Our Buddhist Recovery Group meets every Monday evening from 6:30 pm–8:00 pm at the Friend’s Meeting House located at 890 57th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. “Newcomers” and “old timers” alike are welcome to attend. The solution to craving and addictive behaviors will be explored using the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Registration is not required nor are there any dues or fees. However, to cover rent and literature we will pass the “hat.” We have a Sit and Read from an Author who has not only a personal 12 Step background, but more importantly, a Buddhist background, on how to use our Buddhist Practice in conjunction with the 12 Steps to Recover from extreme Suffering.
For additional informational please call, text, or email Brian McKinsey at (916) 225-7251, brian@sactoinsight.org.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2016-08-31 12:41:352016-08-31 12:46:58Buddhist Recovery Group
Nature is a seamless whole, flowing and changing continuously. The world we inhabit is increasingly digital, measured, quantified, and reduced to numbers and words. How do you think of your practice? Minutes on the cushion? Days in retreat? Years of practice? Or does the practice flow through every waking moment? We spend this evening examining our view of practice as analog or digital. We ask ourselves if it makes a difference. We think about our own practice and discuss how it might be digital, analog, neither, or both. And how that serves our life and the world.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2016-08-25 21:01:382017-03-11 18:19:2308/25/2016 “Analog or Digital?” with Rich Howard
The Climate Sangha is meeting Tuesday, August 23, at 7 pm., at 2232 10th Ave (near City College). The Climate Sangha meets to provide a place for members concerned about the future that climate change will bring us to discuss those issues openly, to use Buddhist practice to face the changes, and to provide mutual support.
In Buddhist teaching, ethical conduct constitutes an essential training: sila, one of the three trainings that form the ennobling eightfold path. While contemporary teachers frequently discuss the ethical precepts in positive terms, emphasizing the wholesome qualities we are cultivating, traditional Buddhist teaching frames them in the negative, as core unwholesome behaviors with respect to which we practice renunciation. In this dharma talk and group discussion, we will explore why the precepts may have been framed in this way as well as the freedom and richness found in exploring this path of “not doing.”
Laura Rosenthal, a long-time participant in the SIM community, is a graduate of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP 4) and is currently participating in Spirit Rock’s Advanced Practitioners Program (APP).
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2016-08-18 13:58:092017-03-11 20:15:4408/18/2016 “The Power of Negative Thinking” with Laura Rosenthal
The previous two talks (Jul 28, Aug 4) focused on Right Effort, or Energy, and the prominent role it plays in Buddhist practice. This talk has a focus on the important relationships between Right Effort or Energy, on the one hand, and Right Action on the other. Understanding these two different elements of practice; how they are similar; and how they are different is an important step in making them operational in daily life. This talk explores the meanings of Right Effort and Right Action, their role in practice and their place in Buddhist psychology.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2016-08-11 20:51:242017-03-11 18:25:5008/11/16: “Right Effort and Right Action” with Dennis Warren
Right Effort, or Energy, plays a prominent role in Buddhist practice. It is one of the “5 Spiritual Faculties”, one of the “7 Factors of Awakening”, one component of the “8 Fold Path”, and is a foundation for the “4 Foundations of Mindfulness.” It’s obviously pretty important for the Buddha to have included it as an element in all of these groupings of core spiritual tools.
This talk is a follow up to the initial discussion of Right Effort held July 28. We switch gears and look at Right Effort or Energy from a different perspective – as the application, monitoring, and adjustment of both physical and mental energy as the basic underpinning of all of our practice efforts.
