The meeting began with a discussion on the meaning of the term Gateless Gate. Consensus was reached that it did not refer to an actual gate or metaphor of a restriction which is intended as an exclusionary barrier to enlightenment. Rather it is intended to act as a Koan, in that it confuses the ordinary linear thought process so that a person must come to understand "practice" as a process rather than a place or thing. The term "gate" referring to the activity of a meditative practice while the negation, "gateless," points, not to a barrier but rather an activity that is open and available to all.
We moved on to discussing what Beck was referring to by the phrase "cut-off-point." The group concluded that it was the point, in the process of being present to the moment-as-it-is, where we "hit the wall" so to speak, in our attempt to be non-judgmental, compassionate, or equanimous. It is the point at which we become "cut-off" from Wisdom. The Wisdom which spontaneously arises out of a practice that nurtures a present-moment recognition that we are not separate entities. The Wisdom that informs an awareness of the illusory nature of the ego or self, and how attachment to these ideas makes an openness of heart difficult to achieve.
We talked about how focusing deeply on our own death and physical disintegration can be a powerful object for any meditative practice because it leads to an enhanced conscious awareness of impermanence and contingent-arising. It can be the great equalizer and in this way nurtures the posture of compassion.
Everyone was very moved by Mary Ann's latest poem which I am honored to reproduce below.
Passing Ports to Freedom
Born under a full moon,
underneath a July star-filled night,
a no self comes to earth to learn about life.
In the process a self germinates, I get a name.
I attach to a mother, a father, a sister, a brother.
Shapes and sounds appear in my small world.
All the while I am still building a self,
one that will transport me outside to the larger world.
I learn to make tears, smile, make sounds, play with my toes,
watch movement, giggle, and sleep.
I get used to being in warm, nurturing arms.
All parts of me are coming to life,
like a night sky where one star at a time shines a light.
I find ways to use my hands, my feet, mouth, my arms and legs.
I grow in length and width. I get more animated each day, month, year.
I have a host of friends who help me sculpture my self along the way.
I have grown a self before I know it.
With my self comes attachment to everyone and everything in my world.
Comes fears, joy, love, hate, sadness, loss, gain, needs, disappointment;
even a growing buildup of a solid foundation.
All of this unfolding sends me soaring into a self-perpetuating cocoon of belonging.
The belonging cocoon emerges into a butterfly one day, without knowing.
It knows that the self is temporary; is boundless and formless.
And, one day, night, formless twilight, raging sunrise, whatever appears,
it will pass through this self into a no self to regain its passport to freedom.
Emerging into all, the no self creates again and again like a star in the universe.
Light out of darkness.
We all thank you, Mary Ann, for your beautiful poems and your consistent support as a faithful member of our little group. (I was forced to make a couple very minor editorial choices where I was unsure of the intended punctuation. My apologies.)
Next Meeting: We will meet again on January 15th at Ginny and Claudine's
Next Assignment: Section IV
Have a safe and happy Christmas holiday!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Synopsis for the November meeting
We began the meeting with our customary short meditation, and being shorter than usual, it drew groans from the crowd followed by "Now that was too short!" Hhmm! That would seem to indicate one's need to address that a bit more at home.....just saying!
This led to an observation by Mary Ann that when she read the assignment she was repeatedly struck by the thought "No-self." She asked about the likelihood of being able to repeatedly regain the well-being she experienced from the reading, after she loses it by dealing with the mundane affairs of daily life.
This led to the belief that we each have within us, the desire or need to nurture this experience or we wouldn't be here discussing it, and attempting to explore our own individual practices. The idea was expressed that it is through the continued efforts, or "practice," that what we find it more and more ingrained as "who we are." And along with our practice becoming "who we are," we find a growing trust in the process which is needed in order to continue to strive toward becoming more genuine in all our affairs.
It was also noted that we should be careful not to succumb to interpreting this "inherent characteristic" which pulls us back to our practice, as an excuse to let ourselves off the hook and think that we need not push through our boredom or negative self-talk.
We also talked about how our meditation helps us clarify the origin of our emotions, which in turn often result in unskillful reactions. We talked about how we become more insightful into how thoughts and perspectives lend themselves to volatile emotional reactions, and how these unskillful reactions can be lessened through becoming more familiar with the reality behind them.
It was also discussed how aging seems to play a part in becoming more open to not only the causes and conditions that led us into suffering and dissatisfaction in our lives, but also the willingness to struggle with a practice that offers us hope of transformation.
We missed Elisabeth and hope she recovers quickly from her ankle injury and certainly I, for one, missed having Ken there to take issue with my points of view. I hope you are both doing well and will be able to journey with us at our next meeting.
Next Meeting: We will reconvene at Ginny and Claudine's house on December 11th.
Next Assignment: Since we have a consensus that the book is a valuable read, in the next meeting we will discuss our reactions to Section III.
This led to an observation by Mary Ann that when she read the assignment she was repeatedly struck by the thought "No-self." She asked about the likelihood of being able to repeatedly regain the well-being she experienced from the reading, after she loses it by dealing with the mundane affairs of daily life.
This led to the belief that we each have within us, the desire or need to nurture this experience or we wouldn't be here discussing it, and attempting to explore our own individual practices. The idea was expressed that it is through the continued efforts, or "practice," that what we find it more and more ingrained as "who we are." And along with our practice becoming "who we are," we find a growing trust in the process which is needed in order to continue to strive toward becoming more genuine in all our affairs.
