by Peter Carlson | Nov 10, 2013 | Study Resources
This text accompanies the audio: The Precepts as Commitments
The five precepts have been adopted for millennia by those who desire to cultivate wisdom, that is, clear awareness and benevolent intention. They are traditionally phrased as abstentions, that is, the focus is on noting the emergence of unwholesome self-states and turning attention away from them and alternatively orienting towards wholesome self-states. This is based on the assumption that we must cultivate an ethical foundation that fosters mental clarity, kindness, compassion and generosity in order to have the internal stability and discipline to cultivate spiritual transcendence.
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by Mary Ann | May 15, 2013 | Study Resources
Stepping Out of Self-Deception: The Buddha’s Liberating Teaching of No-Self, by Rodney Smith 
— a book review by Peter Carlson
I bought this book at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies on the last day of my 3-month retreat at the Forest Refuge, on the first day of December, 2012. I started reading it that day and just finished it today, April 29, 2013. This is a much longer period of time that it usually takes to read a book on the Dhamma, the reason being that it’s a remarkably deep rendering of anatta, the Buddhist term to describe the complex interdependence of my lived experience. This is a book to savor—to read a bit at a time, allow an inner space to grow, then revisit.
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by Mary Ann | Mar 24, 2013 | Study Resources
This article describes several useful apps that can be downloaded to support regular meditation practice. I want to add another that I use that isn’t on their list: Insight Timer. It can be downloaded here. I wish you well. Peter
by Mary Ann | Jan 10, 2013 | Study Resources
On Saturday, January 19th, Judy and Tommy are starting the Satipatthāna book club with a potluck lunch @ Tommy’s house beginning 11:00. This potluck is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Satipatthāna, known as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Please free to come and see if this is something you’d like to learn more about and enjoy some wonderful vegetarian home cooked meals. Here are more details about the book club. Please Tommy Harrisonr if you’re interested or call @ (407) 790-0710.
by Mary Ann | Dec 13, 2012 | Study Resources
by Tommy Harrison
Friday, November 23rd, Darryl E. Owens with the Orlando Sentinel wrote an article titled How to simplify your Christmas season, and be happier for it. It offered healthy perspectives on giving, and interestingly enough, came out on Black Friday—a day where consumerism rules the day for some. Thank you, Mr. Owens, for that.
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by Mary Ann | Nov 18, 2012 | Study Resources
Judy Douglas and Tommy Harrison would like to invite interested practioners to join them in a book club that will begin sometime after New Year’s Day.
We will be methodically working through the Satipatthāna: The Direct Path to Realization, written by Anālayo. The Satipatthāna—the Four Foundations of Mindfulness—represents the essence of the Buddha’s teachings.
This effort will be group paced and may include ongoing dialogue within OIMG’s online sangha, monthly meetings, and possible “mini” retreats. Everyone will be encouraged to incorporate study topics into their daily practice. Please let Judy or Tommy know if you’re interested.
Participants will need to purchase their own book, which can be purchased through OIMG’s website link to Amazon, OIMG will receive small percentage of the sale which goes to scholarship retreat support.