Join The Social Sangha on Monday for an evening of meditation, Dharma, and discussion with John Orr.
During our last two sessions we have been exploring Samatha-Vipassana, which is the cultivation of calmness and insight. Our practice helps us to access deeper levels of tranquility, which in turn helps us to see the present moments experience more clearly. One aspect of this clarity of seeing is into the nature of this body and mind (known as the five aggregates) that each of us experiences. Being mindful of our body sensations, thoughts, pleasant and unpleasant feelings and the whole range of human emotions arise and pass away helps us to see they are conditioned (caused by various factors), impermanent (forever changing) and they really don’t “belong” to us, non-self.
When we are able to see the various expressions of our mind and body experientially in this way, then we are less likely to hold onto what is pleasant and push away what is unpleasant. We see when we are clinging to something in such a way that it becomes a negative attachment that causes dissatisfaction or suffering. We are also able to observe when we are experiencing that which is unpleasant how dislike, aversion and negative mind states and emotions may arise depending upon how we are relating to it all.
None of this is bad, but rather an opportunity to see clearly what causes suffering and how to relate skillfully to our present moments experience in such a way that we find freedom from suffering in our lives. Ultimately the Buddha’s teaching is a path that leads to liberation from suffering.
—May all beings find freedom from suffering.
—May all beings know peace.
Our time together will be divided into three equal parts consisting of meditation, a dharma talk, and discussion.
Parking: Please park at the front of The Lodge at Quietude at 1130 Montreat Rd. Parking behind the meeting place is used by people living in the cabins. If we should run out of parking in the front, kindly park at the Black Mountain Wellness Center (1141 Montreat Rd.), which is just 50 yards further north and on the left when you continue up Montreat Road.
Danā: Access to community and wisdom should be available to everyone, so all sangha events are offered for free. Following ancient buddhist practice, we collect danā. Danā is a Pali word that denotes a special kind of giving. It means “generosity” or “giving freely.” Danā is a practice of a mutual exchange of generosity and abundance. It develops lovingkindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness and encourages non-attachment. If this kind of giving is available to you, there will be a donation box at this event. One suggested donation is $15. Donations go to support The Lodge and The Social Sangha.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Montreat, Nonprofit events in Montreat.
