Thursday, September 22, 7-9:15. Sitting and Dharma Talk/Discussion with Dennis Warren, SIM Founding Instructor.

Talk Topic: BEING OF SERVICE TO OTHERS & OURSELVES

It’s not unusual to think of “service” as something special we do: working at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, dog shelter, the pediatric unit in a hospital, a clothing donation center. But “service”, in a Buddhist sense, is a much bigger idea that encompasses even small acts of supporting or helping a relative, a friend or our spiritual community, such as SIM.

This evening will explore the nature of service, its values and its benefits. Dennis has been leading a year-long course entitled “How Can I Help” which includes each participant doing service in the community each month. A number of the insights and experiences from the course will be included in the discussion.

Dennis will also discuss a new effort by SIM to establish a sound, new SIM volunteer infra-structure in anticipation of moving to the Sacramento Dharma Center building sometime in October.

This event will begin at 7:00 pm at Sacramento Friends Meetinghouse, 890 57th Street.

Thursday, July 21, 7-9 pm. Sitting and Dharma Discussion with Diane Wilde, SIM Community Mentor, “The Four Types of People”

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?

Thursday, September 1, 7-9 pm. Sitting and Dharma Talk with Diane Wilde, SIM Community Mentor.

How do we know that we are acting appropriately?

Buddhist practice is not a set of black and white rules.  Just as in life, situations are nuanced, fluid with different strategies for situations, which on the surface, might seem to be similar. Should we always tell the truth when asked?  Should we report what we perceive is a harmful act?  Do we always disengage from others who we feel are unskillful or don’t share our opinions?  Examples abound.  Bring your own thoughts and experiences on this topic Thursday night as we look at a variety of life situations with wisdom AND compassion. We are all in this realm of samsara, attempting to cause as little harm to ourselves and others as possible.  There is a reason why Sangha is the third refuge.