In its most basic form, this involves non-conceptually figuring out, and using our effort to support, what works — what allows us to remain mindful and see into the nature and consequences of what is unfolding — in any moment of experience. In this sense, Right Effort’s contribution to helping us get free of suffering in our lives involves using it to stay focused on a particular way of investigating our experience and the nature of our lives. Understanding Effort in the context of meditative psychology, and how to use it as a reliable and practical tool in formal meditation practice, as well as daily life, is essential to developing, stabilizing, and maturing our practice.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Sabitrehttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngSabitre2016-08-04 22:17:542017-07-22 11:44:5008/04/16: “Right Effort, Part 2” with Dennis Warren
During this workday, SIM community members will do 4-5 hours of light landscaping work (weed pulling and pruning shrubs) on the grounds of the Sacramento Friends Meeting House. This workday is intended as dana (generosity) for the Sacramento Friends for the many years they have allowed our community to rent the Sacramento Friends Meeting House for our events. Please ware long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sturdy protective footwear. RSVP is required to participate. Please contact SIM Board member James Barnes at james@sactoinsight.org for more information or to RSVP.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00James Barneshttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngJames Barnes2016-07-28 18:03:062016-07-28 18:03:06Dana Workday for the Sacramento Friends
This talk has a focus on Right Effort and presents a model for understanding and working with this core practice that may be a little different than you have heard before. Drawing on a number of talks of the Historical Buddha and other teachers, Dennis explores a practical approach to jump starting your practice.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here.
https://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.png00Brianhttps://sactoinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SIM-logo-trans.pngBrian2016-07-28 15:13:542017-07-22 11:49:1707/28/16: “Right Effort, Part 1” with Dennis Warren
Have you ever wondered why there are people who, though born in poverty and deprivation, yet managed to evolve as wise and compassionate people, seemingly content with very little, while others, born with privilege and wealth, seem to require more and more “stuff” and often succumb to cruel behavior towards themselves and others. The Buddha had something to say about these “four types of people” in the Tamonata Sutta:
“There are these four types of people to be found existing in the world. Which four? One in darkness who is headed for darkness, one in darkness who is headed for light, one in light who is headed for darkness, and one in light who is headed for light.” The Buddha did not speak in riddles. His teaching is clear and well-explained. Whenever he said something that people might not understand properly, he explained it immediately. What is darkness? What is brightness? How does one keep on running from one to the other?
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
Buddhist Recovery Group
Buddhist Recovery GroupOur Buddhist Recovery Group meets every Monday evening from 6:30 pm–8:00 pm at the Friend’s Meeting House located at 890 57th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. “Newcomers” and “old timers” alike are welcome to attend. The solution to craving and addictive behaviors will be explored using the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Registration is not required nor are there any dues or fees. However, to cover rent and literature we will pass the “hat.” We have a Sit and Read from an Author who has not only a personal 12 Step background, but more importantly, a Buddhist background, on how to use our Buddhist Practice in conjunction with the 12 Steps to Recover from extreme Suffering.
For additional informational please call, text, or email Brian McKinsey at (916) 225-7251, brian@sactoinsight.org.
Board Meeting Minutes Posted
NewsJust released, the SIM Board Meeting Minutes from last month is now available.
08/25/2016 “Analog or Digital?” with Rich Howard
Audio DharmaNature is a seamless whole, flowing and changing continuously. The world we inhabit is increasingly digital, measured, quantified, and reduced to numbers and words. How do you think of your practice? Minutes on the cushion? Days in retreat? Years of practice? Or does the practice flow through every waking moment? We spend this evening examining our view of practice as analog or digital. We ask ourselves if it makes a difference. We think about our own practice and discuss how it might be digital, analog, neither, or both. And how that serves our life and the world.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
Climate Sangha
Community Service, NewsThe Climate Sangha is meeting Tuesday, August 23, at 7 pm., at 2232 10th Ave (near City College). The Climate Sangha meets to provide a place for members concerned about the future that climate change will bring us to discuss those issues openly, to use Buddhist practice to face the changes, and to provide mutual support.