It was also noted that we should be careful not to succumb to interpreting this "inherent characteristic" which pulls us back to our practice, as an excuse to let ourselves off the hook and think that we need not push through our boredom or negative self-talk.
We also talked about how our meditation helps us clarify the origin of our emotions, which in turn often result in unskillful reactions. We talked about how we become more insightful into how thoughts and perspectives lend themselves to volatile emotional reactions, and how these unskillful reactions can be lessened through becoming more familiar with the reality behind them.
It was also discussed how aging seems to play a part in becoming more open to not only the causes and conditions that led us into suffering and dissatisfaction in our lives, but also the willingness to struggle with a practice that offers us hope of transformation.
We missed Elisabeth and hope she recovers quickly from her ankle injury and certainly I, for one, missed having Ken there to take issue with my points of view. I hope you are both doing well and will be able to journey with us at our next meeting.
Next Meeting: We will reconvene at Ginny and Claudine's house on December 11th.
Next Assignment: Since we have a consensus that the book is a valuable read, in the next meeting we will discuss our reactions to Section III.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Synopsis for the October meeting
Hello all. My apologies for falling short of the expediency to which you are accustomed with regard to these entries. I have been, and still am, suffering from a sinus infection and forgot all about it. But fear not intrepid warriors, I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for this afternoon, and he will either give me a prescription for an antibiotic or I will get it through the prison system after I assault him.
But enough about my travails and empty threats; the meeting was a success as usual. Nadine started by saying she was a bit miffed at Beck because she hates to have it repeatedly suggested that she needs to sit daily.
We discussed authority issues.....and no, no one suggested that I take first prize in that area, much to my surprise. A distinction was made between a "teacher" and an "authority." This led us to note that life is more "grey" than it is black and white, that life is our greatest teacher, and that the ultimate authority must reside within us.
We talked about how to deal with complaining friends in a skillful manner and how, through experience and time, trusting oneself is the key since each person and situation must be assessed separately.
Next meeting: Our next meeting will be held at the home of our traveling sisters, Ginny and Claudine, on November (November already??) 20th.
Readings: The next discussion will be on the selections from the next section (Section II)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Synopsis for September 18th Meeting
We enjoyed another laughter-filled meeting with Constance starting out by inciting Bob to violence.....but Buddha Mind prevailed and we began, sans bloodshed.
Constance started by sharing that she found the book to have the most lucid explanation for Emptiness that she has ever run across. This was echoed by others as well, and we began a discussion that led us through insights into Impermanence, and the importance of practicing with all dissatisfactions that arise in everyday living.
We discussed the negative aspects of having expectations/preferences, regarding our life with other people, places, and things. We discussed at length the teaching that Beck made quite clear in her talk, i.e. having preferences and expectations is not the real problem but rather, our attachment to them. The search for what we want is not the problem - rather it's not being able to let go of the dissatisfaction we experience when our wishes, hopes, and dreams do not come forth as desired.
Other ideas addressed were as follows:
-pain comes from the pinching of our ego, and suffering is created by our mental
-dialogue about the various disappointments that arise;
-that in fact there is no "right" way but rather simply "the way it happens to be;"
-that our grasping after imagined scenarios creates the suffering we normally attribute to life or the unexpected changes we don't appreciate;
-clinging to expectations is always subject to dissatisfaction because, while we can't stop our contact with this material existence, we can become more quickly aware/mindful of how it is that we create our pain and suffering (in the Buddhist sense);
-we create greater negativity in our own lives simply by not being present to our inner experience "as it is," sans the mental chatter, preconceived notions and expectations about what we want it to be.
There were personal annecdotes supporting these ideas and examples of the various ways we have grown as a result of the study and practice of our Practice.
Once again, I am pleased to share another of Mary Ann's beautiful and poetic writings.This time it was a dedication to Nadine's comments at our last meeting and our reactions concerning the neighbor's lawnmower starting just as we began our pre-discussion moment of meditation. We all agreed that this one is definitely publication-worthy. Thank you Mary Ann.
Constance started by sharing that she found the book to have the most lucid explanation for Emptiness that she has ever run across. This was echoed by others as well, and we began a discussion that led us through insights into Impermanence, and the importance of practicing with all dissatisfactions that arise in everyday living.
We discussed the negative aspects of having expectations/preferences, regarding our life with other people, places, and things. We discussed at length the teaching that Beck made quite clear in her talk, i.e. having preferences and expectations is not the real problem but rather, our attachment to them. The search for what we want is not the problem - rather it's not being able to let go of the dissatisfaction we experience when our wishes, hopes, and dreams do not come forth as desired.
Other ideas addressed were as follows:
-pain comes from the pinching of our ego, and suffering is created by our mental
-dialogue about the various disappointments that arise;
-that in fact there is no "right" way but rather simply "the way it happens to be;"
-that our grasping after imagined scenarios creates the suffering we normally attribute to life or the unexpected changes we don't appreciate;
-clinging to expectations is always subject to dissatisfaction because, while we can't stop our contact with this material existence, we can become more quickly aware/mindful of how it is that we create our pain and suffering (in the Buddhist sense);
-we create greater negativity in our own lives simply by not being present to our inner experience "as it is," sans the mental chatter, preconceived notions and expectations about what we want it to be.
There were personal annecdotes supporting these ideas and examples of the various ways we have grown as a result of the study and practice of our Practice.
