[Downtown Dharma Listserve] Re: This Sunday at Potter's House

Thanks to everyone who came out tonight -- it was a great group. For anyone who's interested in reading more on this topic, here are some links!

Text of the Kalama Sutta: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.065.soma.html

Bhikkhu Bodhi's explanation of the above: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/bps-essay_09.html

Gil Fronsdal on doubt: https://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/the-five-hindrances-handouts/doubting-doubt-practicing-with-the-final-hindrance/

Until next time,

et

evatalmadge.net

On Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 3:27 PM, Eva Talmadge <eva.talmadge@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear friends,

In a continuation of our examination of the Five Hindrances, we will meet this Sunday, July 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Community Room at the Potter's House (1658 Columbia Rd, NW) to meditate and explore the hindrance of doubt.

A famous mistranslation of the Kalama Sutta has it that the Buddha said, "believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless is agrees with your own reason and common sense." This isn't accurate -- what he said was a little more nuanced -- but the sutta's emphasis on skepticism begs the question: Why is doubt a hindrance?

We'll talk about doubt and discouragement, self-belief, and the things we often tell ourselves that aren't helpful, plus I'll share some cool stuff about Mara, the Buddha's shadow self or the devil, if I can remember where to find it. There will be lots of time for sharing and discussion of whatever comes up.

Chairs are available. If you'd like to bring your own sitting gear, please do. And if you'd like to help set up, please arrive ten minutes early. This meeting space is wheelchair accessible.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Eva

evatalmadge.net

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