Talk Topic: Revisiting Fundamentals: The Meaning of “The Middle Way”

Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.

* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or in-person at the Sacramento Dharma Center. The teacher plans to present via Zoom.

The Historical Buddha explicitly described the three trainings of the Eight-Fold Path as “the Middle Way.” At first glance, this description seems to provide a clear and tangible guide to evaluating elements of practice: What practice represents the middle point between extremes?

Is this what is meant by this teaching? Is it that simple? What standard would we use to make this seemly straight-forward evaluation? Or is there something more? How does the notion of “the Middle Way” fit into the Buddha’s finely woven net of teachings, psychology, methods and values.

During this evening we’ll examine the historical factors that led to this teaching. The context in which it was first introduced. And practical and powerful applications which provide a more expansive basis for understanding the role of the Middle Way in practice and life. The subject matter of this evening is appropriate for all stages of practice.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”10310″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
You may use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Dennis Warren.

Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83661572955 , Passcode: 781942
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 836 6157 2955 )
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

Ethics and Wisdom

Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Senior Teacher Vance Pryor

* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center. The teacher will present via Zoom.

Often times the practice of living ethically is considered a foundational aspect of the path. Ethical conduct is also a clear manifestation of wisdom being expressed in speech and behavior. This talk will explore the intersection between refining ethical conduct and cultivating wise discernment in our practice.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”19397″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
Please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 100% of your donation will be shared with Vance Pryor.

Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83943740488 , Passcode: 524394
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 839 4374 0488 )
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, check this news blog.

VANCE PRYOR, PsyD, began insight meditation in 1998. He has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Sayadaw U Pandita and Sayadaw U Tejaniya. His training to become a teacher has been supported by the mentorship of Steve Armstrong and Kamala Masters. He is currently participating in IMS’s 2017-2021 Teacher Training Program.

Talk Topic: Death, Dying, and Loss

Sit & Dharma Talk with Visiting Teacher Seth Castleman

* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center. The teacher will present on location.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”16677″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
Please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Seth Castleman.

Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82896442241 , Passcode: 889892
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 828 9644 2241 )
For tips and instructions to join the meeting, click here to check this news blog.

SETH CASTLEMAN is a teacher, writer, and storyteller with over twenty years experience teaching mindfulness and spiritual practice. Castleman is trained in both the Jewish and Buddhist traditions. After 20 years of meditation practice and two years of silent retreat as a lay-person in the US, India, and Nepal and as a monk in Burma, Seth was trained as a teacher by Jack Kornfield at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He was authorized as a meditation/dharma teacher in 2008. Following eight years of rabbinical studies in the US and Israel/Palestine, Castleman was ordained in 2011 as a rabbi by one Orthodox, one Conservative, and one Reform rabbi. Castleman has published in two dozen newspapers, periodicals, and anthologies on the intersection of contemplative practice and social justice and the transformational power of brokenness. As a storyteller, Seth has performed in theaters, on radio and television, and at countless kitchen tables. Seth uses myth, storytelling, and humor as central tools in his teaching and counseling work. Seth Castleman is married to Reverend Elizabeth Griswold, making them, quite possibly, the only rabbi—Christian minister married couple in the US. Seth and Elizabeth live in Davis, CA with their three children.

Revisiting Fundamentals: “Right” Understanding

Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.

* Hybrid events can be attended via Zoom or onsite at the Sacramento Dharma Center. The teacher will present via Zoom. 

Deciding what is the “Right” or skillful thing to do can be confusing when we are suffering. On one hand, the modern interpretation of the Historical Buddha’s teachings seems to offer an endless number of potential methods and solutions. On the other, what method or approach is actually effective in a particular situation can be elusive. The Buddha’s teachings on Right Understanding describe a straight forward, practical and helpful model for working with confusion, struggle and suffering. These teachings become a powerful set of tools for living, problem solving and growth when they are combined with the teachings on Right Intention and Right Effort. Together, they provide short term strategies for working with the immediate, real-time challenges in our lives; as well as strategies for pointing the mind, body and heart into long term satisfaction and peace.
The subject matter of this evening is appropriate for all levels of practice.

Thursday Night Talk Dana
[give_form id=”10310″ show_title=”false” show_content=”none” display_style=”reveal”] “Generosity is the virtue that leads to peace.” – The Historical Buddha
Please use the form above to donate by credit card or your PayPal account. Enter the amount you’d like to give and 75% of your donation will be shared with Dennis Warren.

Join online meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87234022343 , Passcode: 605331
Join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 ( Meeting ID: 872 3402 2343 )