Non-Self – When What Is Not Present Helps Us Use What Is
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.
The principle that the absence of something can be as significant as the presence of something is a fundamental element of Buddhist practice. One of the more popular definitions of mindfulness expresses this as “moment to moment non-judgmental awareness.” Non-doing and non-clinging, among other qualities of mind, are considered core elements of an ethical and maturing practice.
In this context, it’s important to remember that the historical Buddha considered everything to be non-self or not-self. In other words, whatever non-self or not-self is or means is not unique or exclusive in its application to our western psychological notion of “self.” As a result, it applies across the board to all of our experiences and everything else – you, me, animals, plants, rocks, the environment, our plant, the universe.
The broad based application of the principle of non-self is one of the things that make it practical, concrete and relevant to our sitting practice, daily life, relationships…and our death.
For those using In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the four (4) pages of the following suttas starting on page 341 and end on 345.
- (c) The Characteristic of NonSelf
- (d) Impermanent, Suffering, Nonself
- (e) A Lump of Foam
For those using online reference materials, please read substantially the same materials under the following titles:
Introduction to Meditation with Visiting Mentor, Lori Wong
Meditation CourseThis 45-minute course is suitable for beginners or anyone who would like a refresher. It is offered on the fourth Thursday of every month before the regular sitting and dharma talk. There is no fee.
*Sit & Dharma Talk – Lori Wong – Not Holding to Fixed Views
Weekly MeditationThe topic of the talk is “Not Holding to Fixed Views“. How do we bring awareness to our views and implicit biases and open our hearts to see each other?
Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Mentor, Lori Wong
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.
*Sit & Dharma Talk – Diane Wilde – Is your meditation “working?”
Weekly MeditationIs your meditation “working?”
Dharma Talk and Discussion with SIM Community Mentor, Rev. Diane Wilde
Is the same practice suitable for everyone? How do I know if this is the right practice for me? The important point is: Have you fallen into a practice that is no longer evaluated and has become as “habitual” as many other facets of your life. After a person has been meditating for some time, it’s important that he or she evaluate how the practice is developing. Is it working? Does it need adjustment? Is it even the right practice to be doing? Can it be improved? Some of this evaluation can be done on one’s own, some with a teacher or with friends. Join us for an important discussion.
*Sit & Dharma Talk – Dennis Warren – Non-Self – When What Is Not Present Helps Us Use What Is
Weekly MeditationNon-Self – When What Is Not Present Helps Us Use What Is
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.
The principle that the absence of something can be as significant as the presence of something is a fundamental element of Buddhist practice. One of the more popular definitions of mindfulness expresses this as “moment to moment non-judgmental awareness.” Non-doing and non-clinging, among other qualities of mind, are considered core elements of an ethical and maturing practice.
In this context, it’s important to remember that the historical Buddha considered everything to be non-self or not-self. In other words, whatever non-self or not-self is or means is not unique or exclusive in its application to our western psychological notion of “self.” As a result, it applies across the board to all of our experiences and everything else – you, me, animals, plants, rocks, the environment, our plant, the universe.
The broad based application of the principle of non-self is one of the things that make it practical, concrete and relevant to our sitting practice, daily life, relationships…and our death.
For those using In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the four (4) pages of the following suttas starting on page 341 and end on 345.
For those using online reference materials, please read substantially the same materials under the following titles:
*Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher, Tony Bernhard
Weekly MeditationThe topic of the talk is “Which Way to the Middle Path?”
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.
Morning Meditation with Diane Wilde
Weekly MeditationMorning Meditation with Diane Wilde
All are welcome to this open sitting for anyone interested in starting their morning out by sitting with others. The session involves a 40-45 minute sitting, a limited about of meditation guidance, and a few comments at the end of the sitting to set a theme for moving into the world and your daily activities.
Morning Meditation with Dennis Warren
Weekly MeditationMorning Meditation with Dennis Warren
All are welcome to this open sitting for anyone interested in starting their morning out by sitting with others. The session involves a 40-45 minute sitting, a limited about of meditation guidance, and a few comments at the end of the sitting to set a theme for moving into the world and your daily activities.
Morning Meditation with Rich Howard
Weekly MeditationMorning Meditation with Rich Howard
All are welcome to this open sitting for anyone interested in starting their morning out by sitting with others. The session involves a 40-45 minute sitting, a limited about of meditation guidance, and a few comments at the end of the sitting to set a theme for moving into the world and your daily activities.
Morning Meditation with Laura Rosenthal
Weekly MeditationMorning Meditation with Laura Rosenthal
All are welcome to this open sitting for anyone interested in starting their morning out by sitting with others. The session involves a 40-45 minute sitting, a limited about of meditation guidance, and a few comments at the end of the sitting to set a theme for moving into the world and your daily activities.
Morning Meditation with Diane Wilde
Weekly MeditationMorning Meditation with Diane Wilde
All are welcome to this open sitting for anyone interested in starting their morning out by sitting with others. The session involves a 40-45 minute sitting, a limited about of meditation guidance, and a few comments at the end of the sitting to set a theme for moving into the world and your daily activities.