Hi, <<First Name>>. It's August. Life moves forward, while it may seem like we're just along for the (bumpy) ride. How futile it can be clinging to things, with so much out of our control. A teacher recently acknowledged "just a few" of the challenges we're facing: ecological destruction, breakdown in civil discourse, political polarization, racial tension and injustice, pandemic, and economic depression. A sizeable load. May we share the burden, engaging while letting go, demonstrating resilience with compassion.
"Monks, these eight worldly conditions spin after the world, and the world spins after these eight worldly conditions. Which eight? Gain, loss, status, disgrace, censure, praise, pleasure, & pain. These are the eight worldly conditions that spin after the world, and the world spins after these eight worldly conditions." ~The Buddha, Lokavipatti Sutta: The Failings of the World
The Buddha said that life is full of ups and downs, gain and loss, status and disgrace, praise and censure, pleasure and pain. Are we seeking one, not the other? Probably so, it's what we do. Could be, therein lies a clue to our suffering: we want one and not the other in a world that has both. Does that mean we passively surrender, not aspiring to create a better future? Not so. We do our best, even with the downs, loss, disgrace, censure, and pain, knowing we can persevere - this is life. We are united in our difficulties, just as we're breathing the same air. May we go forth with balanced effort.
Online Meditation will be hosted by SEBC the 1st & 2nd Wednesdays of each month – until further notice – to maintain physical distancing while still supporting & encouraging social & spiritual contact. More online events for additional Weds may be announced, with the latest schedule & info to be posted on our website calendar & Facebook. The Zoom meeting link can be found below and will be the same for all August sessions.
We at SEBC are sending metta to you and your loved ones during these challenging times. If we can help, please reach out to us anytime. For now, we look forward to seeing you online! Stay safe and be well.
Much metta,
Your friends at SEBC
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Socially Engaged Buddhism
In light of recent events shedding further light on the ongoing need to dismantle systemic racism and inequalities in our communities, we at SEBC affirm our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and interconnection. We encourage you to visit our resource list on Socially Engaged Buddhism and we invite your participation, perspectives, and solidarity, as together we undertake the hard work necessary for transformation. May we stand stronger as Beloved Community through our Dharma practice and understanding, and in our larger society as a whole.
"What is socially engaged Buddhism? It is Dharma practice that flows from the understanding of the complete yet complicated interdependence of all life. It is the practice of the Bodhisattva vow to save all beings. It is to know that the liberation of ourselves and the liberation of others are inseparable. It is to transform ourselves as we transform all our relationships and our larger society. It is work at times from the inside out and at times from the outside in, depending on the needs and conditions. It is to see the world through the eye of Dharma and to respond empathically and actively with compassion." ~Donald Rothberg and Alan Senauke, "Four Movements in the History of Socially Engaged Buddhism and Their Central Contributions"
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Online Meditation Sessions
Our monthly meditation sessions will continue on the same schedule, 1st & 2nd Wednesdays; however, due to the need for greater precautions with COVID-19, we will meet online through Zoom. Our recommendation is to have the video on whenever possible, to allow a greater degree of connection during the meetings. OPEN TO ALL & FREE TO ATTEND!!
* Wed, August 5, 7pm - Meditation Session @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84825277574?pwd=S1J4WVZ4MjVPcEVVdlI0OEpkT0NzQT09
* Wed, August 12, 7pm - Meditation Session @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84825277574?pwd=S1J4WVZ4MjVPcEVVdlI0OEpkT0NzQT09
Additional sessions:
* Wed, August 19, 7pm - Meditation Session @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84825277574?pwd=S1J4WVZ4MjVPcEVVdlI0OEpkT0NzQT09
* Wed, August 26, 7pm - Meditation Session @ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84825277574?pwd=S1J4WVZ4MjVPcEVVdlI0OEpkT0NzQT09
Meeting ID: 848 2527 7574
Password: 342929
- Same ID/password for all August sessions.
- To dial with phone by your location, find your local number here.
- Click here for information on how to join a Zoom meeting.
ALL levels of meditators are welcome to attend, including those with no previous experience; however, we encourage people to “bring your own practice.” We're a practice group of fellow travelers, not teachers.
Note: Click here for more info on our Wednesday meditation sessions.
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Other Online Events & Resources
* Resources for engagement and education by BCBS - "The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies is a not-for-profit, multi-traditional Buddhist education and retreat center offering online programs and residential courses in Barre, Massachusetts since 1991."
* Tricycle Live Online Practice Sessions - "In response to this time of heightened anxiety & isolation due to the COVID–19 heath crisis, we are offering free virtual meditations from some of our beloved teachers..."
* Southern Dharma Retreat Center, Hot Springs, NC - "We are offering live talks, guided meditations, and "at home" retreats in June, July and August. Learn from some of the best dharma teachers in the world in small, intimate groups from the comfort and safety of your home."
* Atlanta Buddhism.org - "As responsible members of our community, for the safety of those around you, we encourage you to STAY AT HOME and watch live-cast videos, see [website] for a list of links."
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Dharma Talk: "Mindfulness of the Four Elements: Reconnecting with the World"
"The air element...connects you to every breathing being on this planet throughout time, whether that's other mammals breathing in oxygen or plants letting out oxygen... The oxygen we breathe mixes throughout each hemisphere within two months and spreads worldwide in little more than a year. Right now, we are literally breathing the breath of all the beings on this planet, and not only those that are living... So we're breathing in the air of the Buddha and all who have lived, whether they're villains or heroes. We are breathing in the air of all that have lived and are connected to us, whether they're our ancestors or the ancestors of others. We're breathing in the air of the dinosaurs."
~Sebene Selassie, Air: Breathing with All Beings
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