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.