Once again, I am pleased to share another of Mary Ann's beautiful and poetic writings.This time it was a dedication to Nadine's comments at our last meeting and our reactions concerning the neighbor's lawnmower starting just as we began our pre-discussion moment of meditation. We all agreed that this one is definitely publication-worthy. Thank you Mary Ann.
Lawnmower moments
Summer takes top billing for lawnmower moments.
Lawnmower power stirs up the gnats, fills the air with grass scents.
After the noise of the engine shuts off, the lawn looks like freshly shaven legs.
Or I have often thought a vertical quilt with lines running north and south.
The noise of the lawnmower while it is trimming the grass
Drowns out the bird calls, the fanning of blowing tree branches full of leaves.
Lawnmower noise rains through the outdoors
Resembling a ruckus of a million bumble bees buzzing around a honey comb.
The noise swarms, chugs, backfires, and revs up the human's peace defences.
Mowers, like loud mufflers, might create thoughts of aggression, disorientation,
and a dragging-the-ground weight.
Just too much distraction to center one's thoughts, mower moments scatter thoughts
like pieces of torn paper.
The task might be to imagine a word on each torn piece of paper.
Love could be one; Joy another.
Serenity perhaps: Concentration for sure.
Enlarged vision moves to a simple phrase on one of the pieces:
All things pass.
A giant leap can transport one to the ocean
To lay verticle on the sandy beach,
A front row seat to the blue fleeting sky
Where a bi-plane rumbles low enough to give you a view of
A streamer ad that reads:
This engine noise uplifts.
It's just a giant soaring bird with a motor in it's belly.
It sure beats the heck out of a lawnmower motor!
(August 20, 2011)
Next Meeting: We will meet a Elisabeth's again and I will send out "directions" reminders in the coming weeks.
Date: October 30th.
Reading: Section number one, (pages 1 though 20) in Everyday Zen.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Commentary on August 21st Meeting
I am informed, since I was ill and could not attend, that the meeting went well; although Ken was accused of trying to unseat me as "the curmudgeon." I have since had to relieve Nadine of her duties as interim "recorder of vital data" since she failed to take notes, and has bowed to her failing memory. Jimmy roled his eyes and noted, "bow-wow." Apparently even he found the excuses a bit suspect. So I have but a few notes to pass on.
Next Meeting: September 18th at Nadine's. (G &C will be out of the country once again until October 16th. I am hereby suggesting that we make the October meeting on the 23rd. so that Nadine will be back from her travels and can host again if the girls are unavailable. Thoughts/comments will be heard at the next meeting.)
Book Information: Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck
(available through Amazon or Barnes&Noble)
http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Zen-Love-Work-Plus/dp/0061285897/ref=pd_sim_b_1
(This information is compliments of Nadine)
Other: I have been asked to recommend a chapter to begin our new journey. I find the section titled Relationships particularly helpful, so I suggest that for the next meeting everyone will have read, digested, and be prepared to expound upon "The Search" pg.77-82.
Next Meeting: September 18th at Nadine's. (G &C will be out of the country once again until October 16th. I am hereby suggesting that we make the October meeting on the 23rd. so that Nadine will be back from her travels and can host again if the girls are unavailable. Thoughts/comments will be heard at the next meeting.)
Book Information: Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck
(available through Amazon or Barnes&Noble)
http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Zen-Love-Work-Plus/dp/0061285897/ref=pd_sim_b_1
or
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/everyday-zen-charlotte-joko-beck/1103573270?ean=9780061285899&itm=1&usri=everyday%2bzen(This information is compliments of Nadine)
Other: I have been asked to recommend a chapter to begin our new journey. I find the section titled Relationships particularly helpful, so I suggest that for the next meeting everyone will have read, digested, and be prepared to expound upon "The Search" pg.77-82.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Synopsis for July 17th meeting
With the return of "the girls" we enjoyed another interesting afternoon of dharma-talk. There was a perfect segway as we began the meeting with our usual moment of silence; the neighbor started his lawn mower. It competed nicely with the chirping of birds and the clinging to any desire for a backdrop of pleasant sounds.
The die was cast at that point and we began with the value in using our practice to change our behavior and reactions to just this sort of dissatisfaction. Constance reminded us that thought leads to actions, and actions morph into habits. There was sharing as to how negative judgments can lead one into a frenzied proliferation of critical thinking and, in turn, liberate us from the freedom that is found in just being present to the moment.
The Dalai Lama was suggested as the quintessential example of compassion because of what was described as his balance of mind. The balance of mind allows one focus on the positive in difficult situations, where our tendency is to be obsessed with thinking and not compassion. It allows us the opportunity in any situation to separate our thinking from a perception, and an acceptance of, what is- as it is.
Compassion arises spontaneously out of the distance we achieve from critical or judgmental thinking. Letting go of these ideations and allowing life to flow unobstructed by our judgments, creates the openness necessary for our natural compassion to arise. Practice is about the changes we make in our everyday life off the cushion.
Everyday experiences are the opportunities to practice. And if, in our everyday affairs, judgment and emotion arises at the sound of the lawn mowers and leaf-blowers, it is no longer the noise - or the interruption - which disturbs our quest for serenity.
