8-week MBSR course which will be offered at SIM starting September 2018. Designed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, MBSR is an integrative and scientifically validated approach that combines mindfulness practices with group processing and psycho-education around stress. MBSR helps participants mobilize their inner resources to alleviate suffering associated with chronic pain and illness, as well as conditions such as anxiety, depression, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal problems and the stresses of everyday life. This work was featured in Bill Moyers’ television special, “Healing and the Mind” in a dated but still compelling piece.
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SIM meets online and in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center
What is Dana?
Dana is a Buddhist word that means generosity or heart. Nearly all Sacramento Insight Meditation activities are offered on a dana (donations) basis. This means our programs 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. Practice dana, please support our Sangha. DONATE NOW