What Does It Mean To Cross The River of Suffering

Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren

The Historical Buddha used the image of our making our way across “the River of Suffering,” then leaving the boat we arrived in at the water’s edge, once we are safely on “the other shore.” What does it mean to “cross the river of suffering?” and to reach “the other shore?” Was the Buddha implying that it is our fate to continuously suffer until we have crossed the River?
This evening will examination the Buddha’s guidance for community level practitioners – non-monastics – about the pleasures of community life and practice in the context of the responsibilities and obligations of community life.
This guidance clearly points to the idea that the teachings are designed to support and create ease in our life, not to foster a sense of struggle, and an over-emphasis & self-indulgence, on suffering that may be present. This guidance, for those living full community lives, is a necessary and important element in creating a balanced practice, and a satisfying & happy life.

Sacramento Insight Meditation events 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. With our practice of dana, we support our Sangha.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
“Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
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