Tag Archive for: Diane Wilde

02/28/2019 “Entering the Stream – Doubt” with Diane Wilde

Entering the Stream to Awakening, Dealing with Doubt

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This is second in a series on “Entering the Stream” of Awakening. To listen to Diane’s initial talks on this subject, follow these links: Entering the Stream and Not clinging to Self-identity.

Yogis who are sincere in their practice, and desire to alleviate suffering are said to be on the precipice of “Entering the Stream”. A Stream-Enterer, known as a Sotapanna in Pali, the ancient language of the Buddha, is a practitioner who is well on the path to “awakening”, which means cutting through and eliminating the fetters that cause suffering. The first fetter is understanding the delusion of self-identity, the belief that each of us is a separate entity unto ourselves. The second fetter to be uprooted is doubt. Tonight we will briefly discuss self-identity, which will be the topic of the Feb. 23rd daylong and examine in more detail, the second “fetter” of doubt. Doubt is traditionally seen as having two aspects: skillful doubt, which prods us into deeper experiential investigation of the path, and unskillful doubt, which is a dead-end, leading to confusion and unhappiness. We will discuss the characteristics of both types of doubt and how skillful doubt is an aid in navigating the difficulties we often encounter in our own practice. Unskillful doubt is abandoned as we Enter the Stream.

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02/23/2019 “Not clinging to self-identity” with Diane Wilde

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Not clinging to Self-identity is the first “marker” on the path to liberation — and could be divided into both exterior and interior ‘processes’. Our exterior self-identity fixates on how we need to be seen by acquaintances and strangers with our predefined narrative. We want our “specialness” to be recognized. Our interior self-identity is a confusing contrivance which is constantly changing, re-evaluating and re-constructing itself. In fact, our mutating interior self-identity causes even more suffering than the outward modality in which we face the world. In contemporary terms, working with self-identity might be defined as, learning how to not take ourselves so seriously. At our daylong we will learn from traditional Buddhist teachings, as well as contemporary teachers, how to start releasing this bag of tricks that ultimately makes no sense at all. We may even begin to see the truth that clinging to self-identity is ultimately the source of our suffering… and begin to let go.

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01/31/2019 “Entering the Stream” with Diane Wilde

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Buddhist practice offers those who yearn for “awakening” a map of sorts. “Entering the Stream” or “Stream Enterer” is the first location on this map leading towards complete liberation. Tonight we will discuss the characteristics of a Stream Enterer and what needs to take place in order to realize the liberating qualities of being firmly on the path.
According to the teachings, entering the path of liberation means we should ultimately rely on our own direct experiential knowledge. The Buddha put himself practiced this way. Yet, even the most gratifying experiences can be dangerous if we become attached to them. What “goes beyond all views” probably defines the experience of liberation when we are no longer clinging to experience of any kind—including book-learning, rites or rituals, or sophisticated techniques. Ironically, due to its simplicity and elegance, it can often appear difficult, even though signposts on how to proceed are evident everywhere — if we pay attention. Stream Enterers, according to the teachings, are now firmly on the path to liberation. It is impossible to go back once this state is realized.

Near the 5 minute 35 second time marker, Diane mentions two interesting books she’s read:

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12/06/2018 “Knowing How to Ask the Right Question” with Diane Wilde

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The Buddha taught that how we frame our questions is equally, and usually, more important then the answer. In other words, the Buddha wasn’t content simply to provide answers to people’s questions. He also wanted to show them how unskillful questions can be recognized through testing, and how skillful questions—conducive to the end of suffering—can be framed and tested in their place. These skills are applicable to our meditation practice as well as in daily life. For example, we might begin to see when we or others are asking a question not for an answer, but to enhance a particular self-identity. If we do not know how to frame our questions skillfully, we can find ourselves mired in an untenable situation of our own making. As Voltaire noted, “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.”

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08/25/2018 “The Art & Science of Letting It Be” with Ayya Santacitta and Diane Wilde

Daylong Retreat with Ayya Santacitta and Rev. Diane Wilde; Four audio files:

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Grasping is not something done by the self, but rather the self is something created by grasping.
“What” are we letting be? What does it mean when we just let things be? Do we accept without concern the state of the world, cruelty, climate change, misogyny, racism, etc? Perhaps we are more precise when we say “letting it be” means not adding onto the already cumbersome, suffering self-identity that we carry around.
Today’s daylong will address the issues that present themselves when we practice “letting it be”, along with periods of meditation and mindful movement.

