Synopsis for February 19, 2012

The meeting began - though my memory after being up for 20-plus hours becomes even more suspect than usual - began with a discussion about the two definitions for suffering, i.e. "being under something" and "something pressing down on one." At the time I was a bit too foggy to even comprehend what that means, but in retrospect I think it seems to address different degrees of personalization about ones relationship to that which is occurring. Or stated differently, all profundity aside, it might be referring to the degree to which one feels that things are happening to one personally or are just random acts, or conditions, that intersect ones life. Nadine solved this now poorly stated conundrum by using the term "unsatisfactory" (or any of its linguistic off-spring) as a substitute for suffering.

At some point MM, once again, couldn't resist disagreeing with me after a moment of my somnolent babbling. I reference this simply to record the abuse I consistently have thrust upon me by my bevy of female siblings (in the cosmic sense). At least Ken took pity on my vegetative state.....probably a male commiseration thing.

There was much banter over the "infinite perfection of the Universe" on page 112, and how any "perfection" is one of a personal nature rather than a Universal Truth. Unless perhaps if we understand any perfection as being represented by Contingent Arising and Impermanence.

Nadine shared her Achilles Heal issue regarding the compatibility of acceptance and working for change. Specifically, Beck addresses this issue half-way down page 108. If you have any further inquiry regarding this particular subject please direct your questions to Nadine since she is becoming the resident scholar on this issue.


Next Meeting: March 18th at G&C's


Note: You may have noted the bizarre twinge to this update.....ok, ok, an increase in the usual bizarre nature of the update. I just want everyone to know that from now on I will be coming to the meeting after working all night and possibly being up since the previous morning. So any assistance in reminding me about what was discussed would be appreciated since I tend to phase in and out of consciousness after sleep deprivation and forgetting to write notes; an activity for which I am woefully inadequate on any occasion.