Here are links to a few talks and readings on the perfection of virtue or moral behavior:

Paramis Series #2 Virtue: Living Well And In Harmony – talk by Myoshin Kelley

Virtue (Sila) talk by Gil Fronsdal

Virtue Quotes from Gil Fronsdal

The Five Precepts – an article by Gil Fronsdal

Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta: Instructions to Rahula at Mango Stone (MN 61) translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu from the Access to Insight website

and here is an excerpt from Sylvia Boorstein’s book, Pay Attention for Goodness’ Sake:

A contemporary gratitude prayer making the rounds of meditation center bulletin boards reads: “I am thankful that thus far today I have not had any unkind thoughts or said any harsh words or done anything that I regret.  However, now I need to get out of bed and so things may become more difficult.” I am glad to use it as my  “text” for inviting people to recite the Five Precepts out loud to themselves in the morning as they begin the work of their day.  I say, “Maybe we should extend this prayer.  We could add, ‘And since things will surely become more difficult, and since I want to end the day thankful as well, I intend to:

Do no harm to anyone,

Take nothing that is not freely given,

Speak truthfully and helpfully,

Use my sexual energy wisely,

And keep my mind clear.'”

A short article about the link between giving, kindness and happiness:

What We Get When We Give

I came across these articles and found them very interesting… perhaps a few more ways to invite more joy in your day…

From the September 2009 Scientific American Mind:
Smile! It Could Make You Happier: Making an emotional face–or suppressing one–influences your feelings – by Melinda Wenner

From Miller-McCune Online Magazine:
To Feel Good, Reach for the Sky – New research finds upward physical movements inspire positive memories.

From Greater Good Magazine:
The Helper’s High – Suffering is inevitable. But James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander argue that responding to pain with compassion, care, and generosity is key to a joyful life.

Here are some of the topics we discussed tonight – these are good questions for contemplation – to see how we can notice, find ways to cultivate, support and nourish joy in our life:

What is your intention for bringing joy into your life? Do you have a statement to remind yourself of this intention?

Do you take time to notice moments of joy – and to be present for them?

What brings you joy?

What helps to support the arising of joy in your life?

What gets in the way or hinders joy from arising?

How can you nourish, strengthen, cultivate more joy in your life?

Here are some quotes that might inspire your practice with joy:

“Gloom we have always with us, a rank and sturdy weed, but joy requires tending.”
Barbara Holland

“You cannot change anything in your life with intention alone, which can become a watered-down, occasional hope that you’ll get to tomorrow. Intention without action is useless.”
Caroline Myss

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
Thich Nhat Hahn

“If you believe you can, you probably can.
If you believe you won’t, you most assuredly won’t.
Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad.”
Dennis Waitley

“Joy has nothing to do with material things, or with a man’s outward circumstance… A man living in the lap of luxury can be wretched, and a man in the depths of poverty can overflow with joy.”
William Barclay

“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
Chinese proverb

“Look for role models who have succeeded in achieving goals similar to your own – individuals with whom you can personally identify.”
Dennis Waitley

“The next time it begins to rain… lie down on your belly, nestle your chin into the grass, and get a frog’s-eye view of how raindrops fall… The sight of hundreds of blades of grass bowing down and popping back up like piano keys strikes me as one of the merriest sights in the world.”
Malcolm Margolin

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel — not a destination.”
Roy M. Goodman

Some readings:

Just One Thing: Take in the Good – Rick Hanson

Just One Thing: Take Pleasure – Rick Hanson

Some audio recordings:

Joy and Appreciation – Gil Fronsdal

The Seven Factors of Awakening: Joy – Gil Fronsdal

Here are some audio talks on the topic of dana/generosity:

Paramis Series #1 Dana: The Joy Of Sharing – a talk by Myoshin Kelly

Generosity – a talk by Gil Fronsdal

And some readings on generosity:

Generosity by Gil Fronsdal, from The Issue at Hand
Practicing the Dhamma in Ordinary Life by Yogavacara Rahula
Generosity Quotes from Gil Fronsdal’s Dharma Practice Day on Generosity

Generosity: dana,caga from Access to Insight

Dana: The Practice of Giving – selected essays edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Dear all,

Thank you to all of you who came to the daylong on Saturday.  If I didn’t have time to greet you, know that in my heart, I was welcoming you.  I hope you enjoyed the day.  I was delighted how the day went and I have so much gratitude for everyone’s help in setting up, taking care of the kitchen and seating, for help in cleaning up afterward.  And, in particular, I have so much gratitude and happiness for your practice yesterday.  As I said at the end of the day, it was a beautiful dana of everyone giving in many ways – from coming to holding the space to the generosity of your donations to Saranaloka to the meal offerings and the gift of your presence and silence.  Thank you!

If you would like to listen to the recorded sections of the daylong, please contact me and I will make them available to you.  Ajahn Metta requested that we keep these recordings just for the group that attended. There are four files – the metta meditation from the morning session, the guided meditation from the morning session, the guided meditation from the afternoon session, and Ajahn Metta’s Dhamma reflection on renunciation.

Here are some pictures from the daylong with Ajahn Metta – taken by Christopher Lee (thank you Christopher!):

At the Feb. 2nd and 3rd meetings, we started a series on the ten paramis (perfections).

If you would like a copy of the talk I gave, please contact me directly and I will be happy to provide a copy.

And here are a couple of links to talks by Gil Fronsdal and Steve Armstrong on the Paramis:

Introduction to the Paramis – Gil Fronsdal

The Paramis: Contingency Plans for the Future – Steve Armstrong

In addition, I recommend this book by Sylvia Boorstein:

Pay Attention, For Goodness’ Sake

Online, here are some resources:

The Paramis: A Historical Background by Guy Armstrong

The Ten Perfections: A Study Guide by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

A Treatise on the Paramis (Acariya Dhammapala (6^th c.), translated by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Here’s a great article and video interview with James Baraz on the Awakening Joy course from the Examiner:

James Baraz on Awakening Joy

and another interview by KALW News.

If you’re planning to come to the Feb. 6th daylong and would like other possible ways of offering dana, you might check out the Saranaloka Dana List.  The day is offered freely.  If your heart is moved to support Saranaloka, we would be pleased for your donation, but it is not an obligation or requirement to reciprocate.

Do bring your own cushion and mat, if possible as we have about a half dozen mats and cushions available. Dress warmly and in layers – the temperature might be chilly.