Precepts Study Week 3: Do not kill, Do Not steal
Mar
19
6:30 PM18:30

Precepts Study Week 3: Do not kill, Do Not steal

Do not kill – cultivate and encourage life.

In the realm of the everlasting dharma, holding no thought of killing is the precept of not killing.

The life of buddha increases with life; no life can be cut off. Continue the life of buddha; do not kill buddha.

Do not steal – honor the gift not yet given.

In the realm of the unattainable dharma, holding no thought of gain is the precept of not stealing.

The self and the things of the world are just as they are; the mind and its object are one. The gateway to enlightenment stands open wide.

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Precepts Week 4: Do not misuse sexuality, Do not speak dishonestly
Mar
26
6:30 PM18:30

Precepts Week 4: Do not misuse sexuality, Do not speak dishonestly

Do not misuse sexuality – remain faithful in relationships.

In the realm of the unguilded dharma, not coveting or creating a veneer of attachment is the precept of not misusing sexuality.

The three wheels are pure and clear. When there is nothing to desire, we follow the way of all buddhas.

Do not speak dishonestly – communicate truthfully.

In the realm of the inexplicable dharma, putting forth not one word is the precept of not speaking dishonestly.

The dharma wheel turns from the beginning. There is neither surplus nor lack. The sweet dew covers the earth, and within it lies the truth.

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Precepts Study Week 5: Do not become intoxicated, Do not dwell on past mistakes
Apr
2
6:30 PM18:30

Precepts Study Week 5: Do not become intoxicated, Do not dwell on past mistakes

Do not become intoxicated – polish clarity, dispel delusion.

In the realm of the intrinsically pure dharma, not harboring delusions is the precept of not becoming intoxicated.

We are naturally pure; there is nothing to be deluded about. This is enlightenment itself. Understand this truly, and no intoxicants can be taken in.

Do not dwell on past mistakes – create wisdom from ignorance.

In the realm of the flawless dharma, not expounding upon error is the precept of not dwelling on past mistakes.

In the buddha dharma there is one path, one dharma, one realization, one practice. Do not engage in fault-finding. Do not condone haphazard talk.

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Precepts Study Week 6: Do not praise self or blame others, Do not be mean with Dharma or wealth.
Apr
9
6:30 PM18:30

Precepts Study Week 6: Do not praise self or blame others, Do not be mean with Dharma or wealth.

Do not praise self or blame others. – maintain modesty, extol virtue.

In the realm of the equitable dharma, not dwelling upon I versus you is the precept of not praising self or blaming others.

All buddhas and ancestors realize the empty sky and the great earth. When they manifest the noble body, there is neither inside nor outside in emptiness. When they manifest the dharma body, not even a speck of dust is seen upon the ground.

Do not be mean with dharma or wealth – share understanding, give freely of self.

In the genuine, all-pervading dharma, being jealous of nothing is the precept of not being mean with dharma or wealth.

One phrase, one verse - that is the ten thousand things and one hundred grasses; one dharma, one realization - that is all buddhas and dharma ancestors. From the beginning, not one thing has been begrudged.

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Precepts Study Week 7: Do not indulge anger, Do not defame the Three Treasures
Apr
16
6:30 PM18:30

Precepts Study Week 7: Do not indulge anger, Do not defame the Three Treasures

Do not indulge anger – cultivate equanimity.

In the realm of the selfless dharma, not contriving reality for the self is the precept of not indulging anger.

Not advancing, not retreating, not real, not empty. There is a brilliant sea of clouds. There is a dignified sea of clouds.

Do not defame the three treasures.

In the realm of the One, holding no concept of ordinary beings and sages is the precept of not defaming the three treasures.

To do something by ourselves, without copying others, is to become an example to the world, and the merit of this becomes the source of all wisdom. Criticize nothing; accept everything.

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Rohatsu
Dec
4
6:30 PM18:30

Rohatsu

Rohatsu is the celebration of the day the Buddha reached enlightenment according to the Zen Buddhist Tradition. This day is also called Bodhi Day by Mahayana Buddhists. On this evening we will sit in zazen together for the whole meeting.

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Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, by Joan Halifax
Nov
27
6:00 PM18:00

Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, by Joan Halifax

This week we meet in person at Celtic Spirit Yoga Studio. Details HERE.

We begin a new book, “Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet”, by Joan Halifax.

“Halifax has identified five psychological territories she calls Edge States―altruism, empathy, integrity, respect, and engagement―that epitomize strength of character. Yet each of these states can also be the cause of personal and social suffering. In this way, these five psychological experiences form edges, and it is only when we stand at these edges that we become open to the full range of our human experience and discover who we really are.

Recounting the experiences of caregivers, activists, humanitarians, politicians, parents, and teachers, incorporating the wisdom of Zen traditions and mindfulness practices, and rooted in Halifax’s groundbreaking research on compassion, Standing at the Edge is destined to become a contemporary classic. A powerful guide on how to find the freedom we seek for others and ourselves, it is a book that will serve us all.”

We read the book together, no need to purchase a copy.

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