Updated Resources for Meditation and Support

Heidi Bourne provides a good introduction to energy as a factor of awakening, including a description of the four forms of effort described by the Buddha. You can find that article here: Energy & Effort, the Third Factor of Awakening, Part 1

Quote for the Week

“Imagine building a structure of any kind; add a little here, a little there, pay particular attention to shoring up the weight bearing wall. We are continuously shoring up our practice and our daily lives, and it requires energy, courage, persistence and effort to do so.”  ~Heidi Bourne, 

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Daylong Meditation Retreats for 2023

Tim Barbour, the new Retreat Manager for Insight Meditation of the Mid-Columbia (IMMC), has arranged three retreats for this year – thanks, Tim! All are currently planned as in-person retreats in Richland. In addition, the Walla Walla Dharma Sangha (WWDS) has scheduled two retreats in 2023. Tentative information for all five retreats is shown below. More information on the… Continue reading Daylong Meditation Retreats for 2023

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Sangha News 2/6/23

Thursday, 2/9, we’ll have a discussion of the factors of awakening and mindfulness after the 7:30 pm meditation. The following week, 2/16, Chris will give a talk on investigation or inquiry, one of the factors of awakening that involves exploring our hearts and minds with an affectionate curiosity. Chapter IX in Bhikkhu Analayo’s book, “Satipatthana Meditation: A… Continue reading Sangha News 2/6/23

Updated Resources for Meditation and Support

Gil Fronsdal has a good introduction to investigation that you can find here: Investigation Santikaro, a western student and translator of the well-known Thai teacher Buddhadasa, has a detailed article on investigation that relates it to the practice of mindfulness of breathing. You can find that article here:  The Investigation of What is Important Tara Brach… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support

Quote for the Week

“Bringing interest and investigation to an experience can change our relationship to the experience because it changes the ecology of the mind, so to speak. Investigation brings a wholesome quality to the mind, which can initiate a significant shift in the mind…”  Gil Fronsdal

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Sangha News 1/23/22

This Thursday, 1/26/2023, after the 7:30 pm meditation there will be a discussion about the hindrance of doubt and the way that it can impact our meditation practice and our lives. We’ll then be moving on to a new set of topics. The following Thursday, 2/2, Chris will give a talk on the last set… Continue reading Sangha News 1/23/22

Updated Resources for Meditation and Support

Christina Feldman and Jaya Rudgard give a brief introduction to the factors of awakening that you can find here: Seven Factors of Awakening Explained. Gil Fronsdal shows how the factors of awakening are qualities that are already present within us, but that we can learn to appreciate them and strengthen them. You can find his article… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support

Quote for the Week

“Buddhist practice develops ordinary capacities so that they can serve on the path of awakening. Rather than cultivating new abilities, with this practice we learn to identify, appreciate, and strengthen ones we already have. Doing so we discover that these capacities are treasures within.”  ~ Gil Fronsdal

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Sangha News 1/9/22

Thursday, 1/12, there will be a discussion of restlessness and worry after the 7:30 pm meditation. The following week, Thursday, 1/19, Chris will give a talk on doubt, the last of the hindrances, and often one of the most difficult to respond to. Chapter VIII in Bhikkhu Analayo’s book, “Satipatthana Meditation: A Practice Guide” would be a… Continue reading Sangha News 1/9/22