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
News
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
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
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Gil Fronsdal provides a good description of different forms of doubt, both as a hindrance and as an aid in our learning to see clearly. He also discusses useful approaches to respond to doubt when it is a hindrance. You can find his article here: Doubting Doubt: Practicing with the Final Hindrance. This article by Jack Kornfield provides… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
“It can be helpful to remember something that inspires you in the practice, such as a teaching, a person, or some experience you have had in the practice. Bringing this to mind may remind you of why you are doing the practice and how much you value it. It may gladden the heart enough to… Continue reading Quote for the Week
Beginning Meditation Classes: Feb 5th thru Mar 5th
The next series of Beginning Meditation classes is coming in early February. We’re adding an additional class to the series, which will begin on Sunday, Feb 5, 2023 and continue for 5 Sunday afternoons. The classes will be conducted online via Zoom. The classes are intended to work together to provide an introduction to meditation… Continue reading Beginning Meditation Classes: Feb 5th thru Mar 5th
Sangha News 12/26/22
Thursday, December 29, we’ll have a shortened program, with the normal half-hour meditation at 7:30 and time for a brief exchange of greetings and sharing. The following Thursday, January 5, 2023, we’ll return to our normal program. After the 7:30 pm meditation, Chris will give a talk on the hindrance of restlessness and worry. In some ways, this… Continue reading Sangha News 12/26/22
National Day of Racial Healing 1/17/23
Washington State University and its local branch campus are participating in the National Day of Racial Healing on January 17, 2023. There will be a strong emphasis in the day’s events on healing and contemplation, including guided meditations on pausing, self-compassion, mindfulness, and racial healing and transformation. Two of the events will be guided by members of… Continue reading National Day of Racial Healing 1/17/23
Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Gil Fronsdal provides a good discussion of the hindrance of restlessness and worry and the importance of working with it in order to settle the mind and see clearly. You can find his article here: The Hindrance of Restlessness and Worry. Another good article on restlessness and worry comes from the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society. You… Continue reading Updated Resources for Meditation and Support
Quote for the Week
“In the case of restlessness-and-worry, anything that calms the mind will be helpful. A useful tool is attention to the joy of being in the present moment, in particular with emphasis on resting in whole-body awareness. Relaxing into this joy will allow body and mind to become calm and tranquil, thereby directly opposing the tension… Continue reading Quote for the Week