“The process of finding the truth may not be a process by which we feel increasingly better and better. It may be a process by which we look at things honestly, sincerely, truthfully, and that may or may not be an easy thing to do.”

-Adyashanti

This Week’s Discussion Topic
Discuss example(s) of how getting what you desire in life has led to momentary happiness followed by the inevitable letdown, elucidating the reality that nothing outside of ourselves provides lasting contentment.

“Most people, myself included, want to get some benefit from something. But in Buddhism, what we’re actually trying to do is to become released from the suffering that comes from wanting to get something.”

-Mark Unno

This Week’s Discussion Topic
Describe methods you’ve successfully used to avoid becoming engaged/carried away by thoughts whether on the cushion or off.

“Unlike a subject like, say, carpentry, where we learn from the experience of those who have gone before us, meditation is defined by spontaneity, by not knowing.”
-Barry Evans

 
This Week’s Discussion Topic
What does it mean to “awaken,” and are there different depths, or levels, of awakening?

“The more we can truly accept who we are, all the way to the point of becoming one with it, the more we give the precepts a chance to manifest naturally.”

-Roshi Nancy Mujo Baker

This Week’s Discussion Topic
What are some misconceptions you initially had about Buddhism that you’ve discovered are not true once you began earnestly practicing?

“How you do what you do is more important than what you do. The ‘how’ refers to the underlying state of consciousness.”

-Eckhart Tolle

This Week’s Discussion Topic
It’s often said in Zen that “All beings are already enlightened.” How do you understand this statement, and how does it relate to practice?

“If suffering and awakening form a single weather-system—as many a wise person has come to know—then when storms come, perhaps we can accept them with less dread and aversion, and more trust—and even hope.”

-Henry Shukman

This Week’s Discussion Topic
What was the biggest motivating factor (person, book, event, etc.) that initially drew you to Buddhism?

“The mind that sees something quickly dies, and a different consciousness hears a sound. No self or soul carries over from one perceptual act to the next. In truth, your life-span is only one moment long.”

-Cynthia Thatcher

This Week’s Discussion Topic
What does “no-self” mean to you?

“Disgusting things get thrown on the earth, but the earth isn’t horrified by them. When you make your mind like the earth, neither agreeable nor disagreeable sensory impressions will take charge of it.”

-Thanissaro Bhikkhu

This Week’s Discussion Topic
What are some examples of how you’ve personally engaged in “spiritual materialism”?

“The idea that what is here and now is less valuable than what’s over there just past the finish line prevents us from ever being truly content and happy right where we are.”

-Brad Warner

This Week’s Discussion Topic
What types of “conditioning” have been most difficult for you to see through?

“Inequality cannot stand in the real and true knowledge of human love. Fear evaporates in the face of recognition and connection.”

-Hanuman Goleman

This Week’s Discussion Topic
How do you maintain compassion when dealing with people who annoy and/or anger you?