The Arising of Wisdom – Experiencing “The Characteristic of Nonself”

Wisdom (Insight), from a Buddhist perspective, arises from “hearing” (listening to the Dharma), study and reflection capped by non-conceptual direct experience. This formula involves intentionally focusing the mind and attention on a number of different and particular experiences, supported by the underlying psychology outlined by the historical Buddha.
This will be the first in a series of interlocking talks about the arising of Wisdom (Insight) by focusing on the experience of “nonself” or “notself.” Dennis’ two most recent talks on the process of suffering thru clinging (becoming attached) to, then identifying with five separate, but tightly related features of human experience commonly referred to as the “Five Aggregates” will service as a foundation for these new talks.

• Audio from talk 20170619: The Arising Of Wisdom Through Engaging “The Five Aggregates”
• Audio from talk 20170720: The Arising Of Wisdom Through Engaging “The Five Aggregates” – Part 2
• Talk Handout (PDF):
  • Dalai Lama & Chodron: Short & Long Term Practice Perspectives on Emotions
  • Guy Armstrong: Foundations of Wordly Happiness vs Liberation & Piers Moore Ede: Whenever Possible, Basic Procedures Are Complicated

Please reflect on the comments of the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron about Short & Long Term Practice Perspectives On Emotions. What might this have to do with the nature of suffering associated with being and becoming, on the one hand, and the experience of nonself or notself, on the other???
For those who are using In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the following: VII. The Path To Liberation – Introduction, pages 301-309, and suttas at pages 326 – 345.

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THE ARISING OF WISDOM THROUGH ENGAGING “THE FIVE AGGREGATES”

Wisdom (Insight), from a Buddhist perspective, arises from “hearing” (listening to the Dharma), study and reflection capped by non-conceptual direct experience. This formula involves intentionally focusing the mind and attention on a number of different experiences, supported by the underlying psychology outlined by the historical Buddha.

This will be the first in a series of interlocking talks about the arising of Wisdom (Insight). The first talk will focus on the dilemma of suffering thru clinging (becoming attached) to, then identifying with five separate, but tightly related features of human experience – form, feeling, perception, volitional or mental formations (deeply embedded habits of mind) and consciousness.

The notion of “The Five Aggregates” is a fundamental aspect of Buddhist practice which can easily seem like theory or philosophy – but it is anything but conceptual thinking. During this evening, we’ll explore how this aspect of practice can become a real and tangible gateway into understanding attachment, identification and suffering.

For those who are using the book In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the following: VII. The Path To Liberation – Introduction, pages 301-309, and the sutta at pages 335 to 337.

In the alternative, follow these links to see Samyutta Nikaya 22, The Connected Discourses on the Aggregates, 56 (on https://suttacentral.net/):

• The Phases of Clinging Aggregates (SN 22.56)
• The Seven Cases (SN 22.57)

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To listen to Part 2 of this talk series, click here.

Forgetting and Remembering

The original definition of Mindfulness contains the element of “remembering.” What does this mean? And why is it important? What are we “forgetting?” What are we trying to “remember?” Does it mean remembering to engage in “moment-to-moment non-judgmental awareness”? As difficult as it is to maintain such a state of mind, is that it? Is that all? Or is there more? Or is there much more?
Understanding these questions, and their answers, in the context of the historical Buddha’s teachings, is important to practicing well and developing a progressively maturing practice. Reflect on these questions and come prepared with your questions to supplement the talk and discussion.

To view the handout for this talk, click here.

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Transforming Ourselves, Transforming Our Country

The aim of the historical Buddha’s teachings is nothing less than a transformation of how we understand ourselves and our experience; how we relate to each other; and how we engage the world around us. He provided us with a substantial system of practices supported by a dynamic psychology to move toward these goals. These practices and psychology are equally applicable to transformation in the inner sense, as well as the outer sense. What we do and say in the world is a reflection of our inner landscape.

This evening will explore the intersection between inner and outer transformation, and how the practices and psychology handed down to us by the Historical Buddha are essential in dealing with the turbulence, chaos and change taking place in our country. That change is broad and deep – socially, culturally, racially and politically. In this context, we’ll look at the role and obligations of those in spiritual communities, both individually and collectively, in making decisions about government initiated or sanctioned harming and violence.

There are two handouts referenced in this talk:

• The Three Trainings Of The Eight Fold Path
• The Foundational & Essential Process – Inquiry or Investigation

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