Set-Up Volunteers Needed
Some of our long-time set-up volunteers would like to move on to other opportunities, so SIM is seeking sangha members who would be interested in embracing this rewarding way to serve the sangha. We would also like to expand our existing teams from two to three to lighten the workload and shorten the time it takes to do the work.
If you become part of a set-up team, you commit to coming one Thursday per month an hour before the meeting, 6 p.m. the first three weeks of the month, or 5 p.m in the fourth week (that week the beginning meditation instruction starts at 6 pm). Closing down after the meeting takes between 30-45 minutes, depending on how much extra help other members can provide.
If you’d prefer to be part of a general pool that assists on an as-needed, as-available basis, that would also be very welcome.
This work of transforming the Dharma Center space into a welcoming place for sangha members to gather is rewarding work. It’s an opportunity to get to know our new place intimately and to get to known fellow sangha members you might otherwise never interact with. If you are interested in becoming either part of a volunteer-team or part of a volunteer-pool, please email Margaret Buss.
Volunteers Needed for One-Day Retreat January 28th
If you plan to attend the one-day retreat on January 28th with Amma Thanasanti, would you consider helping with either set-up or take-down of the Dharma Hall? Tasks include bringing flowers, setting up the tea service and/or cleaning up kitchen and break room afterwards, setting out name tags, setting up the sound equipment, and arranging chairs and cushions — you won’t have to do them all; you would be part of a team and would be guided in the tasks.
The daylong start at 10 a.m. The set-up team will meet at 8:45 a.m. to ensure the Dharma Hall is ready by then.
If you are interested in this special act of dana to the community, or if you are able to bring flowers, email Margaret Buss.
Flower Yogis Wanted
If you have a green thumb and a colorful garden (or other source) and would be willing to bring flowers to sangha meetings or one-day retreats, on either a one-time or regular basis, please email the Set-Up Coordinator Margaret Buss.
Meditative Poetry: FLOYD SKLOOT – In Morning Light
Audio Dharma, Poetry[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/301313474″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]
02/09/2017 “When Is Anger Skillful?” with Diane Wilde
Audio DharmaWhen 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.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
Meditative Poetry: BOB DYLAN – Love Minus Zero
Audio Dharma, Poetry[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300384145″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]
02/02/2017 “You Don’t Have to Be Buddhist” with Rich Howard
Audio DharmaYou 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.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
01/28/2017 One Day Retreat with Amma Thanasanti
Audio Dharma, Guided MeditationFrom 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.
Take the volunteer plunge!
News, VolunteerSet-Up Volunteers Needed
If you become part of a set-up team, you commit to coming one Thursday per month an hour before the meeting, 6 p.m. the first three weeks of the month, or 5 p.m in the fourth week (that week the beginning meditation instruction starts at 6 pm). Closing down after the meeting takes between 30-45 minutes, depending on how much extra help other members can provide.
If you’d prefer to be part of a general pool that assists on an as-needed, as-available basis, that would also be very welcome.
This work of transforming the Dharma Center space into a welcoming place for sangha members to gather is rewarding work. It’s an opportunity to get to know our new place intimately and to get to known fellow sangha members you might otherwise never interact with. If you are interested in becoming either part of a volunteer-team or part of a volunteer-pool, please email Margaret Buss.
Volunteers Needed for One-Day Retreat January 28th
If you plan to attend the one-day retreat on January 28th with Amma Thanasanti, would you consider helping with either set-up or take-down of the Dharma Hall? Tasks include bringing flowers, setting up the tea service and/or cleaning up kitchen and break room afterwards, setting out name tags, setting up the sound equipment, and arranging chairs and cushions — you won’t have to do them all; you would be part of a team and would be guided in the tasks.
The daylong start at 10 a.m. The set-up team will meet at 8:45 a.m. to ensure the Dharma Hall is ready by then.
If you are interested in this special act of dana to the community, or if you are able to bring flowers, email Margaret Buss.
Flower Yogis Wanted
If you have a green thumb and a colorful garden (or other source) and would be willing to bring flowers to sangha meetings or one-day retreats, on either a one-time or regular basis, please email the Set-Up Coordinator Margaret Buss.
Meditative Poetry: RUMI – Birdwings
Audio Dharma, Poetry[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/300243012″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]
01/12/2017 “Recommendations for Practice in 2017 – part 2” Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaRecommendations 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.
01/05/2017 “Recommendations for Practice in 2017” Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaRecommendations 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.
Volunteer work afternoon
News, SDCHelp SDC get ready for the Grand Opening coming up on Sunday, Jan 29th. There is much to do indoors and outside.