Gathering: November 1, 2006

On the first wednesday of the month we have a recitation ceremony. We began with two periods of sitting and walking meditation. Afterwards we recited the Five Mindfulness Trainings. The following is an excerpt for your contemplation:

The First Mindfulness Training:

Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking and in my way of life.