We discussed that "letting go" doesn't mean that we lose control or that we are condoning what we find negative. Rather it is nurturing our ability to counter our reactions to stimuli by focusing awareness on the physical level - the visceral experience - not the mental level. In this way we can begin to recognize how we are dragged out of the present into an ideational wonderland distancing us from skillful actions and compassion. And in this way that we are thereby able to learn how to become skillful at letting go of the judgments that lead to tension, anger, and frustration.
Next Meeting: August 21st at Ginny and Claudines.
The die was cast at that point and we began with the value in using our practice to change our behavior and reactions to just this sort of dissatisfaction. Constance reminded us that thought leads to actions, and actions morph into habits. There was sharing as to how negative judgments can lead one into a frenzied proliferation of critical thinking and, in turn, liberate us from the freedom that is found in just being present to the moment.
The Dalai Lama was suggested as the quintessential example of compassion because of what was described as his balance of mind. The balance of mind allows one focus on the positive in difficult situations, where our tendency is to be obsessed with thinking and not compassion. It allows us the opportunity in any situation to separate our thinking from a perception, and an acceptance of, what is- as it is.
Compassion arises spontaneously out of the distance we achieve from critical or judgmental thinking. Letting go of these ideations and allowing life to flow unobstructed by our judgments, creates the openness necessary for our natural compassion to arise. Practice is about the changes we make in our everyday life off the cushion.
Everyday experiences are the opportunities to practice. And if, in our everyday affairs, judgment and emotion arises at the sound of the lawn mowers and leaf-blowers, it is no longer the noise - or the interruption - which disturbs our quest for serenity.
We discussed that "letting go" doesn't mean that we lose control or that we are condoning what we find negative. Rather it is nurturing our ability to counter our reactions to stimuli by focusing awareness on the physical level - the visceral experience - not the mental level. In this way we can begin to recognize how we are dragged out of the present into an ideational wonderland distancing us from skillful actions and compassion. And in this way that we are thereby able to learn how to become skillful at letting go of the judgments that lead to tension, anger, and frustration.
Next Meeting: August 21st at Ginny and Claudines.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Comments on May 22nd's Meeting
We met in a warm and very hospitable atmosphere thanks to Constance.
Our discussion covered a number of topics, which somehow always seem to include the value of having a teacher of late, and this was no exception. The quote by Martine Batchelor (noted in last months comment) was the inspiration for this months meeting and was once again read aloud. There was unanimous agreement that it is a wonderful expression of what a teacher should represent to the student.
Several personal examples of what is experienced as an "inner teacher" were shared. After discussion we agreed that the "inner teacher" and a spiritual guide in the form of an experienced "other"(whether referred to as Master, Guru, Sensei or...) are complimentary and that both are valuable in one's journey. The value of using both was made clear.
The discussions evolved into what has been termed Confirmational Bias and the resulting need to challenge our preconceptions as we proceed along our path. Other topics ranged from Buddhism's trajectory in the West; the value and hurdles to getting Buddhism into the prisons; the pros and cons of today's fast growing communication technology, and implications for the coming years.
There was some talk of attending a meditation retreat sometime in the future and use of the internet for dharma talks and readings. Education seemed to be the main theme that arose out of our time together.
And now a word from our resident poet, Mary Ann: “Wake up to your own inner teacher,” means no sleeping at the wheel. I might miss the right exit. I might slide off the road into a ditch. I might not see what is coming towards me. I might not know what hit me until I wake up, if I wake up. I might see more darkness than light. I might feel more despair than joy. I might betray myself. I might create more struggles than necessary. If my heart calls, I will listen, for it contains the deep knowing.
“Heart-knowing” is fat-free and high fiber. It is trim and distinct. The Heart Center is the universal station for transporting me to where I need to be. Its platform is welcoming and centered. It is the place where “gut” feelings let me know if I am in harmony with my outer world. It is the place where angels visit to nudge me into the divine nature of all life; to entrust me with an inner voice of clarity.
My “inner voice” sings lullabies, stands out in a crowd, speaks fluently, is uncontaminated, wise beyond time, the silver lining to all that is. It is the conductor of my outer world and the determiner of how I will live. It is the mirror of my soul – the true nature of who I am and who I want to be. Like a divining stick, I will my inner voice to guide me to the heart of the matter, to the meaningful action. It is my important navigational tool, and yet, how often I cast it aside for the manual labor of uncultivated tools? Then, I must weed the gardens, and plant new seeds until roots grow deep into the earth, and the new crops contain visions more clear with each passing day. Then my inner voice will naturally merge into my outer world and lead the way effortlessly. Corny as it sounds, “this ain’t no thinking thing!” It is the voice of possibilities, Nadine’s cafe style! - Thanks again, Mary Ann. I always look forward to your musings.
Constance served a wonderful lunch over more lively annecdotes about people's lives. We all bow in appreciation to her generosity and culinary prowess. My thanks once again to all for making our meetings illuminating and always entertaining. Welcome back Ginny and Claudine.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be on July 17th at Ginny and Claudine's and the subject will be posted in the near future.
Full Day Meditation:
We discussed the full day meditation planned for June 19th (instead of the Book Club) and the new blog that will function as a calendar for meditation events. Final decisions were made and Nadine has added a link to this blog (see sidebar under "Helpful Links") so you can easily refresh your memory as to general information.
Our discussion covered a number of topics, which somehow always seem to include the value of having a teacher of late, and this was no exception. The quote by Martine Batchelor (noted in last months comment) was the inspiration for this months meeting and was once again read aloud. There was unanimous agreement that it is a wonderful expression of what a teacher should represent to the student.
