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.

Here’s the link to Fred Luskin’s talk on forgiveness:

Forgiveness by Fred Luskin

and a link to a video of Fred Luskin on Forgive for Good:

and a link to Fred’s website:

www.learningtoforgive.com/

Here is the link to the talk we listened to on 1/26:

“I am a Bad Meditator”: Seeing through the Illusion of Self by Eugene Cash

Here is the link to the talk we listened to Tuesday night by Eugene Cash:

No Part Left Out

Here is the link to last week’s Tuesday night talk by Joseph Goldstein – finishing our series on the Eight-fold Path:

Satipatthana Sutta – part 46 – The Noble Eightfold Path: Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration, Conclusion. by Joseph Goldstein

Dear all,

A few of us went to IMC this Saturday to listen to James Baraz’ talk on Awakening Joy and his new book on the same topic.  If there is enough interest in the group to enroll in the Awakening Joy course, I’m willing to devote one day a month in support of the course – for discussion, sharing, etc. around the topic of each month.  You can find out more about the online course here:

http://www.awakeningjoy.info/aboutthecourse.html

Please let me know of your interest…