Gathering: March 14, 2007

After sitting and walking meditation, we took a few minutes to review the form relating to our practice. We discussed bowing, breathing, moving about the room, ceremonies such as the incense offering and touching the earth, as well as a reminder of how and when to invite the bell to sound.

Afterwards we continued our discussion of the 14 mindfulness trainings with the second Mindfulness Training:

Nonattachment to Views

Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. We shall learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to others’ insights and experiences. We are aware that the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Truth is found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.

The discussion that followed was pretty intense, and would have continued much longer if our time had not run out. We talked about situations where we have found it difficult to remain openminded about another's point of view, because we so strongly believe it to be wrong. For instance, whether torture can ever be justified, or how to remain open in the presence of someone who believes it is okay to abuse women.

We all have views that we feel so strongly about, that we have great difficulty letting go of our attachment to them. We can agree that we need to be open to new and changing ideas in order to continue to grow, and that we do not have the right to say "I am right, and you are wrong", but it is a continuing challenge to remain open and compassionate.

Gathering: March 7, 2007

On the first Wednesday of the month we have three periods of sitting and walking meditation.

During the discussion which followed, we each shared how our practice of mindful speech had unfolded throughout the week. Our experiences varied, from discovering that a typical week did not supply many opportunities for deep listening and compassionate speech, to observing how an unmindful remark can suddenly change the mood and create defensiveness in the listener. For me, I learned that my mindfulness is not yet at a level where I am able to catch my words before they leave my mouth, and instead I am left analysing the motivations and consequences of my remarks after the fact.

The story that I relayed to the group was about a conversation I was having with a friend. He began to tell me a story, and part way through I laughed at one of his remarks thinking that I knew what direction his story was going. This got me a strange look from the storyteller. As he continued, I realized his story was going in a much different direction, and my laugh was quite out of place. Thinking about this after the fact I realized it was not only a good illustration of where deep listening and mindful speech would have been useful, but it also illustrated an unrecognized trait in myself. When I laughed, it was not because what he said was particularly funny, but because I thought that was the reaction he wanted. In my own way I was trying to be considerate, and to be a good listener by giving him the feedback he wanted, but this was not true deep listening, and my laugh was an example of unmindful speech.

After our discussion we decided to continue with our efforts for the coming week, and discuss our experiences next week.

Gathering: February 28, 2007

Instead of listening to a Dharma talk, we have decided to study and explore the 14 Mindfulness Trainings, with a focus on applying the principles discussed throughout the following week.

The first of the 14 Mindfulness Trainings:

Openness
Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, we are determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. Buddhist teachings are guiding means to help us learn to look deeply and to develop our understanding and compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill, or die for.

Following our discussion, we decided to use this week to observe our speech habits, to learn more about our openness towards others and their ideas.

Gathering: February 21, 2007

Being the third Wednesday of the month, we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Here is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The Fourth Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am determined to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope. I will not spread news that I do not know to be certain and will not criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

Gathering: January 17, 2007

Being the third Wednesday of the month, we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. Here is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The Third Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a

long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken

by sexual misconduct.

Gathering: February 14, 2007

Throughout February we will continue to follow the schedule of three sittings on the first Wednesday of the month, a dharma talk on the second and fourth Wednesdays, and a recitation ceremoney on the third Wednesday.

We continued to listen to Thay's talk. Today he focused on Compassionate Listening. We can relieve so much suffering in others just by listening. Use the energy of mindfulness to practice deep listing. This is something we have lost, making communication impossible.

When we have problems with our loved ones, we go to a therapist, because they will listen to us. It is their job to listen to us without judging and without arguing. This is what people need when they suffer... someone to listen to them without judging.

The power of listening is very strong, and can relieve the suffering of others.