dedicated to a peaceful & just society
grounded in contemplative & spiritual practice
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Midwestern Dhamma dedicated to a peaceful & just society grounded in contemplative & spiritual practice |
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We will discuss readings from Buddhism in All Aspects, a new translation in progress. The core of this new book is Ajahn Buddhadasa's explanation of what he takes to be the original paticca-samuppada (dependent co-origination) teachings of the Buddha. This time, we'll look at Chapters 4 thru 6, which discuss life free of positiveness and negativeness; Buddhism's understanding of conditionality as 'law of nature' rather than a personal, Creator God; and the connection between ignorance and superstition.
Location: 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI
From the BELTLINE (12/18) take the OLD SAUK Rd exit. Go west on OLD SAUK for 1.5 miles to Cricket lane. Turn right on CRICKET lane. Turn left on SHADOW RIDGE TRAIL. 9638 is at the top of the hill.
Contact: 608-215-2889
other details & directions ... Following the sitting, Santikaro will give a Dhamma talk, followed by discussion
location: First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI
A newly formed group will meet to study & discuss teachings from the Pali Suttas. Santikaro will introduce & lead the discussion. Please read & ponder the following Sutta in advance.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 349ff.
This sutta discusses some of the key ingredients of suffering, along with insights that liberate from suffering. It begins with a famous instance of confusion concerning consciousness that carries over to a new life. The Buddha sorts out this misunderstanding, in the process examining conditionality, 'food,' and dependent co-origination in various ways. It points to the centrality of craving and outlines the process of practice that 'destroys craving.'
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 349ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
All the Buddha's teachings fit within the Four Noble Truths. This Sutta uses the 'material form aggregate' (rupakkhandha) to explore the five aggregates of clinging, namely, the heart of suffering. Form is considered in terms of the four physical elements (dhatus) and how one apprehends them. On their basis, operative senses support the manifestation of consciousness; thus, the 'clung together aggregates' come into being. Seeing the dependent co-origination of the whole process dissolves the clinging that holds together the nexus of suffering.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 934ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
This session will focus on Path (following the last session on four noble truths). This wonderful sutta reframes the path in terms of Noble Right Concentration, then explains how all path factors are guided by right understanding, powered by right effort, and watched over by right mindfulness. Further, each factor of the path is discussed on ordinary (mundane) and transcendent levels. This noble path matures into right knowledge and right liberation.
For "extra credit," also take a look at the Mahasalayatanika Sutta (MN 149, MDB p. 1137) for further nuances of path, right understanding, and the noble truths.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 362ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
Audio of our discussion will be posted here.
This session will focus on an another perspective on Path, in this case, how it unfolds over time. This Sutta is representative of many that map out the "graduated training." One important perspective on practice sees it in the moment, unhindered by time. However, as long as we take rebirth each day we will see our lives and practuice in terms of time. Thus, a perspective that shows the major pieces of a liberatory practice cultivated over years of committed study and training is necessary. The graduated training is the necessary context for sucessful vipassana practice.
We will discuss readings from a new translation in progress: Buddhism in All Aspects. The core of this new book is Ajahn Buddhadasa's explanation of what he takes to be the original paticca-samuppada (dependent co-origination) teachings of the Buddha. He also situates Buddhist study-practice within a broader understanding of religion, discusses topics like faith and God, and advises us how to avoid making Buddhism into a "philosophy."
