 In this issue:
|
|
|
 Those of you who have a copy of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva have maybe read the dedication to Chenrezig: “Having seen that all phenomenon neither come nor go, you strive solely for the sake of all beings.” All phenomena neither come nor go is deep wisdom of interdependence.
Chenrezig, a yidam, knows he is not real. I, however, go around thinking I’m real; my feelings are real, my thoughts are real, Pam is real. Is that so? Is there something inherent there? The person to ask is yourself.
All phenomena arise composed and dependent on different things. Looking at an empty cup, we can see it is empty OF something. Wisdom is not nihilism nor eternalism. The cup is empty of water. The cup is made of clay, slip, heat, air. It is empty of anything inherently a cup but it’s composed of myriad other things. You are composed of sperm, egg, parents, grandparents; going back to single cells and star dust; inseparable. Then all come apart because they are interdependent and of the nature to come apart; they are impermanent. Thus, you and all phenomena don’t come from someplace and go somewhere. You and all phenomena arise and disperse.
There is a causal relationship between having seen this and wanting to save all beings. Being empty of an enduring self, we are free of grasping at an idea of self and can see our interdependence. Seeing the suffering of confusion, we are available to compassionate action to save all without distraction or discrimination. Actually realizing that is rare but possible and dependent on a loving heart and an open discerning mind.
“Buddhist wisdom is a huge subject, but at the heart of what we mean by the word wisdom is an experiential understanding of the empty nature of all things.” Jetsumna Tenzin Palmo
The prajnamaramita (beyond wisdom) is regularly chanted in the Mahayana tradition. “No eyes, no ears, no nose, no tongue…”. All are empty of independent existence. “Hear, Shariputra, all dharmas are marked with emptiness; they are neither produced nor destroyed, neither defiled nor immaculate, neither increasing nor decreasing…” Dharmas/things are dependent on each other. We can’t name them as independent of each other. That is to be experienced.
Seeing the instability of apparent selfness and permanence, Chenrezig/compassion sees the inherent suffering of what sentient beings experience and so strives to save them. That is the causal relationship.
If you don’t get all this, rest in it. You are in the company of most sentient beings. You can’t experience it by grasping anyway. The conundrum is that the seeking can be a hindrance. We could develop a distraction with a narrative, asking ourselves, “Is this it? Is this not it? Am I doing it wrong?” Wisdom does not arise in a clenching mind. A calm, serene, patient attitude in meditation upheld by faith that it is possible allows insight into emptiness to arise. Thich Nhat Hahn would ask his students to develop a slight smile when meditating. Like that. Rest.
|
|
Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out to help on Gardening Day. We accomplished much and enjoyed some time together - outdoors.
Two day long retreats are being facilitated by John Steinbach in June, Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21. For more details see the article in the newsletter or the website.
An Introduction to Buddhism is being taught by John and Pam Steinbach during the month of August. The class will meet from 6:30 pm till 8:00 pm each of the four Wednesdays in August at 2332 Sandpoint Road. You can sign up on our website.
Save the date for the IMFW Fall Retreat: October 17, 18, and 19.
Tri-State Dharma member, past president, and teacher, Joan Staubach is returning to IMFW to lead the retreat “Understanding Peace Amongst the Chaos of the World.”
We have an Insight Meditation Fort Wayne timeline posted in the Welcome Room. Please personalize this timeline with your information: When did you first attend, anything you remember that stands out for you. Help us capture the full history of our Sangha.
The Board of Directors for IMFW, which is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization:
Drew Consalvo, Guiding Teacher
Deb O’Kelly, President
Dora Rogers, Secretary
Monica Cardenas, Treasurer
Tammy Dyer, Founding Member and Teacher Emeritus
Josh Smith
Matthew Katinsky
Our mission is to provide for the study and practice of Insight (Vipassanā) Meditation according to the Theravāda Buddhist religious tradition and to support and encourage the development of community based upon Buddhist ideals, teachings and practices.
|
|
|
|
