Synopsis of August Meeting

Some found this section easier than the first one we read. Though it was pointed out that the writer was addressing a group of advanced students in detailed aspects of practice and that without knowing the Tibetan culture and history, this could make understanding a daunting task. But that if ideas are understood as metaphors our understanding may ripen into something useful regardless of cultural bias.

The question was raised that, since this is referring to a process: can one get there by just reading this stuff or does one need to put in the time on the cushion? It was agreed that study + meditation + practice in the world is necessary. In addition it was noted that if we expose ourselves to different ideas, then when we experientially come across it in life, it makes more sense at a gut-level.

It was pointed out that, as it is in the study of all ideas unfamiliar to us, it offers each an opportunity to look at our own unique aversions. The reader is only being asked to read the book, not to necessarily adopt it as their own personal practice. One could skim the text, rather than read every word as though it were an absolute, and therein, see what resonates for them.

To read it with an open mind and let it go can be a "self-study" in itself. You may find that in time it makes sense, and perhaps even help to clarify your personal spiritual position.

Three of us had a mini-discussion on Boredom versus Stillness in relation to the Monkey-Mind experience. One position was that aversion to boredom is what sets the monkey-mind on high speed, while another finds the term boredom too negative. That her experience seems more connected to an aversion to the stillness of her mind in meditation.

This brought a voice from the “peanut-gallery” suggesting that if one is invested in achieving, or getting rid of, anything - then one is attached to that idea. For instance, “wanting” to become enlightened can be the greatest hurdle to overcome in the process of becoming enlightened. Let go of the "wanting" and one is capable of achieving the absolute freedom from want. One way to work with this issue is to go back to the body - the visceral experience in the moment - placing one's attention on physical tensing, discomfort etc. The key is getting the body to relax and therein relax the mind - over and over and over.

One very astute comment (at least in my mind) seemed to be a fitting epilogue, "I'm a detail person so it would seem this book would appeal to me. But I had to find a way to be compassionate towards this book. How can I be neutral? Developing the skill to be non-judgmental."

Next meeting is on September 23rd, at Ginny and Claudine's.

Topic for discussion will be the two magazine articles emailed from Ginny.

We will begin Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana in October.

Discussion of a half-day sit at Ken's on October 14th was finalized and will be further discussed as needed at the next meeting.