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Hatred, Forgiveness, and Self-Liberation with Lee on Saturday, October 17
Published 5 days ago • 5 min read
We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation.
Dear Sangha,
Join us for silent meditation, a Dharma talk with Lee, and discussion on forgiveness as a practice, both on and off the cushion starting at 10:30 am,Saturday, October 17. We’ll explore how metta (loving-kindness) practice can support forgiveness and help us see more clearly. Though the Buddha did not prescribe forgiveness as a requirement for enlightenment, cultivating forgiveness and loving-kindness can help purify the mind and release hatred.
Read more about Dosaparinna Sutta on fully understanding hatred as discussed in the Itivuttaka section 10 as translated by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero.
We will be in person and online. Join us online by clicking below:
An interview with Bhante Sumano, Jisho Sara Siebert, and Gaylon Ferguson explore the meaning of ethics and enlightenment on the Buddhist path from Lion's Roar.
The Buddha was not interested in coercing anyone to practice in a particular way, though. Instead, he invited people to see the benefits of whatever path of action they chose. Of course, as a teacher he gave guidance based on his deep wisdom and experience, but it was up to the individual to do as they saw fit.
"When Sāriputta and Moggallāna died within the same year, the Buddha stated, “It’s like the sun and the moon have gone out of the sky.” He was clearly experiencing the loss of his close and trusted friends. Yet the very next words he spoke were, “And isn’t it amazing the Tathāgata does not suffer over this.” Here’s where things get interesting and raises the question, “Can we experience sadness and loss without suffering?” If so, what are the conditions that support that?
To the degree that there is Wise View and an understanding of how life unfolds in this realm, will be to the degree that one is congruent with things. When one is congruent with the truths of life, one doesn’t resist them. In the non-resistance there is a lack of suffering. Suffering is when we demand that life be different than it is. The gap between that demand, and that we do not have control over ensuring that demand be met, is the suffering. No demands, no suffering. Perhaps sadness and loss, yes, but there is the possibility of not having a sense that something is wrong or shouldn’t be happening heaped on top of that sadness and loss. In her exquisite poem, The Dakini Speaks (if you haven’t read it, you must), Jennifer Welwood writes:
Let’s grieve our losses fully, like ripe human beings.
But please, let’s not be so shocked by them.
Let’s not act so betrayed,
As though life had broken her secret promise to us.
The ending of summer is simply nature’s tireless commitment to teaching us the truth of the way things are. We can grieve summer’s loss, if that’s what is in our hearts, and simultaneously, it’s possible to reside in the stillness of a heart and mind that doesn’t feel betrayed by life, because it knows what is so."
Chas DiCapua, August 2021
"How it went..."
Last Friday was a lovely weather day and some of our sangha members gathered for a beach meditation.
John sends both sights and sounds for your reflections and meditations.
Food Program Volunteer Sought
We are looking for ONE great volunteer to join our feeding program who can join us for approximately 90 minutes, alternate Tuesday mornings, with a vehicle. The person should be able to lift a case of bottled water.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Lee at lee3bar@gmail.com.
Buddhist Mindfulness Versus Secular Mindfulness, Part 1
By LAM Yuen Ching, PhD October 26, 2024
“Mindfulness” has become a buzzword in today’s world. Although rooted in ancient Buddhist meditation practices from more than 2,500 years ago, it is now widely presented as a non-religious skill supported by psychology and science. Mindfulness is used in various clinical settings, such as anxiety management and cancer treatment, to reduce mental and physical symptoms. It is also applied in non-clinical environments—such as parenting, classrooms, and workplaces—to improve productivity, manage stress, and enhance overall well-being.
In its modern, secular form, mindfulness is usually defined as paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment, and characterized by nonjudgmental observation and an attitude of acceptance. (Kabat-Zinn, Santorelli)
Key questions
This popularization of mindfulness raises important questions: Is the “mindfulness” we see in mainstream culture the same as the mindfulness taught in Buddhism? While secular mindfulness offers many benefits, could practicing it without its religious roots lead to misunderstandings or even harm?
On the other hand, Thích Nhất Hạnh’s interpretation of mindfulness adapts the traditional practice for application in both Buddhist and secular contexts, underscoring the novelty and uniqueness of his approach. What are the differences and similarities between his interpretations and traditional mindfulness practices? How does his approach fit into modern society?
To answer these questions, we first need to understand the original purpose and meaning of mindfulness as explained by the Buddha. This foundation will help us practice mindfulness correctly and get the most out of it.
Dana, the practice of generosity, supports teachers in continuing practice and the lineage of Buddhist teachings. If you benefit from these practices and from this community, please consider supporting us. Dana is currently used to support our website, arrange visiting dhamma teachers, help to feed the New Haven community in need, and support the New Haven Free Public Library in gratitude for their generosity in providing our Saturday meeting space. The easiest way to contribute is through this link where you can make a donation via Venmo or with a credit or debit card (via PayPal, no account required). Alternatively, if you want to send a check, please address it to: Elm Community Insight PO Box 6195 40 Putnam Ave Hamden, CT 06517
Volunteering
We are seeking volunteers to assist with future Saturday Sangha meetings, including setting up, greeting visitors, and providing technical support at the Library. One way to help is to arrive early at the Library (~10:10 am) to help set up the room for Saturday Sangha. Thank you!
Community Resources
Melanie Stengel is the Sangha's Goodwill Ambassador: if have a need for concrete support (e.g., dog care, food, furniture moving) or emotional support (e.g., going through a hard time, would appreciate check-ins or visits), please reach out to her for coordination by clicking here: SanghaGoodwillAmbassador. For supportive telephone conversation, warm lines are another resource. These phone lines are staffed by people with expertise in providing mutual aid. A list of Connecticut's warm lines is available here.
Our Community
Find more information about us, learn more about community meditation resources, or subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website at: elmcommunityinsight.org
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