dedicated to a peaceful & just society
grounded in contemplative & spiritual practice
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Midwestern Dhamma dedicated to a peaceful & just society grounded in contemplative & spiritual practice |
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Sangha is the refuge of practice. Through Sangha we support each other and collectively manifest the Dhamma in society. Traditional notions of Sangha are coming under questions and ad hoc usage of the term is correspondingly common. What does Sangha mean for us today? We invite you to a conversation on how we might renew the meaning of Sangha here in Wisconsin.
If you have time, please read the Aggañña Sutta, "On Origins" (DN 27)
Location: 9638 Shadow Ridge Trail, Middleton, WI
From the BELTLINE (12/18) take the OLD SAUK Rd exit. Go west on OLD SAUK for 1.5 miles to Cricket lane. Turn right on CRICKET lane. Turn left on SHADOW RIDGE TRAIL. 9638 is at the top of the hill.
Contact: 608-829-0944
other details & directions ... Following the sitting, Santikaro will give a Dhamma talk, followed by discussion
location: First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison, WI
A newly formed group will meet to study & discuss teachings from the Pali Suttas. Santikaro will introduce & lead the discussion. Please read & ponder the following Sutta in advance.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 349ff.
This sutta discusses some of the key ingredients of suffering, along with insights that liberate from suffering. It begins with a famous instance of confusion concerning consciousness that carries over to a new life. The Buddha sorts out this misunderstanding, in the process examining conditionality, 'food,' and dependent co-origination in various ways. It points to the centrality of craving and outlines the process of practice that 'destroys craving.'
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 349ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
All the Buddha's teachings fit within the Four Noble Truths. This Sutta uses the 'material form aggregate' (rupakkhandha) to explore the five aggregates of clinging, namely, the heart of suffering. Form is considered in terms of the four physical elements (dhatus) and how one apprehends them. On their basis, operative senses support the manifestation of consciousness; thus, the 'clung together aggregates' come into being. Seeing the dependent co-origination of the whole process dissolves the clinging that holds together the nexus of suffering.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 934ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
This session will focus on Path (following the last session on four noble truths). This wonderful sutta reframes the path in terms of Noble Right Concentration, then explains how all path factors are guided by right understanding, powered by right effort, and watched over by right mindfulness. Further, each factor of the path is discussed on ordinary (mundane) and transcendent levels. This noble path matures into right knowledge and right liberation.
For "extra credit," also take a look at the Mahasalayatanika Sutta (MN 149, MDB p. 1137) for further nuances of path, right understanding, and the noble truths.
Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, p. 362ff. [This translation is preferred; on-line translation is adequate.]
Audio of our discussion will be posted here.
This session will focus on an another perspective on Path, in this case, how it unfolds over time. This Sutta is representative of many that map out the "graduated training." One important perspective on practice sees it in the moment, unhindered by time. However, as long as we take rebirth each day we will see our lives and practuice in terms of time. Thus, a perspective that shows the major pieces of a liberatory practice cultivated over years of committed study and training is necessary. The graduated training is the necessary context for sucessful vipassana practice.
We discussed readings from a new translation in progress: Buddhism in All Aspects. The core of this new book is Ajahn Buddhadasa's explanation of what he takes to be the original paticca-samuppada (dependent co-origination) teachings of the Buddha. He also situates Buddhist study-practice within a broader understanding of religion, discusses topics like faith and God, and advises us how to avoid making Buddhism into a "philosophy."
In classic Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths (catari-ariya-sacca) frame the purpose of spiritual practice and guide our investigation of life. In the Buddha's time, this was a radical shift from prevailing belief and custom. In our time, it remains radical, tho perhaps in new ways.
Please note that the translator's use of 'stress' for dukkha replaces the more common suffering. We recommend familiarizing with the nuances of dukkha, so as to be independent of translator fancies. You may want to check one of the other translations.
Other suttas from the same section are relevant, especially The Simsapa Leaves, Kuta Sutta, The Drop Off, and others (in Samyutta 56). All of these are short. Each highlights an important aspect of the noble truths.
Further resources on the catari-ariya-sacca are here.
The Buddha reviews seven startegies for freeing the mind of asava (fermentation, out-flows) the most deeply rooted stratum of defilement (delineated as sensuality, becoming, views, and ignorance). The 'end of the asavas' is synonomous with Awakening. These seven startegies or approaches give a more well-rounded understanding of path than popular meditation teachings.