Several personal examples of what is experienced as an "inner teacher" were shared. After discussion we agreed that the "inner teacher" and a spiritual guide in the form of an experienced "other"(whether referred to as Master, Guru, Sensei or...) are complimentary and that both are valuable in one's journey. The value of using both was made clear.
The discussions evolved into what has been termed Confirmational Bias and the resulting need to challenge our preconceptions as we proceed along our path. Other topics ranged from Buddhism's trajectory in the West; the value and hurdles to getting Buddhism into the prisons; the pros and cons of today's fast growing communication technology, and implications for the coming years.
There was some talk of attending a meditation retreat sometime in the future and use of the internet for dharma talks and readings. Education seemed to be the main theme that arose out of our time together.
And now a word from our resident poet, Mary Ann: “Wake up to your own inner teacher,” means no sleeping at the wheel. I might miss the right exit. I might slide off the road into a ditch. I might not see what is coming towards me. I might not know what hit me until I wake up, if I wake up. I might see more darkness than light. I might feel more despair than joy. I might betray myself. I might create more struggles than necessary. If my heart calls, I will listen, for it contains the deep knowing.
“Heart-knowing” is fat-free and high fiber. It is trim and distinct. The Heart Center is the universal station for transporting me to where I need to be. Its platform is welcoming and centered. It is the place where “gut” feelings let me know if I am in harmony with my outer world. It is the place where angels visit to nudge me into the divine nature of all life; to entrust me with an inner voice of clarity.
My “inner voice” sings lullabies, stands out in a crowd, speaks fluently, is uncontaminated, wise beyond time, the silver lining to all that is. It is the conductor of my outer world and the determiner of how I will live. It is the mirror of my soul – the true nature of who I am and who I want to be. Like a divining stick, I will my inner voice to guide me to the heart of the matter, to the meaningful action. It is my important navigational tool, and yet, how often I cast it aside for the manual labor of uncultivated tools? Then, I must weed the gardens, and plant new seeds until roots grow deep into the earth, and the new crops contain visions more clear with each passing day. Then my inner voice will naturally merge into my outer world and lead the way effortlessly. Corny as it sounds, “this ain’t no thinking thing!” It is the voice of possibilities, Nadine’s cafe style! - Thanks again, Mary Ann. I always look forward to your musings.
Constance served a wonderful lunch over more lively annecdotes about people's lives. We all bow in appreciation to her generosity and culinary prowess. My thanks once again to all for making our meetings illuminating and always entertaining. Welcome back Ginny and Claudine.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be on July 17th at Ginny and Claudine's and the subject will be posted in the near future.
Full Day Meditation:
We discussed the full day meditation planned for June 19th (instead of the Book Club) and the new blog that will function as a calendar for meditation events. Final decisions were made and Nadine has added a link to this blog (see sidebar under "Helpful Links") so you can easily refresh your memory as to general information.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Synopsis of April meeting and Much, Much More.....
We found ourselves in relative agreement that Batchelor's teachings resonate for all of us, and if you are interested you can listen to them at the following website: http://www.dharmaseed.org/teacher/169/
Our discussion led us on a merry trip beginning with his idea that the Four Noble Truths were an outgrowth of the Buddha's meditative and aesthetic search and in particular, that his awakening to the process of Contingent-Arising emerged as the linchpin of what was to become his teachings. We discussed the existential nature of a meditation practice versus simply a rote learning about the Four Noble Truths. We discussed how a continually practiced realization of Impermanence in our lives can be seen as a logical outgrowth of one's deep undertanding of Contingent-Arising as the true nature of our universe. We noted how Right Action as well, can be seen as arising out of one's embracing these truths along with Emptiness and No-self, both of which are logical outgrowths from an understanding of the nature of universal contingency.
This morphed into another thorough discussion as to the definition of, and a necessity for, having a teacher. I think it is safe to say that we all found Martine Batchelor's statement in her book Meditation for Life, to be a wonderful definition of what should be the role of anyone we choose to call our teacher.
"The task of a teacher is to empower you to wake up to your own inner teacher. The true teacher works to make himself or herself redundant. And life itself is the supreme teacher presenting you with challenges at every turn." - Martine Batchelor
Next Meeting: May 22, 2011 at Constance's in High Point. A 10:00 am discussion followed by lunch at 11:30 by Chef Constance.
Subject: What does the statement "wake up to your own inner teacher" mean to you personally? (Some have been known to identify this inner teacher with a term like "heart-knowing" or perhaps refer to it as an "inner voice," or some other phrase that resonates for them.)
New Full Day Meditation: A new full day meditation is being planned for Sunday, June 19th, at Ken and Luann's (spelling? sorry!). It will be in conjunction with the June Book Club and will be formatted similar to the last full day at their home. The idea is that this might be a quarterly affair. Specific details will follow as they are decided upon.
Our discussion led us on a merry trip beginning with his idea that the Four Noble Truths were an outgrowth of the Buddha's meditative and aesthetic search and in particular, that his awakening to the process of Contingent-Arising emerged as the linchpin of what was to become his teachings. We discussed the existential nature of a meditation practice versus simply a rote learning about the Four Noble Truths. We discussed how a continually practiced realization of Impermanence in our lives can be seen as a logical outgrowth of one's deep undertanding of Contingent-Arising as the true nature of our universe. We noted how Right Action as well, can be seen as arising out of one's embracing these truths along with Emptiness and No-self, both of which are logical outgrowths from an understanding of the nature of universal contingency.
