During this dialogue, Tommy described the development of dana, which is the Pali word translated as generosity. He talked of the value the Buddha placed on generosity as a fundamental way to cultivate renunciation, the ongoing process of letting go of attachments. During his presentation, he cited several examples of how he had experienced the benefits of generosity in his life.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
Since this meeting occurred on July 4, Peter talked about the Buddhist approach to “…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. We explored the concept of the Middle Path, between agitation and sedation, too much faith/rigidity and too much skepticism/disorganization. Peter emphasized that the application of mindfulness cultivates equanimity, a dynamic process of balancing energy and cognition, guided by benevolent intention.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
As is our custom, after a retreat, the participants have the opportunity to “think out loud” about their retreat experiences, and how being at home has been affected by the intensive meditation practices. It’s also hoped that the folks who weren’t at the retreat might benefit from the insights of the retreatants, and perhaps inspired to go on retreat themselves. This year’s retreat, called “A Peaceful Abiding”, lasted from Friday night until Sunday lunch, and had the most participants ever on a retreat sponsored by OIMG.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()
During this dialogue, Tim explored the importance of paticca sammupada, typically translated as dependent origination. This core concept of the Buddha’s teachings describes how karma (past experience) shapes our perceptions and responses in current events, followed by our behavioral responses. After the karmic influence is enacted, the result (called vipakka) goes back into our memory banks until new circumstances occur that have enough potency to re-enact the karma. During the dialogue, Peter commented on how the process changed toward alleviating suffering when mindfulness monitors the emergence of the karmic influence, determines whether it’s wholesome or unwholesome, and responds accordingly to discard the unwholesome and enact wholesome actions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:38 — 125.7MB)
In this dialogue, Peter shares various ways to incorporate the training cultivated with mindfulness of breathing meditation into daily life routines. After his comments, others in the group share what works for them. Peter’s notes listing the various strategies he mentioned are posted on the web site.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:10 — 119.3MB)