The last two times (see below), we inquired into the meaning, nature, and forms of the busyness so many of us struggle with. We also considered the causes and conditions of such busyness. The framework for this inquiry is the Fourfold Noble Truth (ariya-sacca). On January 12th, we primarily considered the first and second noble truths. Then, we will look further into the third and fourth noble truths regarding busyness. What does the "quenching of busyness" mean? What would it look & feel like?
This time, we will look further into the path on "non-busyness" might be. How might we live so that busyness is not a burden? so that busyness has no meaning? While we draw on core Dhamma teachings to inform this inquiry, we do not assume the answers are obvious or settled. Rather, each of us must get to the bottom of our own busyness and dukkha that they may arise from it.
Please review this information.
MP3 recording of this talk (7.9 mb).
MP3 recording of this talk will be posted.
I'm developing a new study program for friends in Lawrence, KS. It will include new and old talks, readings, and references to other web resources. For now, its focus is Practicing with the Four Noble Truths. If interested, you can follow along here.
Santikaro joins the Insight Chicago sittings in Rogers Park about once a month. On those nights, the group intends to focus clearly on the Dhamma, with talks on specific topics or teachings, usually with reference to the Pali suttas and the teaching of Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
We will begin sitting promptly at 7:00 pm. We will sit for 30 minutes, after which Santikaro will give a Dhamma talk for 40 minutes or so. This will leave us an hour or so for discussion, including 30 minutes dedicated to practice questions. We will plan to end the evening by 9:30.
As always, there will be an opportunity to offer dana. This is an opportunity to express our appreciation for Santikaro's generosity in offering the teachings and his time with us. The dana box is on the round table in the living room.
Please bring a cushion (if you like to sit on the floor), and remember to be at the house by 6:55 pm! The door will be left open for late comers to quietly slip in and join us. But please try to be prompt. Many thanks.
Looking forward to seeing you.
With metta,
Insight Chicago Friends & Hosts
We discussed drafts of Buddhism in All Aspects, a new translation that Santikaro is working on. 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. We hope that it will be published in 2009.
The Kosambians (MN 48): The Middle Length Discourses translation recommended; otherwise (online).
The Buddha's response to a petty quarrel among monks that escalated to take over a town. Qualities that sustain Sangha allow healthy Sangha to nurture and support Right Understanding.
Mahaparinibbana Sutta (DN 16): Part 1
The opening section of this famous sutta has a number of teachings concerning Sangha. While they are phrased in terms of the monks, the principles apply to any Sangha of Good Practice. Note especially:
Six Conditions to be Remembered (para 11)
Welfare of the Bhikkhus (para 6)
Seven Good Qualities (para 8)
Mindfulness with Breathing by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Available from Wisdom. Please focus on the first four lessons covering mindfulness of the body (chapters 3 & 4).
Satipatthana by Analayo
Available from Windhorse. Please focus on the chapters covering mindfulness of the body.
We will focus on some of the body practices discussed in the Satipatthana Suttas, as well as responding to specific questions concerning Mindfulness with Breathing (see readings above).
If you like, read one of the translations of the Satipatthana Suttas, such as, MN 10 by Thanissaro Bhikkhu or by Soma Thera. The text of this sutta is identical to that of the Maha-satipatthana Sutta (DN 22), except that the latter contains a more detailed exposition of the Four Noble Truths (sections 5a,b,c and d in part D of that version). Other translations are in print.
Mindfulness with Breathing by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Please focus on the lessons covering mindfulness of feeling (Chapter 5). Also, review previous readings regarding "all bodies."
Satipatthana by Analayo
Please focus on Chapter VII covering mindfulness of feeling.
Please review the readings from last time, focussing on unpleasant feelings (Analayo) and calming the feelings (Buddhadasa).
If you wish, look ahead to the readings covering mindfulness of mind (below).
Mindfulness with Breathing by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Please focus on the lessons covering mindfulness of mind (Chapter 6).
Satipatthana by Analayo
Please focus on Chapter VIII covering mindfulness of mind.
Available from Wisdom. Please focus on the four lessons covering mindfulness of Dhammas (chapter 7 & 8).
Available from Windhorse. Please focus on the chapters covering mindfulness of Dhammas (chapters 9-13).
Our discussion will emphasize the practice of these teachings on the cushion and in ordinary life.
Please focus on the four lessons covering mindfulness of Dhammas (chapter 7 & 8).
Please focus on Chapter X (Aggregates).
Please focus on Chapter XI (Sense Bases). We will again focus on how to practice this section.
This will conclude our series on the Applications of Mindfulness.
The Four Noble Truths, Ajahn Sumedho (Amaravati Publications, 1992) available in PDF from BuddhaNet.
The Mind Like Fire Unbound, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Dhamma Dana Publications, 1993) available at Access to Insight.
Please read the first and at least one of the others.
Thanissaro (Sutta 15 is included here)
MDB p. 349 ff (note paragraphs 9-14 and 26-30)
Penetrative (Thanissaro translation)
LDB, p. 344 ff. | Thanissaro translation, especially D.5 a & b
We will consider how sense experience & feeling are involved with craving, clinging. identity, and suffering. There are all kinds of Suttas on this experiential hub of the dependent co-arising of dukkha. Just look them up in the index of whichever translation you have at hand. On-line:
Culavedalla Sutta, MDB #44
Chachakka Sutta,MDB #148
We will explore the role of not-knowing, misunderstanding, and incorrect knowledge as they play out in the topics discussed in recent sessions: sense contact, feeling, craving, clinging, becoming, and egoistic birth.