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08/16/2018 “Taking Refuge … in the sangha” with Diane Wilde

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As Buddhist practitioners, we take refuge in the Buddha (and our own potential for Buddhahood), the Dharma (how life unfolds) and the sangha, (a supportive community of practitioners.) On this evening we take a closer look at sangha.
There are activities going on “behind the scenes” at SIM that you most likely don’t know about, as well as other supportive programs which will be offered in the future. We will also discuss what YOU would like to see offered at YOUR sangha.
Cookies and other treats were featured during the break.

The entire talk was very interesting and because it relates to our Sangha, we have also posted this talk to the SIM “News” blog. Some highlights of Sangha members who contributed to the discussion are summarized below noting the audio time marker, name, and discussion topic. This is not a comprehensive list. Listen to the entire talk so you won’t miss out on anything of interest to you.

  • 10:28 Margaret (house on fire)
  • 20:22 Robin (dharma hikers)
  • 31:13 Tom (Friday morning sits)
  • 31:44 Teri (book club)
  • 38:43 Jith (Family Sangha) 
  • 45:12 Sara/Bob (building landscaping)
  • 47:31 Mary (St. John’s Shelter)
  • 49:42 Barb (Alter design)
  • 51:12 Michael (Alter design)
  • 57:52 Jim (Climate Sanhga)
  • 1:00:39 Rich (Wednesday morning sits)
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08/09/2018 “Present Moment” with Diane Wilde

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What’s so great about the present moment anyway?
“Be mindful.” “Stay in the present.” “Bare attention.” We’ve all heard one of these phrases. And if you’re more experienced in insight practice, these may be the watchwords that chime in the back of consciousness from morning till night, reminding you that everything genuine in the spiritual path is to be found in the now. So, if this is such an important practice, why is it so hard to stay present and what’s so great about it anyhow? We’ll discuss the reasons for staying present according to Buddhist teachings, and offer some practical techniques for staying present that you will find helpful.

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06/28/2018 “Legend of Murderer Angulimala” with Diane Wilde

The Legend of Mass-Murderer Angulimala … and lessons about negative karma
The redemption of the mass murderer Angulimala, is memorialized in the Pali Canon in Majjhima Nikaya 86. Angulimala’s brutality and his ultimate liberation has long been an inspiring story to Buddhist practitioners. What is not known is the deeper meaning behind the legend and the various interpretations that have come down to us from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. While the acts committed by Angulimala caused unspeakable suffering for his victims and their families, a question which is often ignored is how did he contend with the karma resulting from all he had done? How was he able to “start over” with a legacy of murder and cruelty? In our own lives, how do we contend with the harm we have caused, both in regards to ourselves and others? How do we “clear” our own karma? How do we respond to others who have harmed us? We will look at this legend from a variety of vantage points and how the legend of Angulimala has many lessons to teach.

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05/31/2018 “Starting Over AGAIN” with Diane Wilde

Starting Over AGAIN  –  No blame. No shame. Let’s start again.
Frequently, we need to remind ourselves about this practice; what we are doing and why are we doing it. It is so easy to slip into the stress and demands of everyday life, and put meditation and mindfulness WAY in the background… “When I have time.” By the time we get back to it, if we ever do, we may have lost our way. Where should we start, AGAIN? What do I need to do now? Am I failure as a Buddhist practitioner? Have my previous efforts been lost?
Tonight we will discuss the basics of this practice… the Three Trainings of virtuous behavior (sila), meditation or concentration (samadhi) and discernment or wisdom (panna), which make up the map that the Buddha encourages us to follow. Whether we follow a linear path or determine an area which needs more attention, we are practicing mindfulness and meditation and we are starting over again. The wonderful thing about the Dharma is when we focus on one aspect of the path, it automatically brings in the others. Tonight, let’s start again.

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02/08/2018 “Clear Comprehension” with Diane Wilde

Most of us consider ourselves rational, caring human beings who can be counted on to do the right thing. We rarely consider that this “rationality” is a bundle of views, opinion, experiences and even genetics! Without hesitation, we assume our actions, whether in personal relationships or large political movements, are wise and undertaken for all the right reasons. But are they? In an interesting commentary on the Satipatthana Sutta, clear comprehension in everyday life is addressed through a series of steps that are recommended to come to a rational, helpful solution to any situation. With this guidance we do our best to leave views and judgement behind and ACT with wisdom and compassion for ourselves and all other sentient beings.

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