08/18/2016 “The Power of Negative Thinking” with Laura Rosenthal
Audio DharmaIn Buddhist teaching, ethical conduct constitutes an essential training: sila, one of the three trainings that form the ennobling eightfold path. While contemporary teachers frequently discuss the ethical precepts in positive terms, emphasizing the wholesome qualities we are cultivating, traditional Buddhist teaching frames them in the negative, as core unwholesome behaviors with respect to which we practice renunciation. In this dharma talk and group discussion, we will explore why the precepts may have been framed in this way as well as the freedom and richness found in exploring this path of “not doing.”
This talk references a handout: click here
Laura Rosenthal, a long-time participant in the SIM community, is a graduate of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP 4) and is currently participating in Spirit Rock’s Advanced Practitioners Program (APP).
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
08/11/16: “Right Effort and Right Action” with Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaThe previous two talks (Jul 28, Aug 4) focused on Right Effort, or Energy, and the prominent role it plays in Buddhist practice. This talk has a focus on the important relationships between Right Effort or Energy, on the one hand, and Right Action on the other. Understanding these two different elements of practice; how they are similar; and how they are different is an important step in making them operational in daily life. This talk explores the meanings of Right Effort and Right Action, their role in practice and their place in Buddhist psychology.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
08/04/16: “Right Effort, Part 2” with Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaRight Effort, or Energy, plays a prominent role in Buddhist practice. It is one of the “5 Spiritual Faculties”, one of the “7 Factors of Awakening”, one component of the “8 Fold Path”, and is a foundation for the “4 Foundations of Mindfulness.” It’s obviously pretty important for the Buddha to have included it as an element in all of these groupings of core spiritual tools.
This talk is a follow up to the initial discussion of Right Effort held July 28. We switch gears and look at Right Effort or Energy from a different perspective – as the application, monitoring, and adjustment of both physical and mental energy as the basic underpinning of all of our practice efforts.
In its most basic form, this involves non-conceptually figuring out, and using our effort to support, what works — what allows us to remain mindful and see into the nature and consequences of what is unfolding — in any moment of experience. In this sense, Right Effort’s contribution to helping us get free of suffering in our lives involves using it to stay focused on a particular way of investigating our experience and the nature of our lives. Understanding Effort in the context of meditative psychology, and how to use it as a reliable and practical tool in formal meditation practice, as well as daily life, is essential to developing, stabilizing, and maturing our practice.
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here
Dana Workday for the Sacramento Friends
Community Service, NewsDuring this workday, SIM community members will do 4-5 hours of light landscaping work (weed pulling and pruning shrubs) on the grounds of the Sacramento Friends Meeting House. This workday is intended as dana (generosity) for the Sacramento Friends for the many years they have allowed our community to rent the Sacramento Friends Meeting House for our events. Please ware long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sturdy protective footwear. RSVP is required to participate. Please contact SIM Board member James Barnes at james@sactoinsight.org for more information or to RSVP.
07/28/16: “Right Effort, Part 1” with Dennis Warren
Audio DharmaThis talk has a focus on Right Effort and presents a model for understanding and working with this core practice that may be a little different than you have heard before. Drawing on a number of talks of the Historical Buddha and other teachers, Dennis explores a practical approach to jump starting your practice.
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.
07/21/16: “Four Personality Types,” with Diane Wilde
Audio DharmaHave you ever wondered why there are people who, though born in poverty and deprivation, yet managed to evolve as wise and compassionate people, seemingly content with very little, while others, born with privilege and wealth, seem to require more and more “stuff” and often succumb to cruel behavior towards themselves and others. The Buddha had something to say about these “four types of people” in the Tamonata Sutta:
“There are these four types of people to be found existing in the world. Which four? One in darkness who is headed for darkness, one in darkness who is headed for light, one in light who is headed for darkness, and one in light who is headed for light.” The Buddha did not speak in riddles. His teaching is clear and well-explained. Whenever he said something that people might not understand properly, he explained it immediately. What is darkness? What is brightness? How does one keep on running from one to the other?
If you would like to download this talk, please right click and select “save as” here