Gil Fronsdal provides a good discussion of the hindrance of sleepiness and sluggishness, classically translated as “sloth and torpor.” He includes information on many of the causes of lethargy and ways that we can be aware of it and work with it. You can find his article here: The Hindrance of Sloth and Torpor
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Quote for the Week
“The presence of sloth and torpor [lethargy] does not mean that energy is not available. It means we are not accessing it. With a change in conditions, energy may reappear in a moment. This can be seen clearly in young children who switch from being “tired” (while shopping) to being energetic (about an offer of… Continue reading Quote for the Week
Sangha News 11/28/22
On Thursday, 12/1, Chris will give a talk on the hindrance of anger and aversion after the 7:30 pm meditation. Aversion can impact our meditation as well as our daily life. The following Thursday, 12/8, there will be a discussion of anger and aversion and the ways in which people relate to it. Chapter VIII in Bhikkhu Analayo’s… Continue reading Sangha News 11/28/22
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Gil Fronsdal describes the hindrance of ill will, including anger and aversion, and describes some strategies for relating to aversion. You can find his article here: The Hindrance of Ill Will Thanissara, a Buddhist teacher and social activist, talks about the importance of anger and the ways in which it can help wake us up to the… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
“Having ill will is not a personal failing. It is an ordinary part of life. There is no need to define or judge oneself by its presence. It is also not necessary to be under its sway. There are healthier motivations we can act on in order to do what needs to be done. Learning… Continue reading Quote for the Week
Sangha News 11/14/22
The current series of Thursday night talks are exploring topics related to meditation in more detail, starting with the approaches recommended for developing mindfulness. The talks for the next couple of months will be based on the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha’s discourse on the foundations of mindfulness. In that discourse the Buddha gave a clear description… Continue reading Sangha News 11/14/22
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Becoming aware of the hindrances and learning how to work with them skillfully is an important part of meditation and mindfulness in daily life. Jack Kornfield discusses the hindrances and ways to work with them in this article: Obstacles are Part of the Path Gil Fronsdal has a good article on the hindrance of ill will… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
“Anyone who practices mindfulness knows that there are forces in the mind that can make it difficult to be mindful. Rather than reacting to these difficulties as somehow being “bad” or as “distractions,” it is important to investigate them. It is easier to find freedom from something when we know it thoroughly.” ~ Gil Fronsdal Hindrances… Continue reading Quote for the Week
Sangha News 10/31/22
Please note the upcoming changes to the in-person meetings: The Saturday morning in-person meditation is cancelled on 11/12/22. It will resume the following week on 11/19/22 and will transition to meeting indoors at that time. The Wednesday morning in-person meditation will take place in the sanctuary on 11/2 and 11/9. Access the sanctuary through the front doors of… Continue reading Sangha News 10/31/22
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Becoming aware of the hindrances and learning how to work with them skillfully is an important part of meditation and mindfulness in daily life. Jack Kornfield discusses the hindrances and ways to work with them that don’t foster more aversion in this article: Obstacles are Part of the Path. Gil Fronsdal has a good resource on… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support