Every 2nd Sunday of the month
Open to all – No Experience Necessary
General Practice Sunday is our traditional format with voice and sitting meditation and other short practices that are designed to unfold presence and authentic spiritual expression. Included in this Sunday morning practice is a talk or guided discussion segment that promotes deepening knowledge and insight into Buddhist teaching and practice.
To open a new year of Buddhist practice, this week’s discussion topic is titled Say Yes To An Open Heart. Most teachers and practitioners view mindfulness as simply paying attention to the present moment with an open and curious stance. However, taking the lead from Shin Buddhism, mindfulness can be viewed as simply the open heart. Shin and mindfulness is about being embraced and embracing life – all of life as-it -is and accepting ourselves as we are. Both positively affirm life by saying, “yes” to whatever we are attending to and also means to surrender to our experience and the Other Power. It is saying yes in the midst of knee pain while we sit in meditation or saying yes, as the Nembutsu – Namu Amida Butsu – at the moment we acknowledge the reality that we are embraced just as we are.
This talk and subsequent Q & A will look into the practice of yes as a skillful way to live with an open heart. Presented by dharma teacher Senpai G. Lewis-Bastias.
Suggested donation of $10 at the door.
A short Introduction to Meditation Training session will be held before the gathering at 9:45 a.m. (if volunteers are available).