Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Liberation Park - La Crosse meditation in November

La Crosse area Friends: Wednesday meditation & Dhamma inquiry
November sessions:  1st & 15th at Wesley UMC  
 
fall colors
November 1st -- Wesley UMC at King & 8th (see important details below)

This month we will have two sessions of our usual silent meditation then conversation on aligning our lives with the Dhamma of Awakening and the practice of the Middle Way.

As November begins midst the first signs of Winter, Santikaro will share central perspectives from Under the Bodhi Tree, Ajahn Buddhadasa's recently published book on dependent co-arising.  
Group friends have been reading the book since it came out in May and have asked for occasional conversations exploring its teachings and implications, along with how to respond to them in practice.  
Ajahn Buddhadasa constantly emphasized the importance of being mindful in the moment of "contact," when a sense experience is objectified and has meaning. "Meaningful" runs the spectrum of negative and positive. From there, we either respond mindfully and wisely or react habitually, often destructively. This highlights the importance of cultivating mindfulness in all areas of life that are meaningful.  
Participation doesn't depend on having read the book. Perhaps you will be inspired to do so after Wednesday's conversation. 
 
 
For New Meditators!  Let us know in advance and we can arrange to meet at 6:00 pm to give basic meditation instructions. Follow up instruction can also be arranged. Just reply to this email.

These teachings fall within the framework of the noble eightfold path and middle way. We often ask how the path can ground and guide us midst the challenges, storms, and provocations swirling around us and inside us. What are the realities of being mindful, kind, responsive, undistracted, and imperturbable midst the sorrows and the joys?

In the original presentation, the path is a harmonious weaving of 8 strands of Rightness, Intelligence, and Skill that culminates in True-Right Knowing and Liberation.
Location information -- Important!  The church doors are usually locked. The evening's hosts will arrive early to set up and meet you at the door. Please use the 721 King Street entrance, where one of us will be waiting to greet you. Knock if you don't see anyone. There will be plenty of parking on the street. The church also has parking space off of 8th St. 

Meditation starts at 6:30 pm. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before then. The "Lounge" where we will be meeting has many chairs. If you prefer to sit on the floor, please bring your own mat and cushion.

Dāna (donations, gifts, free-will offerings) to sustain Liberation Park and support our work are most welcome. Santikaro and Liberation Park depend on donations as sole means of support. A donation is also made to Wesley UMC for kindly hosting us.

A sampler of Santikaro's talks from La Crosse and elsewhere are posted at http://liberationpark.org/audio/index.htm

Next sessionsNovember 1st & 15th and December 6th.

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche group - November 5

Hello All,


Frank and I will be hosting the monthly meditation group at our house Sunday, November 5th from 10:30 - Noon.


We will continue reading Dzigar Kongtrul's book, It's Up To You chapters 5, 6 & 7. These are brief chapters and we will read then aloud as a group, so no worries if you don't read it in advance.


All Are Welcome!


Please let us know if you plan to attend and if you prefer a chair or a cushion.


Any questions - please email or call: 563-794-1244.