[Downtown Dharma Listserve] Next Buddha Brunch January 12th

Happy New Year Friends,

Just a quick note about our upcoming Downtown Dharma Buddha brunch this coming Saturday, January 12th at 12:30 at my place on Capitol Hill.

In terms of topic and readings to foster the discussion, I'm starting my new year out with a focus on metta or lovingkindness meditations so hope this might be of interest for others as well.

Metta is the practice of cultivating a sense of friendliness, goodwill and kindness towards oneself and others.  A few suggested brief explorations of the topic include:

An overview of the traditional metta meditation by Jack Kornfield:

http://www.jackkornfield.com/2011/02/meditation-on-lovingkindness/

And two pieces from one of the leading lovingkindess teachers, Sharon Salzberg:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sharon-salzberg/fierce-compassion_b_1775414.html

http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/facets_of_metta.php

If you are able to join us, please drop me a note and I'll send you directions to my place (I'm two blocks from the Potomac Ave Metro stop on the blue and orange lines or we can coordinate a few rides from Columbia Heights, as I know it is a "field trip" for many in the group!)

Much metta to all for the new year -- looking forward to connecting again with the group!

Kathleen

On Dec 5, 2012, at 8:16 AM, Danya Greenfield <danya.greenfield@gmail.com> wrote:

Just wanted to repost this message from Amy about our buddha brunch this Saturday at 12:30pm, since I know we have some new members to the listserve since it was first posted. The reading that she suggested is below....

 

In the past, we've had some really great discussions (and great food!), and I'm sure this Saturday will prove to be the same.

 

Look forward to seeing you all,

Danya

On Sunday, November 25, 2012 4:12:20 PM UTC-5, Amy Dona wrote:

Greetings to all,

For approximately the last year and a half, members of the Downtown Dharma sangha have hosted semi-regular "Buddha Brunches" to share food and discussion on a topic or reading.  I hope you can come to the next Buddha Brunch that I will be hosting on Saturday, December 8 at 12:30.  

The reading that I have selected comes from a 1998 commentary by the Dalai Lama on the first verse of the Eight Verses of Training the Mind. The link is here:  http://www.dalailama.com/teachings/training-the-mind/verse-1   It would be about 8 pages when printed out and covers a range of significant concepts, so I recommend at least an hour to read the piece, plus whatever additional time you would like for ruminating :)    (I've pasted the first verse and the first paragraph of the commentary below.)

I hope you are able to come to share food and discussion!  If you do intend to come, please send me a quick email (amy...@gmail.com).  Then, on Thursday, Dec. 6, I'll send out an confirmation email with my address and any additional, necessary logistical details.


-Namaste



  With a determination to achieve the highest aim
  For the benefit of all sentient beings
  Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem,
  May I hold them dear at all times.


These four lines are about cultivating a sense of holding dear all other sentient beings. The main point this verse emphasizes is to develop an attitude that enables you to regard other sentient beings as precious, much in the manner of precious jewels. The question could be raised, "Why do we need to cultivate the thought that other sentient beings are precious and valuable?"

...

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