Loving Kindness Meditation
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Transforming Ourselves, Transforming Our Country
The aim of the historical Buddha’s teachings is nothing less than a transformation of how we understand ourselves and our experience; how we relate to each other; and how we engage the world around us. He provided us with a substantial system of practices supported by a dynamic psychology to move toward these goals. These practices and psychology are equally applicable to transformation in the inner sense, as well as the outer sense. What we do and say in the world is a reflection of our inner landscape.
This evening will explore the intersection between inner and outer transformation, and how the practices and psychology handed down to us by the Historical Buddha are essential in dealing with the turbulence, chaos and change taking place in our country. That change is broad and deep – socially, culturally, racially and politically. In this context, we’ll look at the role and obligations of those in spiritual communities, both individually and collectively, in making decisions about government initiated or sanctioned harming and violence.
There are two handouts referenced in this talk:
- The Three Trainings Of The Eight Fold Path
- The Foundational & Essential Process – Inquiry or Investigation
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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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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.
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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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.
Visit Us
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