In this second part of our six-week exploration of the Noble Eightfold Path, we will delve into the three components of the training in sila, the development of ethical conduct. While some elements of the Path may sound theoretical or far from our experience, the practices of skillful speech, right action, and our very livelihood are at the heart of our everyday lives, whether or not we consider ourselves “Buddhist.” Connecting these areas of our life to the other Path factors like intention and mindfulness brings richness and depth to everyday activities, enhances the quality of our relationships, and brings ease and the “bliss of blamelessness” to our lives “off the cushion.” The mission of Sacramento Insight Meditation is to integrate “meditation practices and awareness in all aspects of individual, family, educational, institutional, work, and community life.” The training in sila is the way to do that.

This evening’s presentation is the first in a series of six offered by the SIM Faculty on “The Buddha’s Antidotes for Challenging Times.” Each presentation will explore a positive mind state that can be cultivated to bring happiness and contentment into our life while reducing the stress and dissatisfaction we cause ourselves and others. The faculty will conclude each session with questions for reflection, which will serve as prompts for the kalyāņamitta groups that SIM is forming (see the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter for details). From October 23 to 25, the faculty will offer an in-person mini-retreat to devote an extended practice period to each of these mind states, as well as further instruction on applying the practices in daily life.

In this first session, SIM Community Teacher Rich Howard will introduce the entire series, then focus on the quality of compassion (karunā in the ancient Pali language). With wisdom from Joanna Macy, Bhikkhu Anālayo, Andrea Gibson, the Dalai Lama, and others (offered as a handout for future reference), we will touch on what mindful compassion looks like, what it is not, and how to increase its appearance in our daily life.

It seems that the volume has been turned up in so many areas of modern life: political rhetoric, forceful opinions, horrific wars, ….  Listening to an inner voice becomes harder, and listening to others nearly impossible. Yet sustaining and developing our practice of mindful awareness requires listening to our heart’s subtle whispers, and applying that practice in the world requires listening to the cries of the world to find where compassion is needed most. In addition, our relationships require a deep listening to spoken and silent expressions of connection. We will explore the inner and outer practices of listening and look for applications in our meditation practice and our daily life.

Join us as we continue the conversation from our February 13th introduction to SIM’s Five-Year Plan and fundraising effort. This gathering will be an opportunity for the community to ask questions, share reflections, and engage in small group discussions about the future of our sangha.

If you missed the February 13th presentation, you can listen to the recording here: State of the Sangha.

Your voice is essential as we navigate the choices ahead. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, we encourage you to participate in this important dialogue. Together, we can shape a sustainable and thriving future for SIM.

EQUANIMITY PHRASES from SIM Senior Teacher John Travis:

May I accept things as they are.
May I remain in peace, and let go of expectations.
May I find the inner resources to remain present and be kind to myself and others.
May I see my limits compassionately, just as I see the limitations of others.
No matter how I might wish things could be otherwise, things are the way they are.
Whether I understand it or not, things are unfolding according to karma.
I wish you happiness and peace, but cannot make your choices for you.
I will care for you, but cannot keep you from suffering.
All beings are the owners of their own karma. Their happiness and unhappiness depend upon their actions, not my wishes for them.
Although I wish only the best for you, I know that your actions, not my wishes for you, will determine your happiness or unhappiness.
I care about your pain, but cannot control or eliminate it.
May I offer love, knowing I cannot control the course of your life, suffering or death.
May I offer my care and presence without conditions, knowing they may be met by anger, gratitude or indifference.