This morphed into another thorough discussion as to the definition of, and a necessity for, having a teacher. I think it is safe to say that we all found Martine Batchelor's statement in her book Meditation for Life, to be a wonderful definition of what should be the role of anyone we choose to call our teacher.
"The task of a teacher is to empower you to wake up to your own inner teacher. The true teacher works to make himself or herself redundant. And life itself is the supreme teacher presenting you with challenges at every turn." - Martine Batchelor
Next Meeting: May 22, 2011 at Constance's in High Point. A 10:00 am discussion followed by lunch at 11:30 by Chef Constance.
Subject: What does the statement "wake up to your own inner teacher" mean to you personally? (Some have been known to identify this inner teacher with a term like "heart-knowing" or perhaps refer to it as an "inner voice," or some other phrase that resonates for them.)
New Full Day Meditation: A new full day meditation is being planned for Sunday, June 19th, at Ken and Luann's (spelling? sorry!). It will be in conjunction with the June Book Club and will be formatted similar to the last full day at their home. The idea is that this might be a quarterly affair. Specific details will follow as they are decided upon.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
March 27th Synopsis and Subject for April 17th
The discussion ranged from quotes to personal experiences. In the quote category Tara Brach’s term “selfing” was mentioned and much of the early discussion focused on the manner in which we keep the sense of self, or “I,” alive. How we feed the need, which is part of the human condition, to not only support this unique sense of “me,” but also to avoid the undermining effects of an identification with Impermanence and Emptiness in our everyday existence.
Nadine offered a poignant example by sharing an experience wherein she realized that there was no reason to state her differing opinion regarding a perspective offered by someone in a recent group discussion. She recognized that there was no reason to do so, except to support her self-identity, and that there was no heuristic value to such an act in that particular situation.
There was discussion as to the nature of an enlightened experience, and the benefit in acknowledging that everything is a flowing of life in each moment. It was noted that the openness to, and the embracing of this flowing stands as a foundation for gaining an equanimous posture vis-à-vis our sensate experience.
We were honored once again with a wonderful series of thoughts by Mary Ann who really captured the essence of the discussion in the following thoughts.
“I” stands alone like a tree
With a crown and a root system.
Branches sprout –bud into limbs.
The tree fills in the middle,
Becomes a container of ideas, experiences,
Actions, cells, thoughts.
I think therefore I am Descartes noted -
I might not think therefore I might not be
I imagine.
Evolution naturally loosens attachments.
The radiational fallout from too much everyday awakening
Creates a pulling away from the self known to man,
Like ice breaking away from its cap;
The ocean claiming the shore a little bit at a time.
Like the tree, life engages one in the middle,
Between the crown and roots.
The roots being the ultimate compass,
The crown the disengaging tower.
The growing away from self starts with the creation of self
On the way to enlightenment.
The material world dims and the light of peace
Hovers over the middle passage – the trunk and branches –
Into the crown and roots and the “I” flows into all. – Mary Ann 3-26-2011
We were able to look into the insubstantial nature of the “I” while at the same time, accepting it as a necessary aspect of human existence in the material world. We talked about the value in coming to a clear understanding of the interconnected, impermanent, nature of this sensory existence - while at the same time, recognizing the limitations inherent in attachment to our thoughts and perspectives. The group concluded with the following quote from one of Japan's foremost Rinzai Zen masters; Soko Morinaga Roshi.
"Within you there is eternal life. This life arises as form and continues, instant by instant, appearing and disappearing. Moreover, this flickering, appearing and disappearing, is not the flickering of a solidified individual self; it is the sparkling appearance and disappearance of a fusion of the self and its surroundings, in union."
The next meeting has been tentatively scheduled for April 17th and the location will be forwarded soon. The subject of this meeting with be gleaned from the teachings of Stephen Batchelor.
He has suggested that the Buddha’s enlightenment can be understood as his awakening to the Four Noble Truths. However, contrary to understanding them as Truths, with a capital “T” as we are prone to do, he suggests that these teachings can be understood as a “plurality of truths which are profoundly linked and constitute a process.” And that this process can translate the idea of conditioned-arising into a way of life.
He says that the Buddha described conditioned-arising as “the dharma itself.” His awareness was initially an insight into conditionality which subsequently led to the Four Noble Truths, not visa-versa.
Now, if you have pushed-on up to this point, let me be succinct and identify the next subject up for discussion as follows. How do the Four Noble Truths arise out of the Truth of Conditioned-Arising?
Nadine offered a poignant example by sharing an experience wherein she realized that there was no reason to state her differing opinion regarding a perspective offered by someone in a recent group discussion. She recognized that there was no reason to do so, except to support her self-identity, and that there was no heuristic value to such an act in that particular situation.
There was discussion as to the nature of an enlightened experience, and the benefit in acknowledging that everything is a flowing of life in each moment. It was noted that the openness to, and the embracing of this flowing stands as a foundation for gaining an equanimous posture vis-à-vis our sensate experience.
We were honored once again with a wonderful series of thoughts by Mary Ann who really captured the essence of the discussion in the following thoughts.
“I” stands alone like a tree
With a crown and a root system.
Branches sprout –bud into limbs.
