Sunday Sangha: Meditation and Dharma

SUNDAY SANGHA: Meditation and dharma.

10a.m. - 11:30a.m. Eastern Time (U.S.)

Silent meditation 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. in-person and on Zoom (sound will be off for Zoom, sound will turn on for Sangha at 10 a.m.)

All are welcome!

June 18 2023 will be led by Bill Stauffer

Topic: Skillful and Unskillful Pleasure on the Path

Pleasure is at the heart of the Buddha’s teachings. Unskillful pleasure, the Buddha warns, leads to increased suffering and prevents awakening. But skillful pleasure, which the Buddha recommends, is a necessary part of our spiritual journey. This Sunday we look at both kinds of pleasure. Let’s see if we can learn what pleasures to avoid and what to develop as we work to bring suffering to an end.

The Buddha has warned repeatedly, in many teachings, about the suffering caused by a craving for sensual pleasures. According to the Buddha, such craving is inherently suffering and may cause further suffering by motivating me to unethical behaviors, criminal behaviors, and even the starting of wars. It also prevents me from awakening. We will discuss this.

On the other hand, if we look at the Buddha’s life story we see that he was unable to get enlightened until he changed his understanding of pleasure.

When the bodhisattva started his quest he avoided all pleasure, and for many years found only dead ends. But once the bodhisattva understood that skillful pleasures could help him then he became a Buddha rather quickly. We will also discuss what the bodhisattva learned about skillful pleasures. We will consider his teaching that says: “One should know how to define [the types of] pleasure, and knowing that, one should pursue pleasure within oneself … this kind of pleasure … should be pursued, … should be developed, … should be cultivated, … and … it should not be feared.” Majjhima Nikaya 139

COVID guidelines as of May 12, 2023

Face masks are now optional if you are fully vaccinated.  For the safety and well-being of everyone, we strongly encourage you to wear a mask.  If you show any signs of illness, please be mindful of your own health and the Sangha and attend virtually.  Thank you for your compassionate concern for the safety of others.

To join via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87840294397

Meeting ID: 878 4029 4397 / Passcode: 355743

Schedule (subject to change):

-Opening prayers

-Guided Meditation (about 10 minutes) Short Break

-Dharma Talk

-Closing prayers/dedication of merit

Download the TBC Prayer book for at-home and virtual practice