 In this issue:
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Cut From the Same Cloth
Drew Consalvo
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 I began my investigation and study of Buddhism as a young adult way back in the distant, murky, early days of the penultimate decade of the 20th century. Even though I knew little of Buddhist philosophy and practice at the time, what bits I did encounter resonated with me on many levels. I also found that I was quite confused by this seemingly exotic and, to me at the time, mystical practice. So, I investigated. I investigated Zen koans, mantras, yantras, emptiness, bardos, The Dharma Bums, and Be Here Now. Then I came across the 1985 Mahayana compendium, The Teaching of Buddha.
Still, after some reading and investigation, I remained confused. Why would one book refer to the Dharma while, yet another would refer to the same teaching as the Dhamma? Was there a difference? And what was all this talk of dhammas? Was the “little d” dhamma the same or different from the Dhamma? Dhamma/Dharma, sutta/sutra, nibbana/nirvana, khandhas/skandhas, what gives? It all seemed so overwhelming.
In time, I had come to learn the differences and similarities between the various schools of Buddhist practice (and of Pali and Sanskrit!) and found one lineage that particularly resonated with me. After nearly twenty years of study, I found my home in Theravada practice.
One thing became apparent along the way - there are common threads that link together all the various schools. That understanding is reinforced today when I sit and listen to the Dhamma/Dharma talks given by teachers of different lineages at Insight Meditation Fort Wayne. While one school or lineage of Buddhist practice may place more emphasis on emptiness, another on Arahantship, another on the role of the Bodhisattva, the intent remains the same – the compassionate alleviation of dukkha. The alleviation of suffering and discontent for ourselves and all beings.
While the teaching of the Four Noble Truths holds varying degrees of importance across all the schools of Buddhist practice, it is accepted as the very first teaching, the first discourse, offered by the Buddha:
- There is dukkha (suffering, dis-ease, a sense of unsatisfactoriness).
- Dukkha has a cause.
- Cessation of dukkha is possible.
- There is a path which leads to the cessation of dukkha.
It all comes from this piece of cloth. I practice, teach, and walk this path from a Theravada perspective. This does not mean that I cannot or will not benefit from the depth of teaching and the skillfulness found in the later lineages. Forty years in, and there is still so much left to learn. Let’s not get too hung-up on differences. Let’s celebrate our similarities, our connectedness. We are all cut from the same cloth. Let each one of us find and practice the path that liberates us and others from dukkha. May all beings be well and happy and free from dukkha.
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An Introduction to Buddhism is being taught by John and Pam Steinbach during the month of August. They 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 president and teacher, Joan Staubach is returning to IMFW to lead the retreat; “Understanding Peace Amongst the Chaos of the World”
An Introduction to Insight Meditation is being taught by Drew Consalvo, IMFW Guiding Teacher. It will be taught four Monday evenings in November with times to be announced.
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.
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