The tree fills in the middle,
Becomes a container of ideas, experiences,
Actions, cells, thoughts.
I think therefore I am Descartes noted -
I might not think therefore I might not be
I imagine.
Evolution naturally loosens attachments.
The radiational fallout from too much everyday awakening
Creates a pulling away from the self known to man,
Like ice breaking away from its cap;
The ocean claiming the shore a little bit at a time.
Like the tree, life engages one in the middle,
Between the crown and roots.
The roots being the ultimate compass,
The crown the disengaging tower.
The growing away from self starts with the creation of self
On the way to enlightenment.
The material world dims and the light of peace
Hovers over the middle passage – the trunk and branches –
Into the crown and roots and the “I” flows into all. – Mary Ann 3-26-2011
We were able to look into the insubstantial nature of the “I” while at the same time, accepting it as a necessary aspect of human existence in the material world. We talked about the value in coming to a clear understanding of the interconnected, impermanent, nature of this sensory existence - while at the same time, recognizing the limitations inherent in attachment to our thoughts and perspectives. The group concluded with the following quote from one of Japan's foremost Rinzai Zen masters; Soko Morinaga Roshi.
"Within you there is eternal life. This life arises as form and continues, instant by instant, appearing and disappearing. Moreover, this flickering, appearing and disappearing, is not the flickering of a solidified individual self; it is the sparkling appearance and disappearance of a fusion of the self and its surroundings, in union."
The next meeting has been tentatively scheduled for April 17th and the location will be forwarded soon. The subject of this meeting with be gleaned from the teachings of Stephen Batchelor.
He has suggested that the Buddha’s enlightenment can be understood as his awakening to the Four Noble Truths. However, contrary to understanding them as Truths, with a capital “T” as we are prone to do, he suggests that these teachings can be understood as a “plurality of truths which are profoundly linked and constitute a process.” And that this process can translate the idea of conditioned-arising into a way of life.
He says that the Buddha described conditioned-arising as “the dharma itself.” His awareness was initially an insight into conditionality which subsequently led to the Four Noble Truths, not visa-versa.
Now, if you have pushed-on up to this point, let me be succinct and identify the next subject up for discussion as follows. How do the Four Noble Truths arise out of the Truth of Conditioned-Arising?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Who is Bob?
Bob has a new post on his blog that I recommend as a good read before our next meeting (plus there are always cute puppies in the sidebar, so that alone is a reason to click on over :-)
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 27th - Rescheduled meeting
I managed to delete the last notice on this, so I am reiterating that the March meeting will not be the 20th but rather - we will meet at Elisabeth's house on the 27th of March. The subject for discussion will be "Who Am I" and the dis-identification with the self. Think "what" and "why" on this and you will be in the ballpark.
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 27 Meeting Synopsis
Jimmy was on his best behavior for the meeting and Nadine has become an accomplished dog whisperer in the process.
We had a spirited discussion and came to the unanimous decision that the excerpt by Steven Batchelor is representative of many of our own experiences. The freedom that comes from being able to be present to our momentary experience is worth the time and effort needed to nurture this mindful attention.
The March meeting will be March 20th and will be hosted by Elisabeth. The subject for that meeting will be forthcoming along with her address and instructions on finding her house for the directionally-challenged.
The trip to the Chapel Hill Zen Center will go ahead as planned with an intial meeting Ginny and Claudine's house to decide who will drive and who will ride. If you have any questions you can probably find your answer as follows: Chapel Hill Zen Center
(919) 967-0861
www.intrex.net/chzg
We had a spirited discussion and came to the unanimous decision that the excerpt by Steven Batchelor is representative of many of our own experiences. The freedom that comes from being able to be present to our momentary experience is worth the time and effort needed to nurture this mindful attention.
The March meeting will be March 20th and will be hosted by Elisabeth. The subject for that meeting will be forthcoming along with her address and instructions on finding her house for the directionally-challenged.
The trip to the Chapel Hill Zen Center will go ahead as planned with an intial meeting Ginny and Claudine's house to decide who will drive and who will ride. If you have any questions you can probably find your answer as follows: Chapel Hill Zen Center
(919) 967-0861
www.intrex.net/chzg
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
February Location
We will meet at Nadine's house on February 20th. I will email out directions closer to the date for those of you who have not been here before.
Rules at Nadine's:
Ignore the dog!
Once he settles down you can interact with him, but any petting, touching, talking when he is in his excitable state just encourages him to be a total nut case.
The management thanks you :-)
Rules at Nadine's:
Ignore the dog!
Once he settles down you can interact with him, but any petting, touching, talking when he is in his excitable state just encourages him to be a total nut case.
The management thanks you :-)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Topic for February 20th
In no time Nadine has responded with our topic for next month. The topic is....(drum-roll inserted here).....what does it mean to Be Present? We read that phrase all the time in books, and perhaps we have even used it ourselves in a conversation or two. Nadine is asking us to look deeper than what might be obvious....that physically, I am wherever my body is....and ask ourselves what it means to "be present to..." the moment, the person, the conversation.....to life itself?
Perhaps the following excerpt will serve to jumpstart the thought process.
“I open the refrigerator door to discover that I have no milk and so I decide to go down to the store to get some. I shut the door behind me, turn left into the street, follow the sidewalk for two blocks, turn left and left again, enter the store, snatch a carton of milk from the shelf, pay for it at the checkout, leave the store, turn right and right again, go back along the sidewalk for two blocks, turn right, unlock the door, and go back to the kitchen.
