Further Information about the Dharma

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Further Information about the Dharma

Resources

( Audio and notes from the five Practice Period Tuesday night programs in January and February 2013 are now available.

Excerpts and notes from the talk by Jean LaValley on the opening night, January 8th, are here. Subject: Refuges, Precepts, Intention.
A recording of the January 15th talk and discussion on Perceptions and Practicing at the Sense Doors by John Fries is here..
A recording and notes from the January22nd session on Meditating with Sadness and Anxiety.
A recording from John Robinson and Carolyn McGlothlin on A Day in the Life of Self.
The concluding night of the 2013 Practice Period, reviewing and offering the precepts and refuges, led by Jean LaValley and John Fries, is recorded here.)

About a Practice Period

A practice period is a time to deepen and clarify our practice, both on and off the cushion. Historically, the practice period originated in the rains retreats of the early Buddhist monks and nuns when they could not travel due to heavy rains. During that time, the Sangha lived together for more intensive practice.

A practice period is an opportunity for practitioners to clarify their spiritual intentions, to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist path and to more fully integrate their practice into their daily life. We do this as a Sangha to support and energize each other in our individual practices.

It is important to be realistic about our responsibilities and maintain balance in home, work and spiritual life. From that understanding, participants in a practice period are encouraged to identify a practice intention that will open them up to opportunities and activities beyond their current level of commitment, while keeping in mind what is doable and respects their family, health and work.

You may want to pair with a “dharma buddy” to connect with and to check in with.

Your commitment could include – but is not limited to...

beginning a daily practice

increasing the time that you give to a daily practice

attending the weekday morning meditations and/or Tuesday and Thursday evening meditations

working with the Tuesday Dharma talk subjects during the following week

attending the Saturday Sit-In

individual (or small group) Dharma study on a topic of your choice

bringing your spiritual values (such as the 4 Brahma Viharas) into your family or work life

beginning or continuing a generosity practice

Another idea you could consider: Ajahn Geoff reports that in Southeast Asian communities, lay followers observe eight precepts on the four moon cycle days--new, full, first and last quarter. In January and early February 2013, those days are: January 5th (last quarter), January 11th (full moon), January 19th (first quarter), January 26th (new moon), February 3rd (last quarter), February 10th (full). (MoonConnection.com)
We are most familiar with the 5 precepts:

I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking life.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from taking what is not given.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from false speech.
I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness.

To these can be added these three on the significant moon days (called Uposatha days):

I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep. (This generally includes not sleeping on a high or soft bed.)

We look forward to practicing with you.
A PDF flyer announcing the January 2013 BIMS Practice Period can be seen here.

Jean LaValley's opening night talk on January 8th, introducing the Practice Period and discussing the three refuges, the five precepts and intention, is here.