The only evidence I have that any of this has happened is the cold carton of milk now clutched rather too firmly in my hand.
As I try to reconstruct those ten vanished minutes, I recall being engrossed in a memory of something S said to me yesterday that I have been shrugging off ever since. It irked me and has become lodged as a stab of disquiet somewhere in the upper part of my stomach. I can remember that as I walked along, I was absorbed in what I should have said when the remark was made and what I would say were it repeated. The exact words of my response escape me. But I recall feeling gratified by their sharp blend of insouciance and cruelty, confirmed, in my imagination by the look of fear on S’s face as he is pinned to a rough wooden floor.
As for the first chill hint of winter in the gust of wind that sent the last withered leaves scratching along the sidewalk before me as I pulled my warm collar tight against the skin of my neck, I have no recollection. And although I was staring intently in S’s direction, I failed to notice the waving arm of my friend perched on his bicycle across the street, his call and whistle, his smile as he rode off when the light turned green.” – Stephen Batchelor, Buddhism Without Beliefs
Perhaps the following excerpt will serve to jumpstart the thought process.
“I open the refrigerator door to discover that I have no milk and so I decide to go down to the store to get some. I shut the door behind me, turn left into the street, follow the sidewalk for two blocks, turn left and left again, enter the store, snatch a carton of milk from the shelf, pay for it at the checkout, leave the store, turn right and right again, go back along the sidewalk for two blocks, turn right, unlock the door, and go back to the kitchen.
The only evidence I have that any of this has happened is the cold carton of milk now clutched rather too firmly in my hand.
As I try to reconstruct those ten vanished minutes, I recall being engrossed in a memory of something S said to me yesterday that I have been shrugging off ever since. It irked me and has become lodged as a stab of disquiet somewhere in the upper part of my stomach. I can remember that as I walked along, I was absorbed in what I should have said when the remark was made and what I would say were it repeated. The exact words of my response escape me. But I recall feeling gratified by their sharp blend of insouciance and cruelty, confirmed, in my imagination by the look of fear on S’s face as he is pinned to a rough wooden floor.
As for the first chill hint of winter in the gust of wind that sent the last withered leaves scratching along the sidewalk before me as I pulled my warm collar tight against the skin of my neck, I have no recollection. And although I was staring intently in S’s direction, I failed to notice the waving arm of my friend perched on his bicycle across the street, his call and whistle, his smile as he rode off when the light turned green.” – Stephen Batchelor, Buddhism Without Beliefs
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January Synopsis
Constance gave a great overview of Metta and a very enlightening discussion ensued.
It was noted that it is often most difficult for some to offer loving kindness to themselves due to the self-judgment that was instilled in us as we grew up. And may explain why some people find the whole idea of a loving-kindness meditation difficult to embrace.
Unconditional self-love, it was offered, is the desired result for any spiritual path. And it’s necessary, however achieved, for anyone hoping to reach the most integrated level of love for others.
The difficulty of understanding this practice likely arises out of the plethora or definitions or connotations for the term love. We seemed to find agreement that the meaning of the term as it is used here, is best understood to be compassion or the open-ness of heart. And that this practice can lead to a spiritual transformation, when the practice is embraced and the incremental changes that accompany it, are practiced in one’s daily affairs with diligence.
It was pointed out that open-heartedness and compassion are based on our willingness to confront the fear and discomfort we feel as we become more vulnerable to those feeling. The compassion gained is commensurate with the degree to which we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, because the natural reaction to our fears/discomfort is to close ourselves off to these experiences. Vulnerability accompanies becoming open. Compassion flows out of the open-ness to our aversion to emotional discomfort, and compassion then acts to encourage further connection to others suffering.
It was suggested that if one word had to be chosen to represent the manifestation of this practice on the human being, it would be open-ness or love. Perhaps that would explain why it is referred to as a Loving-Kindness Meditation.
The next meeting will be on February 20th and Nadine will soon inform us of the next topic for discussion.
It was noted that it is often most difficult for some to offer loving kindness to themselves due to the self-judgment that was instilled in us as we grew up. And may explain why some people find the whole idea of a loving-kindness meditation difficult to embrace.
Unconditional self-love, it was offered, is the desired result for any spiritual path. And it’s necessary, however achieved, for anyone hoping to reach the most integrated level of love for others.
The difficulty of understanding this practice likely arises out of the plethora or definitions or connotations for the term love. We seemed to find agreement that the meaning of the term as it is used here, is best understood to be compassion or the open-ness of heart. And that this practice can lead to a spiritual transformation, when the practice is embraced and the incremental changes that accompany it, are practiced in one’s daily affairs with diligence.
It was pointed out that open-heartedness and compassion are based on our willingness to confront the fear and discomfort we feel as we become more vulnerable to those feeling. The compassion gained is commensurate with the degree to which we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, because the natural reaction to our fears/discomfort is to close ourselves off to these experiences. Vulnerability accompanies becoming open. Compassion flows out of the open-ness to our aversion to emotional discomfort, and compassion then acts to encourage further connection to others suffering.
It was suggested that if one word had to be chosen to represent the manifestation of this practice on the human being, it would be open-ness or love. Perhaps that would explain why it is referred to as a Loving-Kindness Meditation.
The next meeting will be on February 20th and Nadine will soon inform us of the next topic for discussion.
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